Burned to Ashes

Chapter Twenty-Three

I sit up in bed, the rusted springs groaning under my weight. Natura's elegant figure lays curled up next to me, the sheets sliding down her shoulders. Her red hair floods over the pillow like a growing fire. Across the room Ansel sleeps on an old upholstered chair, his long legs sprawled out before him. Black hair shades his eyes, his mouth hanging open slightly in a deep sleep. For a moment I stay still, basking in the silence; save for the soft murmur or breath. Despite my exhaustion I couldn't sleep; lying awake for most of the night listening to the commotion of bar brawls below me. Now it is nearly dawn and Desmond made it very clear to leave in the safety of the dark. I know that today we will board a ship, traveling across a small stretch of ocean before finally reaching Kelden. A place where I am not invited. What Kalea wishes to do is still a mystery to me, but I know that I can't possibly help the situation. Her people will not listen to her so long as I am by her side. I don't expect them to listen to my truth. My family has ruined their lives. To them we are monsters. I suppose that we are. Even though I want to go back for my brother, Kalea is right. I won't be able to do it by myself. And what would I be doing but proving that they were right about me all along? I grip the sheets tightly in a balled fist.

I stand abruptly, the floorboards creaking under my bare feet. Quickly, I tear through the room finding my shoes and slipping them on. I whip my cloak from where it is hung, dust flying through the air. "Where are you going?" Ansel's voice was groggy as he rubs his dark eyes.

"To wake up the others." I throw the cloak over my shoulders, letting the coarse fabric graze my neck.

Ansel lets out a disgruntled laugh as Natura lifts herself from the tangle of sheets, her hair falling over her face. "What is going on?" She asks sweetly.

"I am going to wake up the others." I repeat, reaching for the door knob. "It's nearly dawn, we need to leave."

"I wouldn't go in there if I were you." A smirk plays on Ansel's tired face.

I pull my hand away. "Why not?" My gaze travels to Natura her cheeks turning a bright red as her green eyes look to Ansel. Their expressions display an explanation. I swallow nervously looking down at my feet. There was no point in playing oblivious. "I'm going to wake them." I wrench open the squeaking door, not wishing to stay a moment longer. I stand alone in the musty hallway pretending that I can't hear their muffled conversation behind me. The floorboards creak beneath me as I make my way through the blackness, my hand resting on a door; my pale skin shining through the dark. After a moment's apprehension I knock, fearful to burst in. All was silent at first, the sounds of deep breathing cutting it's way through the air. I knock again, louder this time; growing more eager and impatient. My breath hitches as the sheets rustle, springs and wood floors creaking. A restless groan sounds as the pattern of light feet reach the door, opening it cautiously. Kalea's dark head reveals itself, her bright silver eyes cutting through the dark. Her face was riddled with lack of sleep, her brows furrowing at the sight of me.

"What is it?' Her voice is soft, as if not to wake anyone.

"It's time to go." I assert, bobbing my curly head. "It's nearly dawn."

Her eyes race around the hall, as if in realization. "I'll," she fumbles. "Get my things." She slinks back into her room, the door slowly falling open as her thin figure scrambles to pick up clothes from the floor. My eyes fall on the bed, the sheets thrown about in chaos. Allisters barely covered sleeping body lays strewn in the middle, his head resting on a muscled arm. I step back, my vibrant eyes widening.

Kalea spins on her heel, dropping the clothes she carries into a heap on the floor. Her face flushes a deep rose, her mouth hanging open; waiting for words to come out.

I grit my teeth, a sudden anger washing over me. "It's time to go." I reach out whipping the door closed with ferocity. I stand breathing heavily, my hands balled into fists at my side. Beside me a tall figure stirred.