One Eternal Ember

Chapter 25

Malakai

  Mother always told me, the one who cries wolf shall be the one to perish. That lesson has nothing to do with the fact that I'm currently watching her walk with the Captain from my window. Or the fact that whenever I'm near her I feel so stupid. It fills me with a rage, and form of hatred I've never felt before. She looks so human but deep down I know she isn't. She can't be. Not for the sake of sating my curiosity, but more of the mere fact that I know she isn't.

When we touch, my very blood heats. The room temperature heats to what feels like the Flame of Collosus, and it nearly burns. Yet, the very burning does not pain me. It merely tempts me to do it again, and again, and again. Until my skin melts from my bones, and my very soul turns to ash. It's addicting. It makes me hate her even more.

A knock sounds at my door, and I don't have to turn to know who it is.

"Enter."

The door opens, and shuts quietly. The scent of Lavender and Rain washes over me and I study the book in my hand to pretend I'm busy.

"Hey."

"Hey." I set the book down on my desk and look over my shoulder at Zenna. My childhood friend. My only friend. Her long blonde hair is tucked behind her pointed ears, and she leans against my door as if she is deciding whether to stay, or to run out.

"What happened at the Founders Ball.... We're-"

"Yes. We're good." I smile at her, and her worried gaze transforms into relief. She pushes off the door, and walks to me, wrapping her arms around my shoulders in an embrace. I wrap my arm around her shoulders, and place one hand on the back of her head.

"I always forget you can do that." She whispers.

"Do what?"

"Read my mind." She pulls back, and looks into my eyes. "It makes explaining things so much easier."

I smile. "Yes I suppose it comes in handy." I step away, and turn my back to her as I walk to my fireplace. "What have you come for?" I stop and turn around to look at her, crossing my arms over my chest.

"I cant miss you?"

"Zenna-"

"I know I know. But Kai you're my friend. My best friend. I don't want things to be weird between us. I wore that white dress to match with you, and yet you chose her over me. Why? What do I lack Kai?" She snaps, throwing her hands out at her sides.

"You lack nothing Zenna."

"Then why."

"Why what?"

"Why her" She snarls, her pupils narrowed and her hands fisted.

There are times like these when I wonder why I still consider Zenna my friend. After her endless years of persuing me, she has never once gotten the hint. No matter how many times I have rejected her, she still seems to think I am hers, and she is mine. But it is not that way. When Fae males and females encounter their mate, they often know right away. Everything is just different with their mate. The feeling they get when they're with them is unmistakable. I do not have that feeling with Zenna. I have not felt that feeling in over four hundred years. It would be pathetic to admit I have been waiting all my existence to feel that way. If only one time. But I know I don't deserve that happiness. That love. I never will.

"It has nothing to do with her. While I do appreciate the sentiment of you matching your dress to my ridiculous hair, we will never be together Zenna. You know that."

"Oh please Kai. You act as if you believe in hierarchy. You don't believe in a Royal Bloodline, and you don't believe in marriage for your Kingdom. So why can't we Kai? What's stopping you? I've told you how I feel endlessly, and yet you still refuse me. Why? For her? For a human woman who doesn't acknowledge your existence? A human woman who will grow old and die and you would rather her over me? She will die and you will not. Is that what you wish? To fall in love with someone who will only bring you pain?" She snarls, her eyes deepening to an ocean blue.

"If you so much as summon one drop of water in my quarters there will be hell to pay." Zenna hisses, then throws her arm behind her out the window, where a splash sounds, followed by a scream.

"You're insufferable Malakai. One day you'll be glad I love you the way I do, and knowing the things I know. That human woman will never love you the way I love you." Zenna snarls, the glass on my desk rattling. She then stalks to the door, and storms out, slamming the door as she leaves.

She is right about one thing. No one will ever love me when they know the things she does.