Phoenix of Dawn

This is Not a Game

First thing's first.

Blaze.

Nikko had given me explicit instructions on how to find the man I was looking for. After an hour of trying to convince me not to go, I went anyway. They had tried to soften me up with pancakes and bacon; a delectable treat I was thankful for but not swayed by.  My mind was made up. I needed to confront this jackass who cared more about his spoils and less about his pack. 

Trotting through town I watched the spiraling peaks in the distance catch the first sign of morning light. 

How could something so beautiful hold someone so selfish? 

The wood of the bridge clomped under my steady steps before switching to the clap of stone underfoot. My hair breezed out behind me in my haste. I was ready to face this asswipe. 

I had showered, put on fresh clothes and had eaten an actual meal. There was nothing I couldn't do with that kind of support. After all I'd been trained to take down stronger opponents on scraps and little sleep. 

Maybe I didn't have the sleep thing down yet but the rest of it was pretty simple. 

The building at the heart of the courtyard was even more brilliant up close. My neck craned to see the tips of the colorful peaks, my back nearly snapping in two. 

Focus. Find Blaze. See what's up his ass.

I pushed through the double doors and stopped. This place was huge. How the hell there wasn't a constant search party out for anyone who stumbled in here was beyond me. 

I shook the shock from my head. There would be time for gawking at marble pillars and oak doors another day. The mission was clear.

Find Blaze. Remind him his head doesn't belong up his ass.

Nikko had said the entire east wing was the infirmary while the other side was training grounds for warriors and the like. I wanted the main hall. Go up the stairs for three flights and I'd likely be able to tell where he was from there.

What exactly it meant that I would "Likely be able to tell from there" didn't seem like something I wanted to find out. Regardless, I trudged on. The stairs were also polished marble and before I could dazzle over my reflection in them I started to climb. 

Find Blaze. Kick his into gear.

On the third floor I paused, standing there in the middle of the brightly lit hall like a moron. People passed by sending concerned looks my way. I probably looked like I belonged in a loony bin. 

It was the rushed exit of a young blonde that grabbed my attention. Her face was down but she was obviously in distress. Her clothes looked ruffled and strands of her hair were caught in the smeared lip gloss on her face.

Her blue eyes flashed to me, widening before she scurried off toward the stairs wordlessly. I wanted to go after her, to make sure she was okay but another figure caught my attention. Dirt brown hair and eyes with flecks of gold. 

This had to be him. 

He was standing in the door way, a dark look on his face as he watched the young girl flea the scene.

My stomach turned over. I'd seen that look before. Not long ago even. 

Straightening my spine I marched toward his brooding form. As I approached his eyes flicked to me curiously. I did not like the way he looked me over. It made me feel like I needed another shower. 

Something urgent tugged at my navel, demanding I turn back but I ignored it. I needed to face him down. 

"Can I help you," He asked, one brow lifted in a way that reminded me of his better cousin.