Dark eyes

Quivering flames illuminating the plumes of smoke with streaks of orange and red that obscured the void beyond. I closed my eyes trying to focus as my pulse began a crescendo in my temples. Memories of sitting around a bonfire on the beach surrounded by friends and family filled my mind. The scent of salty ocean spray mixed with mesquite anchoring my most fervent desire that this would not be like the last time. The pungent odor of brimstone dispelled that hope as I opened my eyes. 

Motes leapt from a crown of living fire that swirled above its head. Ebon orbs staring back at me beneath a furrowed brow of smoke reflecting the dancing flames. My heart raced as I began breathing heavily but I couldn't look away. It had returned, and I knew deep in my soul it always would. There was no escaping it. Fear drove all sense from me taking over, leaving an all-consuming void. Anger was my only defence against that fear, so I focused on it allowing it to pervade every fiber of my being and preventing fear from taking hold.

Then the eyes changed as a spark of amusement filled them altering the image. Now within the myriad of flames I could see my reflection. Teeth bared in a snarl as streaks of sweat and tears marring the soot that covered my face, but most concerning were the eyes from which those tears flowed. Panic rose in my chest. They were perfect mirrors of the onyx orbs before me. From within their depths, I could see myself and the beast reflected into eternity.

"Alex!"

The voice startled me as my eyes focused. The crackle and pop of the flames remained but were joined by crashing waves. Another face dominated my vision. Dark eyes stared back at me but instead of fear, they brought serenity. I focused on Olivia's eyes. The anger welling my chest began to fade as my breathing returned to normal. Feeling returned as I unclenched my fists. Her hands relaxed from my shoulders. The scent of sulfur replaced by the subtle fragrance of her rose perfume.

"It happened again didn't it." She said more than asked and I nodded.

"Did anyone notice?" I asked.

"No, the're out getting more wood."

"Good." I sighed. I couldn't forgive myself if I hurt someone I cared about.

"I don't want to be consumed by this anger anymore."

"We will figure this out." Her confidence sparked hope within me.

"I'm worried about going away with my family. What if this happens and I lose control again?"

Her eyes furrowed and we both stared into the bonfire as waves rolled beyond.

"You're a good person and I believe in you. You just need to believe that yourself."

I nodded hoping she was right as our friends returned. They joked about spending the summer after freshman year finding a job, having fun or searching for love. My only desire was to find control of the constant cycle of fear and anger.