Fear of Flames

Part 1: Chapter 8 [Calm Before the Storm]

>SERAPHINA'S POV<

Seraphina wandered up to the kitchen. It was early morning and she knew she'd get there before most people appeared. She hadn't bothered to change out of her cotton dress, but it didn't matter because she'd showered before she left last night. The castle was peacefully calm at this hour - the only people wandering the halls were maids or guards who had finished night shift. 

If I survive training, I might get used to living here.

Deciding on the simple meal of bread, she made her way to the large dining hall and sat down. None of the long tables were occupied as of yet since most warriors were out warming up, so she sat alone in the hall. Her shoulder had fully healed now and she studied the small scar that remained.

I wonder how my family are doing. 

She closed her eyes sadly and decided she'd give anything to share tea with Finnick right now. 

"May I join you?"

Bryce had appeared beside the table holding an apple. He wore plainly coloured loose fitting pants and shirt, his brown hair framing his soft face. 

"Sure. There's no one else here yet."

Bryce sat down and hesitantly prodded her for information.

"Where were you yesterday? We were going to find you clothes at the market."

Seraphina looked at him in annoyance - she knew he was concerned about her. 

Kind of a stupid question to ask. It's not like I was in any state to walk around for hours after I was punished in the snow. 

"I didn't feel like going to the markets after nearly dying in the snow. I went to my room and slept most of the day."

Bryce fiddled with the apple in his hands before pressing further.

"Why did Ronan do that to you?"

Seraphina put her bread down glared at Bryce. This type of anger was unusual for her, but she felt justified.

"Why the hell would I know that? You think I wanted to upset him and be punished? He hates me and there's no reason for it and no way for me to fix it."

Silence fell between the two. Bryce finally sighed and put the apple down. 

"Do you miss your family?"

What kind of a change of topic is that?

Seraphina raised her eyebrow dubiously.

"Only Finnick."

Bryce looked down at his hands, clearly bothered by something. He opened his mouth to say something then thought better of it. Seraphina's eyes slimmed in suspicion.

"What? Tell me."

Shifting in his seat, Bryce met her eyes - he seemed apologetic. 

"Promise me you won't be angry at me and let me help you through what I'm about to tell you."

Seraphina had a bad feeling. Something was wrong. 

"Sure." She shrugged.

Bryce looked away again before hesitantly speaking.

"Your family... well Jaracha..."

He gulped and tried again.

"Jaracha got attacked by Lich. A third of the villagers died and the rest evacuated to a village further within Verdentia called Fenna."

Seraphina froze. 

What? Is Finnick..

"My family? Did they make it?"