Ashes of Affection (Rough Draft)

Chapter Nine

I woke up to quieter voices and immediately tensed. I cautiously opened my eyes and my panic was quickly changed to anger. I forced myself to my feet, ignoring the pain.

“Sage-” Jack went to my movement but I brushed him off.

“What the hell is he doing here?” I hissed.

“Sage, just let him explain.”

I could see the pain in Ace’s eyes and as much as I hated it, I couldn’t help but care about him and it made my emotions stronger..

“Have you poisoned him as well? Did you help them take Kai?” I didn’t believe my own words but my blood was boiling and I struggled to keep it under control.

“He’s told me everything. Please, just give him a chance.”

I sighed, giving in.

“Fine.”

Jack and I made our way to the fire where Ace was. We all sat around the fire. He was tense. I hated it and I hated myself for hurting him. I wanted to apologize but I couldn’t.

He took a deep breath.

“I knew something bad was going to happen this month so I followed you all from Amara’s place to the party. I was supposed to remain hidden but I kind of snapped when I saw that man approach you so I stepped in. I prayed that none of this would happen but it did so when I found out they took Kai, I rushed to find him but they kept everything hidden from me so I couldn’t find him.” Ace explained. He started fidgeting with his gloves as he stared into the fire. “I saw you go over the cliff from the other side of the valley so I jumped. When I didn’t reach you in time, I feared you had died.” He paused and my questions returned.

“How did you survive the drop?” I asked quietly.

He looked at Jack who nodded.

“It’s easier to show than to say.” He uttered and stood up. He removed his cloak and closed his eyes. He tensed and his eyes opened. I immediately got to my feet when I heard his bones crack and he fell to one knee, pressing his fist into the ground. I stepped forward as my heart pounded in my chest. I wanted to help him, to stop the pain but Jack stopped me. A light as bright as the flames broke from his skin, causing me to look away. After a second I turned back to him as he stood up.

His wings spanned almost six feet and were enough to heat the cave. He removed his glove which revealed a matching ring to the one I wore. How could he have the same ring? What was he? My thoughts raised and I recognized the pain in his eyes.

“You aren’t a monster.” I uttered. He looked at me with shock and surprise. I took another step toward him and Jack tightened his grip on my arm. “It’s okay.”

Ace looked at him with a sense of fear. Jack hesitantly released me and I approached Ace. He tensed but didn’t move. I looked into eyes which were the same as the boy I always saw in my nightmares.

Jack turned. “I’ll leave you two be.” He said and left the cave.

“I’m sorry I hid all of this, but there were too many risks.” Ace uttered.

“You’re the one in my dreams.. Aren’t you?” I asked.

Panic filled his eyes but he didn’t hide it anymore.

“Yes.”

My gaze fell and took a step back. How would it be possible? The one in my dreams died. Despite my doubts, I still believed him which hurt even more.

“Why would you leave? Why don’t I remember you?”

“What do you remember?”

I paused slightly.