Fear of Flames

Part 1: Chapter 14 [To Fall From Grace]

>SERAPHINA'S POV<

The next few weeks were a blur for Seraphina. A sad, depressing blur. When she wasn't at the cliff with Ian and her fellow trainees trying to gain the approval of Ronan to no avail, she was brooding around the castle missing Bryce. She'd gone to the lake several times in hopes that he would be there, ready to befriend her again. She was always left disappointed. 

All outer villages of the Verdentia kingdom had been destroyed by the Lich causing waves of fear and panic. The closer villages that had taken in the survivors of each attack had more people than they were able to sustain - and there was also the threat that they were next. 

We'll all have to fight at some point. I need to be as strong as I can.

Seraphina had put on a significant amount of muscle since her arrival at the castle thanks to the warmups in the morning and the tiring combat lessons in the afternoon. Her previously thin and scrawny frame was now toned with strength and elegance. She had become more curvy and felt a lot more feminine - more confident. 

No matter what happens, I am fire. Remember I am fire. 

Seraphina stood with Ian and two other trainees who had managed to get themselves in trouble for fooling around at the cliff. Ian was trying to bullshit his way out of a punishment by talking in metaphors and strange words of wisdom.

"Sir Ronan, you sexy man. You of all people would know just how tiring it is to stand at the front of a great psychological discovery of self enlightenment and not..."

Seraphina's eyes began to droop as Ian's nonsense and intelligible rambling began to put her to sleep. Her and the other two trainees had been standing beside each other in a line, arms behind their backs, waiting for Ian to finish.

"Ian, get out."

Ronan sat at a large wooden desk allocated to him for his mentoring duties. He rubbed the lines between his eyebrows as he gestured to the door. 

"Thank you my saviour, I will never forget your immense gratitude towards me-"

"I SAID GET OUT!"

Ian wasted no time scurrying out of the small office. 

Ian you waste of space. You just put him in a worse mood for us!

Ronan turned to the two other trainees, finally lifting his head from the table and lowering his hand. 

"I'm sure you were both just helpless victims of Ian's verbal vomit. Don't let it happen again. Get out."

The trainees also did not waste time as they hurried out of the office. Ronan sighed and stood up. He gave her an annoyed glance and turned from her as he spoke.

"Do I even bother trying to sort you out or should I just expect you to continue messing around and not take anything seriously."

Seraphina's cheeks flamed as she became defensive. 

"I'll be better next time."

Ronin shook his head in disappointment. He was still turned with his back to her so all Seraphina could see was him lower his head and lean against his desk.

"You are full of empty promises Seraphina. When the Lich reach the castle, defenceless people will be dying while people like me are trying to save you from trouble."

Seraphina's heart dropped to her stomach. All she wanted was to earn his respect, even just his approval. 

He's just saying it to get to me.

"I'm improving, just give me a chance-"

"Get out."

Seraphina stood still for a moment. Her shoulders sagged when she realised there was nothing she could do to improve this situation. Reluctantly, she left the office.