From the Flames- Book Six

Ch. 27- Scarlett

Jesse

My mind was buzzing that I did not hear anyone speaking to me. I could only stare at Alli who lay on a bed unconscious. Her dark, golden eyes were closed and her beautiful face was pale and splattered in blood. Yet, I couldn't take my eyes off her. I sat next to her and waited. Waited for her to wake up to yell at me that I was being an idiot because it was better than this silence. "Jesse, she will be okay." Aeson raised his voice.

I turned toward him and shook my head. "What?"

"Witches blood is poisonous to Vampires. But she will survive. Kala needs to sleep to get it out of her system." he sighed and I noticed he had dark circles under his eyes. "I am not sure when she is going to wake up. My sister used most of her powers in battle."

"As did you." I said. "I am sure she would kill me if I did not tell you to get some rest. Look, I know you hate me but what I'm saying is right. You look like you're about to pass out in that chair."

"Jesse, I don't hate you." he admitted, rubbing his face afterward. "But you get on my nerves, therefore I don't like you. You do not need to worry about me, I'm fine."

"No, you are not," I argued. "I saw you out on the battlefield, Aeson. And I can't forget you fucking created a rift, which I would figure took most of your energy, right? Go and get some sleep, I will be right beside her." Aeson was silent for a moment, staring me down. His gaze at me made it look like he was about to slaughter me. He was similar to Alli like that. "I promise. I will watch out for her."

I watched as he stood up and crossed his arms. "Fine, I will." he paused. "Kalama is loved by lots of people, Jesse. Her family and even Verena and Moros, we all love her. I'm not sure what she told you about Maxwell, but after that, she did not let anyone in. Kala became a different person whom I didn't even recognize. She pushed me away, even. And here you are, Jesse Davenport, you came into her life like a tidalwave. You brought down the walls she put up the very moment you spoke to her. I hope you know that everyone is watching you closely. Because we all saw her heartbroken and we can't let that happen to her again."

"What happened with Maxwell? I know bits and pieces but she not the full story." I asked.

"That is not mine to tell. She will have to tell you when she's ready." And at that, Aeson Breevort silently walked out of the room we occupied and closed the door behind him.

I took a breath and turned toward the beautiful girl next to me. Her reddish-brown locks were braided around the side of her neck, a few strands peeking out from the battle. Her pink lips were closed and I couldn't help but think of the moment she kissed me for the first time. What was that for? I asked, then. Just in case. She said with a smirk on her lips. As if she knew that her life is not a safe one and she was not sure whether she would be able to kiss me again. I said the same line the second time our lips came together to make her realize how much she means to me. How much I am mesmerized when she smiles or when she is cutting down enemies with just her hands.

How can I express how much I am transfixed by Kalama Alli Breevort? The moment I laid eyes on her, I knew I wanted nothing more than to know Alli. Months ago I saw her walking the street of Ambrosia and she was so out of place because of the way everyone stared at her like she was some sort of a Goddess. She was looking at all the vendors that sold different foods from around the world but ultimately she wandered off to a jewelry store. I watched as she picked up a silver ring made of ruby, like the color of her eyes when she uses her power.

She set it back down and disappeared from sight. In that moment, I knew what I had to do. I had to buy the ring with all the money I had. Good thing I used my amazing personality to convince the vendor to lower the price. I put the ring on a chain and placed it around my neck, then. It's been there for months and I thought for sure she would ask about it. But she didn't see it.

How was I able to tell her that I would do anything for her to be mine?

"Oh, I don't recognize you." said a female voice from the door. I whirled and there was a woman around my age standing in the doorway wearing a red long-sleeve gown. Her long, black hair flowed down her back as her red eyes stared into mine. As if she were analyzing my very soul. I noticed that she has a ruby pendent around her neck that anyone could see within miles. "You must be Kalama's companion."

"And you must be Scarlett de Blaire?" I suggested.

She smiled as she walked into the room, occupying the spot where Aeson was sitting. "That I am. I came to check to see if my friend has woken. But now I know she has not."

"Aeson is resting, also." I replied, staring at Alli again.

"Let him sleep. I saw him earlier and he looked as if he were about to fall asleep on the floor he was standing on." she clicked her tongue. "Anyway, Verena wants me to fight with you and I agreed. Believe it or not, this place gets boring around here."

"Really?" I questioned dryly. "I thought living with Gods would be spectacular. But who knows, I became a Werewolf a while ago and I'm just learning about magic and other...creatures."

Scarlett's eyebrow shot up slightly. "Have you met Moros? The only time he's not frowning is when Verena makes him laugh. Don't get me wrong, he can be kind when he wants to be but other than that he terrifies everyone here. But he is still the God of Death."

"And you?" I asked. "What exactly are you? A Vampire? Goddess?"

"Immortal." she admitted. "Verena gifted me immortality the moment I stepped foot into her home."

"I was never prepared to be a Werewolf." I whispered. "Or the realization that I will have forever to be a beast that can destroy anyone with a claw to the face."

"It's the consequence of being an immortal, I suppose." she peered at Kala finally. "We all are haunted by the fact we can turn evil in a matter of minutes. That we can turn into a villain without realizing it." She stood up finally and placed both arms behind her back, changing the subject. "When she wakes, notify me please. I am sure you three are eager to get back to your world and end this war, right?"

"Of course." When Scarlett de Blaire left the room finally, I was finally able to lower my shoulders. I placed a hand on Alli's and squeezed gently. "Alli, come back to me. I need you." I laid down beside her and watched her for a while, waiting. She did not wake. "Come back, Princess." was all I said before drifting off to a deep sleep.

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