Everflame

Chapter 2 - I can't do this

I reached Basgiath War College with Maya, we were told to separate from the scribes and healers. Not like they couldn't tell the difference between us. I reached the front to sign in, they guided me to stairs to get to the top, without a railing. 

Holy shit

It's ok, breath. Maya was right behind me. It was so dark in front of me. Slowly reaching the top I could see a sliver of light. Pulling myself up, then helping Maya. She spotted her older brother Chris, he was talking to a guy who had his back turned on us. They were in 3rd year that's why they got separated from us 1st years. We had to walk on a way thinner Parapet, they got a more safer Parapet, but it was still dangerous. Chris came over to us and I finally could see the other guy.

Fucking hell, he was beautiful. Tousled waves of dark hair cascade effortlessly across his forehead, adding to his enigmatic appeal. There's a hint of rebellion in the way his hair falls, as if it refuses to be tamed, mirroring the untamed spirit that resides within him. A strong jawline gives him an aura of strength and determination, hinting at the resilience that lies beneath his exterior. His chiseled jawline accentuates his masculine appeal, exuding a confidence that borders on cocky. It's as if he considers himself a force to be reckoned with, a man who effortlessly commands attention whenever he enters a room. And the uniform only made it better. He caught me staring and held the stare for a while before smirking and winking, then he walked away.

Maya must've caught me staring too, because she followed my line of sight and gasped. 

"No way, Sierra Mairi, already caught the eye of a wingleader now have you?" she said pulling me out of my trance. 

Shit he's a wingleader?

"Of fucking course he's a wingleader," I grumble. "I mean no one would notice if you had sex now would they?" Maya says, hypothetically.

"First years, come this way, you're going to walk the Parapet in alphabetical order, so first up can I have..." The professor reads out names. After about half the first years have made it up the parapet, a good share falling to their death, she read out my name "Sierra Mairi". 

Letting out a breath I didn't know I was holding. I looked back at Maya and she gave me a thumbs up. 

I tried remembering everything Mama had told me while training. 

"Keep your hands out for balance, you need to be balanced otherwise you are going to fall. Oh and don't look down. Ever" 

I'm pretty sure there was more, but that's all I remember right now. A bead of sweat falls down my forehead. A fucking impatient boy behind me spoke up, "Speed up, Mairi, we don't have all day,".

Fuck him

bet you'd like to fuck that hot wingleader 

Not the time. I set a foot on the Parapet and stared ahead. The wind whistles past, teasing my hair and tugging at my clothes, as if urging me to embrace the exhilaration of this lofty adventure. With each stride, I can't help but marvel at the breathtaking view that stretches out before me. My heart races in sync with each beat of my footfalls, a reminder of the adrenaline coursing through my body. The world seems to shrink below me as I traverse this elevated path, the ground far below reduced to mere specks. Though fear occasionally whispers in my ear, urging me to turn back, I push forward.

Every step demands my full attention, my gaze locked on the path ahead. The parapet narrows, creating a delicate balance between thrill and caution. My arms instinctively extend slightly, mimicking the wings of a tightrope walker, seeking equilibrium and stability. It's a dance of precision and control, a symphony of calculated movements.

With each step forward, my confidence blooms. I become one with the parapet, my body adapting to its contours, my mind attuned to the rhythm of my strides. The world around me seems to fade away, replaced by a singular focus on the path ahead. Fear is replaced by a sense of purpose, a determination to reach the other side, to conquer this daunting journey.

As I finally step off the parapet, my heart swells with triumph. I did it, I fucking did it. 

I turn around to see Maya, halfway there. All of a sudden her footing slips and I stop breathing, as she falls off.