From the Flames- Book Six

Ch. 22- History Repeating

My mother told me once how she sacrificed herself to save the ones she loved the most. She did it without thinking of the consequences and I wondered what it would be like if she did not come back to life. I mean, my brother and I would not have existed. Maybe, history repeats itself because of the choices we make. The choices I made to land me here in front of my family, with a blade held against my spine. 

A tear slid down my cheek as I stared into the golden eyes of my mother, who stood absolutely still. The fear in her eyes could make anyone sob, I realized. All I ever wanted to be was her. I wanted to be gentle and kind and graceful like Elora Breevort. But I was not. I was Kalama and I was all hell-fire and teeth. But I could manage to be like my mother if I concentrated hard enough. If I controlled the rage and fire in my bones, I could be the Fae that everyone doesn't fear. In another lifetime, I suppose. 

In front of me was my family. They saved the world multiple times and each other in a heartbeat. All of them were famous and lethal. I was, too. But it was them that everyone talked about. It was the Queen and King of Ambrosia that every single supernatural creature spoke of like they were Gods. They survived death and torture enough times to count. I do not think it will ever be over as long as they live.

"I can read, mother." Elora seethed. She was staring at me, trying to tell me that it was going to be okay but she directed her anger toward her own mother. My grandmother tried to kill me multiple times. "I told you that I was going to kill you when I saw you again. Let Kalama go and we can go head to head, just you and I. Is that what you want?"

I felt Eva stiffen from behind me, her blade going slightly deeper into my spine. I winced. "Unfortunately, what I want is for you to stay dead. Along with your family of blood-sucking Vampires."

Elora laughed. Even at a time like this, I knew it was what Eva said that made her do it. I noticed that she wore her white armor full of blades but blood splattered all over. Her scarlet hair was a mess and there were a few cuts on her face. But she looked as elegant as ever. "I was wrong for so many things. I was wrong when I thought you could come back and I would have my mother the way she was before she died." she took a step, her voice rising slightly. "But I was never wrong when it came to Sebastian. When it came to him and the family that I chose on my own, I am glad to have found them. Look at you. You do not care about your own daughter. You don't care that your son was kidnapped and held hostage for years! Do you want a war? Fine. I'll give you one but do not make this about them."

"Who says you are even my daughter?" Eva remarked. Before Elora could reply, I used my elbow to punch Eva in the face. She staggered back and held onto her bloody nose. I whipped out my hidden blade, sharp like steel, and struck her into the side of her neck. I watched as she fell down and started to cough up blood. She might survive but she might not. We will have to see. Eva's eyes turned into slits as she moved her head to look at me, her lips turned into a cruel smile. "No matter what you think, Kalama, I do care. I care that my own mother gets the justice she deserves. I care that the world that I came back to is not the world I left. I believe I should be the person that corrects all the wrongdoings like you are. You are never supposed to exist. You and your brother. It upsets the balance."

"Fuck the balance of the world." I seethed. "I don't particularly care and that is what makes us so different. Because I'm fucking here and I'm alive and I have the goddamn world in my hands." I pulled her up and made her stand. I wanted her to fear me. I wanted her to look me in the eyes and beg for her life. "My father spent years being tortured for his blood. He fucking died and came back, along with my mother and Uncle Christian. Aunt Ellie was poisoned and Uncle Jasper was held fucking hostage for years. And I, Kalama Alli Breevort, am here despite it all. I've burned your wretched face once and I'll do it again until you are ash beneath my feet."

"That's my girl." Jesse whispered. 

My mother was beside me now, tugging at me to let her go. I don't think I could. But I somehow did, letting her finish Eva off. It was her kill, after all. She was the one who deserves it, even when so many of us have a personal reason to end her life. 

I now stood beside Jesse and my father, keeping close to both of them. Without looking away from his wife, Sebastian said, "I'm proud of you." I nodded once and focused on the scene before me. Elora and Eva, head to head. Eva was kneeling while my mother tugged at her shirt, holding her up. 

Within seconds, everything turned upside down. Before anyone of us could do anything, both of them disappeared. The two of them were here and then gone. As if they were never in this place. My father ran to where they were standing, but there was no one. Everyone else sprang into action, trying to look for Elora and Eva. But we couldn't and I wanted to scream. Eva used her powers to hide, bring her daughter with her. Wherever she stayed. 

Minutes passed before we all stood in a circle, no one speaking. No one daring to utter the truth of it all. The truth that my mother has disappeared and there might not be a way to find her this time. There is nothing we can do to help her because we have no idea where she is. Fuck. 

"She's gone." Sebastian said quietly. 

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