Changed

Chapter Twenty-Five

I burst through the trees like a barbarian, scaring the shit out of Ursula and knocking Clara into a tent.

"Roman where are you!?" I bellowed, scanning the foot of the mountain for any indication of those cold-blooded dreadlocks that I currently wanted to scratch out of existence.

As soon as he appeared I belligerently launched myself on top of him, my scalding hands pressing down on his throat as we hit the ground. A loud grunt escaped him as I pushed my body weight onto his neck. His eyes bulged and his lips faded into a blue, complimenting the gradual reddening of his skin. He suddenly reached for my hips, taking me by surprise as I was flipped and hurled into a tree. The trunk ignited as I crashed against it, immediately springing back up and lunging for Roman - who expertly dodged my attack. He swung at me and his arm collided mercilessly with my side, throwing me off balance as I struggled to stay upright. As I stumbled I cooled down, cursing under my breath as I realized the emotion that was fueling me ceased. I struggled to recall Eb's decapitated body, but all that emanated were mixtures of sadness and frustration. I hadn't exactly thought this through.

Roman rolled his head, painfully flexing the burn I had situated on his neck moments before. I backed away as he neared, closing his eyes as soon as he caught on to my failing Virtue. I clenched my fists. I couldn't let him take my people again. But what could I do?

Hail appeared in front of me suddenly, holding me close and forcing his lips on my own. My entire body warmed and relaxed as he continued, passionately allowing his mouth to dance with mine as heat dispersed throughout my veins. I reluctantly tore myself away from him and focused on Roman.

He shrilly screamed as he uselessly tried smothering the flames that engulfed him while Hail threw him to the ground. His skin boiled, turning into a vicious mixture of black and dark pink skin. I watched horrified as my blaze roasted him alive, until I couldn't take it and turned away from his anguish. Hail held me as he burned, and I didn't look up even when the ear-splitting cries stopped. I desperately tried to erase the horrible image of what I had done, his scorching body flashing before me every time I blinked. I had never felt so abhorred with myself.

"Why did he do this to us," I gasped, relieved I had Hail to lean on as the smell of burning flesh polluted the air and sickened me.

"Revenge for his dead wife. Rage maybe. Love makes us do regretful things." He whispered dryly.

"I think it's bullshit. I killed someone Hail," My voice cracked as I struggled not to cry.

"You stopped a disgusting man. You saved us," Hail said softly, lighting the subject and resting his chin on top of my head.

"You decapitated Eb because you knew I would hate you for it and take it out on Roman," I muttered into his chest.

He lifted my chin, forcing me to stare at his face, determination cloaking his remorseful eyes. "We all have to do what we can to survive. Forgive me."

I shook my head and pushed his hand away. "Your plans shouldn't involve manipulating me."

I then noticed Quinn's unmistakable sobs, and found her in the arms of Slate, blubbering apologies for her actions while she was under Roman's influence. He held her tightly, reassuring her that it wasn't her fault, locking eyes with me as he mouthed a thank you.

The rest of the day involved Quinn crying, Alec and Vienna arguing, and the rest of us collecting ourselves after Roman's short but terrifying reign over their emotions.

Falling asleep that night was torture. I saw Roman's peeling and melting skin every time my eyes closed. I distinctly heard his excruciating cries and smelt his burning flesh as a blackened, blistering hand reached tightly around my throat. As the fingers tightened and locked their grip, I woke up shaking, tears streaming down my damp cheeks. Hail was beside me in seconds as my breathing became unsteady.