DESOLATION; hp universe

Chapter 6: Between Flames And Shadows

The flickering flames of the fireplace tickled Alieus' skin, biting at the delicate flesh hanging off his frail bones. His eyes drifted shut, lashes brushing his cheekbones, and suddenly, he was back at Istrolsiara- the scratching of students quills faded out into nothing more than weary static in his ears and he could no longer feel the slight chill that accompanied the open windows, the very reason why he sat on the mustard colored couch in the first place.

It was so hot, hot and humid. Sweat beaded at his forehead and smoke pervaded the air around him, circulating around his figure in an attempt to snuff out the barely noticeable life running through his veins. Faintly, he could make out the blurred figure of Katerina, who walked gracefully across the thin platform which shook at the weight of the two teenagers.

It was hard to see through the dense fog, so he followed the lingering scent of vanilla, cocoa butter, and a hint of oud. The ground shook with a rumbling roar, the hums of  the Indrik- large wolf-like creatures with ruby eyes of dripping flames and the fur of ash, echoed throughout the desolate ground, tarnishing the once lively school with the symphony of defeat. He heard a crack, wood splintering at his feet and a surprised grunt escaped his lips before he fell, hand aimlessly reaching out to grasp at whatever he could. But before Alieus fell to his ultimate death, burdened by that of broken bones and blood rushing into his lungs, he was saved.

A small hand clasped around his. He opened his eyes, blinking bleary, and there she was. Katerina's arm shook with effort, half her body hanging off the ledge and despite the circumstances, her face was determined. The fire grew beside them, swallowing their figures. The satin of her glove was slippery, much more with the sweat from Alieus' palm and he was slipping, oh god, he couldn't—

His eyes shot open at the feeling of someone touching his shoulder and he twisted his body, left arm coming up to grab the wrist of the unknown person, and crack!

"Bloody hell!" Someone gasped out, their body curling into themselves.

Alieus' eyes widened and he let go instantly, standing up hurriedly, "Fuck- Sorry!"

The brunette winced as pain shot up his forearm and Alieus grimaced at the feeling vibrating through him.

"It-it's alright. Shouldn't have touched you without permission, but you..bollocks.. you looked peaky."

Without another word, the boy wandered off to his friends and Alieus heard the words 'pomfrey' and 'accident' escape his mouth as his friends looked over with suspicious, narrowed eyes. He could feel their glare on his shoulders as he sat back down into his seat, lifting his hips to shift downwards in an attempt to avoid the glowers his way.

Alieus lifted a hand to cover the bottom half of his face, sighing into his palm. Way to go not drawing attention to yourself, idiot.

The only thing that made this situation slightly better was the fact that the teenage boy's scowls were nothing compared to a certain brown-haired girl with a glare as sharp as broken glass. Oh, Rina, Alieus could feel the familiar itch bubbling beneath his skin. The previous feeling of anger and frustration returning to his senses. A scowl twitched at his lips; how did his concern anger her?

Aren't people supposed to be glad when someone is worried about them? It made them feel cared for, no? All he wanted to do was ensure that she was safe, unharmed and not in the clutches of a murderer. With hooded silver irises, bags beneath his eyes, and bared yellow teeth, Sirius Black was the epitome of an estranged lunatic. He looked like he preyed on little girls and while Alieus knew that Katerina was not one to be easily manipulated, he couldn't help but worry.

But somehow, the anxiety of not being able to find her morphed into anger and then she started speaking in that blunt, cold tone of hers and usually it would make him grin but, why couldn't she see that he was frightened?!