The Fire Prince

~Chapter Six - Part 1~

Important A/N:

For all those continuing to read the story I'd like to say a huge thank you.

I'll also be going on holiday next week for a whole month, so 'The Fire Prince' will not be updated for that specified period. However, before I go away I've decided to share with you the latest chapter which is MASSIVE, so it will come in three instalments (this is the first) over the next couple of days. Usually, the book is written from Aurora's perspective but this is the first chapter you get a peek into Seph's mind, hence I've labelled them accordingly to prevent any confusion. Hope you enjoy!

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Aurora's POV

As promised, Jason and Jessica had left me alone for the rest of the day. I had caught a glimpse of them in the school cafeteria at lunchtime – their faces had been pale and their eyes had been large with fright, as though they had seen a ghost – whatever Principal Calvin had did to them had certainly spooked them to death.

I kept reflecting back over the week's events as I staggered to the meadow, taking the longer and more scenic route. After all, it's not like I could waltz back into my house anytime soon and receive a warm welcome - but I was going to get my mother out of that hellhole somehow – even if it killed me.

I passed through the open and lightly snowed valley that had a wide stream running through the middle; the ice on the river had started to melt and I could see the salmon working hard to keep up with the harsh and demanding current. The cool air caressed my face, revitalising my whole being. I stood peacefully with my palms facing the fiery globe that hung in the cloudy sky, greedily soaking in its warmth that helped to relieve my aching muscles.

My head turned towards the rows of trees planted firmly a few metres away from me. They reminded me of soldiers who had been commanded to safeguard and fend off any dangerous creatures as they protectively surrounded a large and deep cavern. The elders in our village had invented all sorts of scary stories to keep us away from there; including a man who was cannibal and took permanent residence in the cavern, waiting to grab and cook the poor children who would bravely or stupidly enter his domain.

Suddenly, a loud crackling noise disrupted me from my thoughts and my stance went rigid with tension. I brought my arms up as a first line of defence and edged closer to the bush that was further along the river bank. Every now and then I'd see the bush rustle vigorously, but there wasn't any wind to make it move that much, so what was it? My heart began to pulsate violently against my chest, as though someone had placed a bomb inside me and it was ticking away, counting down the seconds until I'd explode.

I gasped and clutched my hands to my breast as my attention switched to the flock of crows flying from the forest treetops, squawking high from above before disappearing from view; they seemed to be fleeing from something or someone. As I spun round to focus back on the bush, I hit something solid and landed on the hard and damp ground. It seemed as though I was developing a habit of bumping or running into things I thought dryly. I peered up, my eyes going as wide as saucers as I saw an angry looking Seph standing in front of me.

"You are not supposed to be here," he hissed.

"What? Why?" I was confused and angry; since when did Seph think it was acceptable to dictate where I could be.

Before he could respond a large shadow swept over us. I couldn't quite tell what it was, only that it had an unusual shape.

"Get down!" Seph commanded.