The Disaster Born's

Chapter Twenty - Ash

I walk into the forest, the moonlight casting a silvery glow on the path ahead. Alysia follows close behind, her usual unimpressed expression firmly in place. I lead her deeper into the woods, away from the fire and the noise of the party. She pulls a face at me, her eyes questioning, 'what now?'

Suddenly, the air around us fills with fireflies, their tiny bodies glowing like scattered stars. They dance around us, creating a magical aura. Alysia's mouth opens in shock and fascination. "Wow," she breathes, her green eyes glistening with wonder. I shrug my shoulders, trying to play it cool. "Yeah, it's pretty cool. They tend to stay away from the fires, because they're scared of them, but they follow me when I'm alone."

I gently lift her small hand, guiding it towards the fireflies. She hesitates, then smiles as they flit around her fingers. I can't help but smile back, my heart swelling at the sight of her joy. Stop Ash, she's your teammate. "See nothing to be scared of," I say softly my attention on her, no other thoughts taking over. I notice her shivering and quickly take off my hoodie, extending it to her. To my surprise, she smiles and takes it gladly, wrapping herself in its warm. Although I clock her eyes staring at my muscular arms but when I smirk at her she darts her look away.

"You're so guarded," I say softly, hoping to encourage her to open up. She purses her lips together, avoiding my gaze. "I don't get a choice," she murmurs, her voice barely audible. I frown, concern etched on my face. "You don't trust anyone?" I ask gently.

A wistful smile tugs at her lips, as if a cherished memory has surfaced. "Yeah, there was someone, but she's not here anymore" she replies, her voice tinged with sadness.

"I'm sorry to hear that," I say, my tone sincere.

"Her name was Elodie," she continues, her eyes distant. "She was like a mother figure to me, taken by our very enemy."

"The Dusk Wraiths?" I ask softly, careful not to upset her further.

She nods, her expression pained. "Ruby is right, If she was here now, she would be disappointed in me," she takes a breath and continues, "Let's be honest every Disaster Born is stronger than me, or has a better power than me," she says, her voice trembling with emotion.

"Lys, you're a duel power," I widen my eyes and shake her shoulders, "You hear what I'm saying..."

"A duel power, not just one, two powers," I say trying to get her confidence up.

She purses her lips together, her words oozing either with honesty or insecurity, "Most the elements scare me, I don't deserve to be here," she says softly his glance hitting the ground.

"I can't answer for the other elements but, Fire isn't something to be scared of," I say softly, watching her. She looks at me, still a bit stand-offish. "You told me fire always beats earth," she retorts, her voice teasing. I cannot help but notice my hoodie is too big for her, the sleeves hanging over her hands as she stands there, watching me.

"Let me show you," I say gently. She presses her lips together, hesitating. "You gotta trust me, Lys," I add, my voice soft and reassuring. She nods, "I trust you," she says, her voice barely above a whisper. Her words make my heart skip a beat, and I smile at her.

I conjure a flame in my palm, blowing it gently. The fire trail starts to split as I manipulate the fire into a swarm of tiny butterflies, fluttering across the sky. The stars twinkle in the background, adding to the enchantment. Alysia watches, mesmerised, a smile tugging at her lips. Her happiness is intoxicating, I then create a fiery olive leaf that circles us, moving closer as the butterflies reflect in her eyes, enhancing her features.

"It's beautiful," she says softly, her voice filled with awe. A piece of ash lands on her face, I reach out to her, and I gently wipe it away with my finger. Our eyes lock, and I find myself looking at her differently. Her mouth is slightly open, and I lean in closer. "Yeah, you are," I whisper, my voice barely audible, meant only for her ears.