Of Phoenix Tears and Demon Blood

6 - Burn

There were eighty-nine rings on the tree stump that served as a makeshift table. Ninety if the weird one was counted. There were two hundred and twelve stitches that bordered the connection between the two strips of fabric that made up the nearest wall of the tent. Surprisingly, there were two hundred and thirty-six on the next junction; the sewing was much tighter there. I sat on the floor, arms tied to the center post of the tent behind me, so it took some contortion to see the next flap.

I had only gotten to counting up to twenty-five stitches on the next connection when Captain Ozakan walked through the entrance to the tent. I saw a distant flash of blindingly bright soil and grass before the flap closed behind him. He balanced the usual tray of tea in his hands; a smile beamed from his face, but I knew better than to trust that smile now.

"Good morning, Althea! How are you doing today?" He grinned as he set the platter on the table. I avoided eye contact with him, gazing at where the former patch of sunlight gleamed. "That's rude, and certainly not how we want to start today." He took a spoonful of what I once believed was sugar and forced my mouth open. He sprinkled it on my tongue – the dry bitter taste overwhelmed my taste buds. He clasped his calmy palm over my mouth so I would be forced to swallow. "Good."

"So, are you ready to admit you're a phoenix?" he asked. I stared blankly past him, running my tongue over my teeth where the drugs had stained them with a bitter taste. They were kicked in fast – I already couldn't feel my fingers.

A part of me wanted to remain stubborn, to sit in this tent for another week, for many more if necessary, till he grew sick of this fantasy. But the part of me that wanted revenge was stronger. My eyes skirted around him – the illusion of nervousness. "You have to promise not to tell anyone. I'm scared of what will happen if they find out," I began.

"Yes?" In the briefest of moments, the entirety of Ozakan's attention was on me, he crouched down in front of me, eyes focused. "Of course I won't tell anyone." He stumbled through his words.

I dropped my voice a tone lower. "I think I'm a phoenix." Ozakan grinned and hopped around excitedly.

"I was just scared to admit it. But I've done some thinking and I really think I am the phoenix." My voice was slightly too sweet, almost sarcastic, but Ozakan didn't seem to notice. "But I'm not certain. And I think if I could just test out my magic and see, I would really know."

"Yes!" Ozakan blurted out. "I knew it, I knew you were a phoenix! I was right! I found you. Of course you can show me your phoenix magic. And then we can return to Xufra. And I'll be a hero. I'll be drowning in gold!" I bit the inside of my cheek to contain my smile. This was almost too easy. He stumbled forward and removed the red sand bracelet. The aura of his heartbeat instantly appeared, along with two others close outside the tent and fainter ones farther away in camp. I could feel every thump – a soothing noise after my magic was repressed for so long.

Unable to hold it back any longer, I smiled – a wide, closed-lip smile. The grin faded from Ozakan's face as realization bloomed and horror consumed his bliss. He scrambled to place the bracelet back on me, but even his desperation could not make up for his mistake.

I released my hold on the magic and it rushed out to consume him. He fell to the ground, body convulsing and limbs flailing in a dance of agony. He screamed, panting for air. I watched him thrash for a moment too long – satisfaction coursing through me.

Mother's voice floated through the air, only harm in defense. Guilt rushed through me and my cheeks burned.

I stopped. Ozakan groaned weakly. I stared at him, unable to untangle the angry, pulsing mess of emotions trapped within me. The clang of metal pulled me from my thoughts. Two guards charged into the tent, swords raised, flooding it with light once again. The closer one, his face peppered with sapphire scales, exhaled. Lightning crackled, a blinding arc that sliced through the air, and hit me.