In the Heart of the Fire (a KOTLC fanfic)

XVI

I run as fast as I can, a stupid smile on my face. That is, until I trip over a root and go sprawling into the leaves.

I spit dirt out of my mouth and sit up. The scrolls are fine, thank goodness. It's then I realize I have no writing utensil. My flames will have to do. I eagerly tear open the one with writing on it.

To my dearest friend and anyone whom may be reading over their shoulder,

I look around, realizing if someone was reading over my shoulder, it would probably be a Vanisher and, therefore, I would not see them.

THIS IS THE CRAZIEST, MOST RECKLESS THING YOU'VE DONE!!!

I cannot help the return of the stupid smile on my face or the laugh that bursts from my mouth. That's fair. I've done some crazy things, that's for sure. And yet, nothing does compare to this.

Only you would find a way to avoid getting exiled only to end up somewhere that feels like it is farther away. This "punishment" is absolute garbage, in my opinion. I know both of our little missions to get you out of there failed, but I know why you wouldn't come with us. You left a mark on Alden when you left. He tries to hide it, of course, but Sofie has been practicing what Dex likes to call "memory swiping." She has gotten so good at it. We are looking for more information on Project Flareadon, but we are not having much luck. The counsel has us on a tight leash after what we pulled last time. They are looking for you guys, so all my letters are going through Zeke to get to you. Thank him for me, by the way. I am at a loss for things to tell you. Not much has happened since you left. The aforementioned leash is basically house arrest. We as a group are having an extended sleepover at the Vackers. Alden hasn't really left the grounds, so we think he is assigned to keep an eye on us. Sandor and Ro have been reassigned ;-; so we can't just walk around with the new guards. Not having access to any supplies is driving Dex mad. I swear there are lines in the floor from his pacing. Biana has only been able to sneak out a few times, but there is only so much she can find. Honestly, we are stuck until the counsel lets up. Also be careful what you write in future letters I cannot guarantee I will be the only one reading them.

Jeez. The words strike a chord in me I never knew I had. That sounds awful. At least our confinement is to woods where we can run around. They aren't even let out of the mansion?! That is verminion crap! Before I realize what I'm doing, I make a fireball and lob it at a tree. The dry bark crackles, the flames speading. I put it out with a wave of my hand before the whole forest burns.

If only I could put out the fire in my soul just as easily.

The loss of Sandor and Ro hangs heavy in my heart as well. They are good friends of us. They have been through this mess and I could not be more thankful for them. I can only hope they know how much they mean to our group.

I sigh heavily to calm myself and write back.

Hours, many hand cramps and a couple of slightly singed parchment edges later, the scroll has been written on front and back with barely any room to sign my name. I look it over and then seal it with more carefully controlled flame.

As soon as I get up to leave, Zeke just appears. He must have talked with the shadows to find me. How he knew I was done, though, I have no idea.

I hand the completed letter back to Zeke. "Thank you." I whisper. "I know you risk your life by doing this, so I thank you." Remembering Sueanna's letter, I add on. "We all thank you."

Zeke's eyes are sad. "I know what it's like to be away from your chosen family, that I'd have given anything to be in touch with them. You are very welcome, blessed child."

With that, he is gone, taking my letter back to Sueanna. I tuck Sueanna's letter into my shirt, so I don't lose it.

It dawns on me just then that I'm in the middle of the woods and have no way back home. A pit of something acidic settles in my stomach. Fear, sour as those green balls served at Foxfire. I didn't see where Zeke went. He just disappeared. He wouldn't just leave me, would he?

Right after this thought crosses my mind, I hear crunching leaves and people appear. I jog towards the sound. Next thing I know, strong arms wrap around me.

"You were gone all day! If I didn't know you were a capable, nature-loving elf, I'd have been worried. As it is, I was worried the moment you took off!"

I laugh. "I'm fine, Keefe. Now, onward!"

He picks me up and carries me the whole way back, the chivalrous hero.

Linh meets us just outside the village. "Thank goodness you're here! Come on!"

Keefe puts me down and we exchange a look. We run after Linh right into the middle of the coven.

There stands a girl. At first I think it's Sueanna. The same height and build, same eye color, same skin color. The hair is different, though. This girl has hers dyed black as Tam's shadows.

The most revealing feature is the fact that she has a knife out, pointing at each other us in turn. Sueanna never needed weapons. Her mind was one enough.

"What's going on here?" Evan roars at the commotion.

"My name is Athnamas. I'm here to find the one called Sueanna." The girl speaks, her words as sharp as her knife.

I gasp involuntarily. The girl turns her eyes on me. The blue-grey there is pure steel, nothing like Sueanna's.

"You know her?" Such a simple question spoken like words can kill.

I look at the knife, debating whether or not to lie. I go for a different route instead. "What do you want with her?"

"I have certain...business to attend to." Okay. Creepy.

"Who are you?"

"I told you. I am Athnamas."

"Helpful. And I am Haesel. This is Keefe, Linh, Tam, Evan and witches." I wave my hand to go on, and she sighs impatiently. Even if she doesn't have all I day, I do.

"Look, I have no reason or want to hurt you or anyone here, but I can do it. I'm not a spy for anyone. I'm just me." I love this girl's willingness to give details. Not.

"That still doesn't explain why you need to get to Sueanna." That's my best friend she's talking about. I'm sure as can be not going to just give up Sueanna's location. You can bet all your mallowmelt on that.

Her face turns ugly at my words. She takes a fighting stance and I mirror her, flames burning under my skin, begging to be released."I am Sueanna's twin. It's time for a little family reunion. We're dreadfully long overdue."

*****

Author's Note: First of all, millions upon millions of thanks to the real Sueanna!!! She wrote the whole letter to Haesel so lots of kudos! Even more thanks for letting me use her (imaginary...) clone, Athnamas as well. Once again, so sorry this took so long. Remember to be kind to yourself and those around you! Hope you all enjoyed! Happy reading, book buds! Love you all!💙