Flames of Ashes

Chapter 7. Xarian-Jarda.

"Determination might help you start the race, but discipline will help you finish it. Discipline to not look back at what you have relinquished, because it weighs you down~Athika"
***

I kept on running until I got to what looked like the middle of a forest. Tall trees surrounded the place but the distance to the barren land from the trees was far.

Every breath I took was like oil being added to a fire. The only thing I heard was the sound of my heart thumping loudly.

I wanted to scream because holding back the fire was like needles piercing your blood. The airy surroundings were useless and did nothing to cool me.

I was about to let out an ear-piercing scream and burn something when I felt an arm wrap around my waist, pulling me close to a warm body that seemed to my insides quiver.
I look up to see grey eyes that remind me of the fog that draws it to you in the middle of the night to swallow you whole and I want to be swallowed whole.

His other hand traveled up to my chest, caressing it with his hot palms, teasing me by just lying dangerously close to my breast. He was calming me down and my eyes involuntarily closed relishing in how my heart beat his hand moved in sync.

"Arthur never touched you like this? Surprising indeed, given that you were his whore". His voice drawled leaving an echo on every word. His face remained passive, but I heard the disdain in those two words.

My eyes shot open. We were close, too close for me to think logically. His arm snaked around my waist almost touched my butt, tightened its grip on me, when I wanted to pull away.

His silver hair was playing with the wind, and his lips, lips that were generous and demanding. I blinked, noticing that my brain didn't notice anything else but him. His presence was domineering. I wondered if that was his Arcana or if it was simply because he was the crowned Prince of Persidia. However, even Arthur didn't have this kind of aura.

"Are you jealous?" A small smile played on my lips. "I mean you want everything that belonged to Arthur, does that include me?"

"So you admit to being his whore"

I was no one's whore, but something about making Zarir jealous, made me happy.

"If I tell you, where's the fun in that?" I tilted my head.

That just made him pull me closer as if we weren't already so close that I could smell him-lavender and leather, which was a very odd combination but I couldn't get enough of it and his hot breath niggling above my lips.

He bent his head and his lips hovered on my lips. He was baiting him and my body was craving for his touch.
He was starting another fire in my heart, for a whole different reason.

Kiss me.

"Patience my little murderer. Or would you burn me if I refuse?" There was no contempt in his voice, only intrigue.

"It was you who spoke to me during orientation. Tell me why we get to communicate in our heads?"  I tried to keep my voice even as his hand in as running across my spine.

I almost groaned in pleasure.

"If I tell you, where's the fun in that?" He raised his brow, his eyes playful; we've known each other for years and every time I saw him my mind became unable to think. He could be the god of lust.

"Go. Or you'll miss your sorting". He released me and I was disappointed. But I still listened and headed back.
***
There were 500 recruits this year, according to what our Squad leader, Kimoji said as he addressed us on the large field. My eyes traveled to the other squads on the field, probably hearing the same. Fortunately, I was sorted into Squad Aerith instead of Elvina because of my stunt with the Griffin. However, that meant I was in the same squad as Eritrea.