A Savior of Flames

Chapter 30

"Gods, why did you let me agree to this?"

Elios is hovering in the air maybe ten feet away from me, the smile on his face trying to encourage me towards him, to fly. Ascian stands behind me, his fingers deftly working out the knots in my tense shoulders. I'm on Ascian's balcony, which now has no front railing, turned into a platform for landing and taking off, all of the chairs pushed to the side to make room for me, the clumsy Empress. I haven't yet summoned my wings, or made it to the edge of the balcony, but there's no doubt I'm going to be a dangerous flyer. At least we agree on that.

I let out a groan that seems to rattle my very bones and cross my arms. "Tell me again why you're the one who's standing here with me and not Elios?" Ascian laughs gently from behind me and his fingers move from my shoulders, working the massage further down my back, thumbs caressing over where my wings should be right now.

"I'm the one who taught Elios how to fly. You should have a bit more trust in me."

I let out a hoarse breath, only further tensing. "It's not that I don't trust you, Ascian."

His fingers cease their movements, and after a long moment of silence, he calls out to Elios. "Give us a moment, would you? You too, Abraxis." Elios frowns, but nods and flys away. I'll be able to call him back when we're done, so I'm not worried about him.

Abraxis had been lounging on one of the chairs we pushed to the side. He wanted to be here, but isn't able to fly, so he can't do much more than moral support. So far, that has consisted of mocking Elios and insulting Ascian. I feel very supported.

Abraxis begins to move inside, and Ascian speaks again. "Out of hearing range, preferably. I want to talk to her alone."

Abraxis nods. "Of course. Have the house send for me when I can return." I hear the slide of the glass panels open and close, then Ascian and I are alone.

He turns me to face him and his wings close around us. "What's wrong, baby?" He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear, and places his hand on my cheek, guiding my face up so I'm looking into his eyes. I feel the tickle from his palm on my face which I've come to recognize as him reading my emotions, but he still waits for me to answer.

"I'm afraid, Asi." I reach over and grab his other hand with mine, lacing our fingers together. I know he noticed how my hand is trembling when he frowns.

"Of what? I know you dreamed of flying with us, and how brave you are." My heart thuds weakly in my chest, and he brings his face down closer to mine, those golden eyes nearly burning with how intense they are, brought out by the dim light his enclosed wings makes. "You're the most fearless person I know, and you've been through so much already. There's nothing you can't do, Eri, and I know you can use your wings."

I feel my chest tighten, the threat of panic.

Ascian's quicker than me, as he's already reading my emotions. "Eri, talk to me, baby. What's going on?" His eyes soften. "Do you need Abraxis?"

I close my eyes and shake my head. Ascian relaxes slightly. The fact that he's so in tune with me and knows that my brother can calm me more than anything makes it easier for me to reveal my unease. I speak quietly through the lump forming in my throat. "He already knows why I'm afraid." I pull my hand from Ascian's, instead wrapping my arms around his waist, and laying my head low on his chest. I feel Ascian's subtle surprise and confusion. It fades away and his arms wrap around me gently. I let out a sigh, releasing some of the tension built in my chest. "I'm afraid of falling."

Ascian stills, then laughs softly. "That's why you reacted like that last night, wasn't it? You thought I would drop you."

"I was scared, alright?" My words shake, and I wince.