The Isle of Flame

Chapter 8

It wasn't more than thirty seconds before Colt came running into the office. I stood there, staring in shock at Milan and wondering when the screaming would stop.

"What the fuck is the problem here?" Colt said out of breath. He had clearly been running.

"Oh, thank goodness you came quickly. Miss Aeron just threatened my life! All I could think to do was scream for help." Milan sounded both innocent and scared at the same time. I remained silent, knowing what could happen to me if he believed her.

"Your life? Why are you merely standing there then? If your life is in danger," he paused, "I'm confused." He looked at Milan then back to me but neither of us spoke. "Answers. Now," he demanded.

"I am happy to tell you the truth, Superior Colt. Though I worry for my safety when I do."

"So you did? Threaten her life?"

"No. I challenged her threat. Miss Milan stated that she could smell weakness radiating off of me. That this was no place for someone like me. So I challenged her to test that theory."

Milan interrupted, "You grimey little indig.."

"Stop." Colt raised a hand towards Milan to convey that he wanted her quiet. "Why did you say that to Miss Aeron?"

"Because she doesn't belong here!"

"You must be confused, Milan. You do not get to decide who works here and who does not. Please remember that your presence here was a favor to your father. A favor that I have no issue taking back." Colt stared at her intently, fiercely even. "My staff are to be treated with respect. If you cannot get on board with that...if you cannot become accustomed to the ways of the MM, you will be removed from it. I've had enough of the antics. Go do whatever it is that you do outside of here." He gestured for Milan to leave.

Her mouth dropped open at the shock of his words. The thought of her screaming stunt ending in failure had clearly not crossed her mind.

"Shut the door behind you," Colt added.

Milan did as she was told and closed the large black wooden doors as she made her way out of the office.

"That was pretty courageous of you," Colt said. Beginning to pace at his usual rhythm across the space.

"What was, sir?"

"Standing up to your Superior's Divine. You've only been here, what? A week?" He questioned me.

I began to feel sick at the thought of this stunt backfiring on me. I was very out of line to challenge her. I had assumed he could see right through her act.

"Denali, you are not in trouble. I merely say this because I am impressed." His facial features softened and his tone of voice was much gentler than before.

"Impressed? By my lack of judgment and impulse control?" I laughed at my own stupidity.

"No," he smiled. "I am impressed that you refused to be disrespected, knowing there may be dire consequences." I could feel the darkness of his eyes weighing on my skin.

"I find it hard to be accused of weakness from someone who never needed strength. I apologize for any disrespect." My eyes fell to the ground by the end of my sentence.

"Do not apologize for using the strength that you've acquired. It's...a beautiful quality." Colt continued staring at me. I could feel his eyes wandering from my face to my body. His power began to radiate throughout the space. My heart quickened as the air went thick with magic.

"I will no longer apologize for my actions then," I managed to get out. "I really do wish to finish the floors in this space today though. May I please get back to work?"