Inner Darkness (Book 2 of Dragonfire series)

Chapter 22

Alena's POV

My body laid paralyzed on the ground, watching helplessly as Damien multiplied his power. He slowly turned to face me and glided over the floor in my direction. I tried crawling away, not getting much distance. He quickly appeared before me and lifted me up by my throat. His fingers dug into my throat, squeezing out any air I had in me. My eyes watered and I winced from the pain.

He forced me to look into his eyes as he spoke deep and slow. "Pathetic faerie, you come back yet again. Last time I allowed you into my castle you killed me; I will not make the same mistake again." He released me quickly, throwing me to the ground. I coughed as my lungs sucked in air at a rapid rate.

"I'm—cough—sorry. I never meant to–"

"It's too late for that!" His bellowing voice echoed throughout the castle walls, making me wish I could shrink myself out of this place. I took a few deep breaths before forcing myself to stand. My bones felt hollow and weak like I had just run a marathon. This place seems to be draining my powers a lot faster than last time. It was so confusing to me that I was technically in my own head, yet everything was so real.

He turned and started walking away, giving me time to plan an attack. I formed a fireball in each hand and slowly fed power I to them. "I don't want to hurt you Damien, but I can't live my life with you haunting me." I threw the fireballs at his back, taking him by surprise. He flew forward and landed on his stomach. He rolled so he was on his back and extended his arm out towards me. The black fog like substance raced across the floor, eager to attack. At the last second I flew into the air, barely escaping its grasp. I formed a more powerful energy ball in my hands and once again threw it at Damien. He dodged it effortlessly and returned the favor by counter-attacking.

Bolts of energy flew by me as I dodged them left and right. As I continued to grow angrier, my power grew stronger. I could feel the dragonfire itching to get out and destroy him once and for all. He took slowly steps back as I pelted him with fireballs. He put up a shield, but it cracked as he grew weaker.

Ready to end what I started, I summoned the dragonfire into a final blow. A blinding light flashed before I saw Damien lying on his back, defeated. I landed and walked over to him boldly. His chest slowly rose up and down as he clung to life. I placed the end of my shoe against his neck and pushed it roughly.

"Let's get one thing straight, I could end you again in an instant. However, I'm not, because if I do I will only make it worse. The only way to end the hallucinations is to spare you; not end you." I removed my foot and took a few steps back. I extended my arms out and tilted my eyes back as I closed my eyes and took deep breaths. I did it, I spared his life. I am redeemed, I'm ready to go back. I continued to chant in my head until my eyes jolted open.

I inhaled sharply and winced at the blinding white light above me. Cullen was leaning over me on the—floor? I sat up slowly and saw Mr. Galtero standing a safe distance away.

"Why am I on the floor?" I asked to no one specific. Cullen took it upon himself to answer.

"It looked like you were lifted off the table and thrown; it was the weirdest thing. I could tell when you transformed because your hands turned scalding hot." He looked down as his beet red hand shyly.

"Did I do that to you?!" My jaw dropped as I glanced back and forth between his hand and mine.

"I was holding your hand and it suddenly got very, very hot."

"Cullen I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to." He gave me a reassuring grin, showing he wasn't mad.

"Don't worry about me, did you do what you had to?" I nodded and pulled him in for a hug. After a minute or so he helped me stand and walk to Kokel's office.

When Kokel saw me he stood from his desk and got me a glass of water. I took a sip and placed it back on his desk. I told him everything that happened from start to finish. Afterwards he dismissed me to my room.

I walked with Cullen to the infirmary to get his hand bandaged. We sat in an awkward silence, just staring at each other.

"Alena I wish you would have—"

"I know, and I'm sorry, but you wouldn't have let me do it otherwise. I needed to take things into my own hands, and in the end it worked out fine." He still looked unconvinced, but at least he wasn't angry.

"I understand that, I just wish I would've known. I saw the bruises on your neck and I almost lost it, I thought he..." His voice faded, unable to finish the sentence. I understood though, I couldn't imagine loosing him. After a little ointment and bandaging, Cullen escorted me back to my room and kissed me goodnight before returning to his own room.

I was about take a shower but I was a bit hesitant. I figured this would prove whether what I did worked or not.

After successfully showering and getting in bed without any sign of Damien, I said a quiet prayer thanking God for giving me my privacy back.

As soon as my head hit the pillow, I felt a wave of exhaustion wash over me. I closed my eyes and instantly drifted into a deep sleep.

I am back at the party Kokel hosted last year. I see a familiar man...how do I know him? Going on instinct, I make my way over to him. He turns so we are face to face and I can't help but stare. He is gorgeous, and weirdly similar looking to me with his eyes and blonde wavy hair. Before I can ask any questions, a silver flame dances before my eyes. The feeling in my stomach jogs my memory and I hold out my palm to copy his flame. My red fire dances next to his, amazing us both. They suddenly merged together into one gold flame. The true dragonfire.

I have so many presents to wrap but in writing instead. Oh well, hope you liked it :)