Ixis wasn't used to a bow and arrow. It required muscles she didn't know she needed and patience she wouldn't have possessed six months ago. But it didn't matter. A gun was far too loud when she was supposed to be on patrol. Her flame would make sure it was perfect.
She knocked her arrow. Made entirely of flame, it would be glaringly noticeable amidst the dark, evening sky. But that didn't matter to her. She was the Timekeeper.
"I know, Hyde. I know. Breathe." Ixis muttered under her breath, searching for the tentative link between her and her dragon.
The flames snaked around her wrist in an attempt to steady her aim and silently show their support. Ixis' eyes watered. The deep heavy -set red of her flame betrayed her nervousness even as it flickered into faint hues of blue and purple.
Her arrow was already aimed at her target's back; a perfect shot despite the crowded ballroom. Taking a deep, steadying breath, she pulled the flaming bowstring taut and prepared to let the arrow fly.
Time stopped. The sound of chatter ceased. The soft violin music halted mid crescendo, leaving the dancers in mid motion and waiting for her Trait's command. Her eyes glowed with the possibility of being interrupted. There was none. The only sound Ixis could hear was the beating of her heart.
She caught sight of the familiar domed roof and distinctive spires that made up Scholar's Keep, the largest town surrounding the outskirts of the Opalace. The large regal palace was a mere white speck in the distance, but the sight of it still made her homesick.
Ixis was incredibly exposed. The buffeted winds made Ixis flinch, her aim wavering under the strain of keeping the string tight but she held firm. Perched dangerously on the opposite roof of an abandoned bookshop, her Trait was the only thing that allowed such a compromising position.
She let her Fire Trait go.
Her target turned and looked directly at her, finding her gaze set in the rafters as if they'd known she was there all along.
Her breath hitched.
The target winked.
All hell broke loose.
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Who The Fire Favours (ONC2023) gxg
Romance#SHORTLISTED 2023 When Ixis became the second in command to the Throneholder of Opalis she expected rules, patrols and structure for her Fire Trait to shine. Not being caught in the middle of a looming war and a botched assassination she should've s...
