The Disaster Born's

Chapter Ten - Alysia

Ezra returns to me with a warm smile, his eyes twinkling with joy. He wraps his strong arms around my waist and effortlessly spins me around, making me laugh. As we come to a stop, we both raise our wrists in perfect synchrony, revealing the green glowing vine bracelets that signify we are Earth Born's. The bracelets pulse gently with a life of their own, a testament to our bond with nature.

"Ash," I faintly hear someone call out over the murmuring crowd. My eyes dart to the grand staircase, and there he is. His ashy blonde hair catches the light, contrasting sharply with his tanned skin. He's dressed in a combination of a black shirt and black trousers, cinched with a striking red belt. Surely not, I think to myself.

He turns to face the crowd, his presence commanding attention. "Ash, Fire Born," he announces confidently, conjuring flames in his palms. His eyes glow a fierce orange, reflecting the fire within him. My mouth drops open slightly in shock. It is Ash. He continues to recite his vows with unwavering conviction, "I, Ash, Fire Born, solemnly vow to protect and serve as a Disaster Born. I pledge to train diligently and stand vigilant against the threat of Dusk Wraiths. With unwavering resolve, I promise to keep my team safe, to shield them from harm, and to uphold the honour of our bounds. Long live the Over Lord."

His eyes meet mine, and he winks, a playful smirk on his lips. I roll my eyes at his ego. Once the Over Lord bestows Ash with his bracelet, he addresses the crowd again, his tone turning cold and authoritative. "You are all now Disaster Born's. You should be proud; this opportunity is rarely given and easily taken away, so don't squander it." His eyes scan the crowd, a silent warning in their depths.

"Other than that, enjoy your night as training starts tomorrow morning. I will see you bright and early." He smiles, leaving through the double doors. I watch as Ezra's eyes flicker back and forth to the buffet set out. "Go on then," I say, giving him permission to leave me. He grins, "I will be right back," and heads off to find a plate.

"A-ly-sia," a voice calls out, separating my name into syllables. I turn to see a familiar, smug face. He stands with one hand in his pocket and the other clasped around a champagne glass. I roll my eyes at his antics. "Do I know you?" I ask sarcastically, hoping he'll take the hint.

"Ha, playing it like that, are you?" he says nonchalantly, sipping from his glass. "Surely, I am a saviour to you? I let you escape with your life?" I can only imagine how many times he will use this line. "No one asked you to do that," I retort. He furrows his eyebrows and places his glass down on a nearby table. "We are a team now, Lys."

"Lys?" I repeat in frustration.

"Yeah, Lys."

"It's Alysia to you," I say, screwing up my face at him.

"Sure, Lys. Anyway, just wanted to congratulate you," he says, smirking. His blue eyes bore into mine. "Thanks, you can go now," I say dismissively.

"Everything alright, Aly?" Ezra asks, returning with two glasses of champagne. He hands one to me and scans Ash, his eyes trying to size him up. Ash extends his hand, "You must be the boyfriend," he says, taking a breath and portraying false charm. "I'm Ash." Ezra's eyes meet mine. "Ezra," he says, shaking Ash's hand defiantly.

"Ezra, can you excuse us for two seconds?" I ask kindly, smiling at him. He nods, "Sure, Aly." I drag Ash by his arm away from Ezra. "What is your problem, huh?" I ask angrily, raising my voice. Ash frowns, pulling a face. "Nothing, Lys. Not trying to cause problems." He's insufferable. I strongly dislike him. "Look, Miss Fiery, we are a team now, whether you and Mr Perfect over there like it or not."

"You think I owe you something because you saved me, right?" I ask, frustrated by his ignorant attitude. He furrows his eyebrows, his blue eyes turning ice cold. "Saved you?" he asks, as if it's a question. I roll my eyes. "Yes, Ash, you followed me and protected me with a fire circle. Happy?" I ask, but his face is blank with confusion. "Lys, I don't know how much champagne you've consumed tonight, but that never happened."