THE FIRE SAGA

SPARK 47 - SPARK

I've explained the same thing three times in a row. I'm trying to be patient, but I'm getting nowhere. It isn't like I expect them to welcome the Sumairs into open arms, not after all the years they've spent developing specific displeasing feelings for them. Still, the level of their reluctance is frustrating.

I've described their powers, purpose, Barry's shield, and the potential war. I've only omitted one key point. Melanie, the future seer, is Ryan's long-lost love. Okay, that's a bit of a bombshell, but the timing on this ignition switch is critical to mission success. Withholding is intended to gain acceptance without emotional sway impacting their decision. Are feelings important? Absolutely. Should they be taken into account when making decisions? Also yes. Should your tinder heartstrings lead you around like a puppeteer? Yeah, no. That's a good way to get dropped into a hot pile of garbage or some scalding hot water for a Solathair like Ryan.

Case in point? Declan. He was the first to cave. I only got halfway through round one of the explanations before he was calling out for Kiley. Her absence is problematic. I've spent this whole time mitigating his lingering distress. I hope she gets back soon. I can't keep him from flying off the handle much longer.

"Tell me again why you'd do something so stupid," Tally demands, "without me there to watch."

Tally's contributing exactly zero to us reaching an understanding. I could ignore it...but I won't. "Don't be jealous I have a heart to follow," I shoot back.

"You're sure?" Declan corrects my trajectory.

He needs validation again that Kiley truly does care. It isn't a manipulative ploy to drain him to dregs. I assure him of this, and his convulsions resume. He looks a smidge calmer from the get-go this cycle. Maybe we're over the hump.

"I feel what she feels, remember? She didn't trick you, Declan. She loves you."

"She loves me," he mumbles over and over. It's crazy, but it's progress.

Ryan is eerily quiet during the relay, taking in everything I offer and allowing himself time to process before he says anything. Leaving him in the hospital room, I wasn't sure he'd recover from my emotion frying. Dodged a bullet there. Whew.

"You're a beacon of hope," Ryan reiterates.

"They think I'm a beacon of hope. I'm the link between us and their cravings."

"How would that work?"

"She's a spotlight shining brightly on their food source." Tally's far from won over. "Am I the only one here with any common sense whatsoever? They want us to put our guard down so they can drain us."

"Tally, does Barry strike you as the type of person who has to manipulate someone to get what he wants? If he wanted it that bad, he would've already taken it."

Her hip pops so hard I fear she may have dislocated it. "I'd like to see him try."

"If I was him, I wouldn't bother."

She scoffs.

"I went to see Brody last night. Connor was in a super bad state. He was lost to the craving. I helped him."

"How?"

"I killed his desire, then coerced him into taking some of my energy."

I squawk when Ryan locks onto my arms. His grip loosens instantly. "I'm sorry, but that was reckless, Sheyla."

"Reckless," Tally echoes. Lighting her on fire would be a great stress release.

I gaze into his ocean-hued eyes, a plea for acceptance. "He needed my help. I didn't care if he took everything from me so long as he got better. The compassion I felt for him outweighed my fear, Ryan."