From the Flames- Book Six

Ch. 3- Dinner Party

I woke up to Ace taking my covers off my bed, leaving me to freeze. "Get up. We're late." he said, walking to the doorway and turning on the light. I grumbled as I opened one eye and scanned my surroundings. I lay in my room and it was nighttime according to the glowing moonlight outside.

When I finally opened both of my eyes, my heart started beating rapidly. My parents were going to be angry at us for being late. Even more than usual. Shit. I stood up and with my vampire speed, grabbed an outfit from my closet and ran to the bathroom. Aeson was waiting for me as always. "Why didn't you wake me up sooner?" I yelled as I pulled my hair out of my face. It was unlike my mother's, who has bright scarlet hair. Mine and my brothers were a deeper color of red with a mix of dark brown. We both had tanned skin like Paps and all the time, strangers on the street would tell us how much we look like our parents. It rather gets annoying at times.

"You needed to sleep. Our family doesn't wait for us." he said. I stepped out of the bathroom, gazing at my twin brother. His black frames were placed around his eyes as he was flipping through pages in one of my books. Aeson rolled his eyes. "Why are you dressed like that? Is it because Meredith is here? Kala, this rivalry is getting old and everyone is growing tired of it."

I looked at myself. I wore a strapless black-top that had a little bit of lace stretched in between with a skirt the same color. To top it all off, I wore black boots that ended at my thighs. And I looked damned good at the moment. "Whatever. I'm wearing this and you can't tell me what to do." I smiled. "And Ace, you know how I feel about Meredith. She has been a pain in my ass all my life. Every time she and her family visit, there is nothing but trouble at her hand. Have you not been paying attention all these years?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Just because others are getting tired of it, doesn't mean I am. It certainly is entertaining to watch you two fight it out." Aeson stood up from where he was sitting on my bed. I followed him out of my bedroom and downstairs, where everyone would be waiting for us. We were close which meant they would hear anything that both of us would say. "I got your back, Kalama. Forever and always. Don't let our cousin make you lose control."

And at that, it warmed my heart more than my powers could ever do. Side by side, we walked into the lion's den as all eyes turned toward us.

***

My twin and I sat across from each other with our parents sitting on each end of the table. Our uncles and aunts all sat beside each other and their children sat next to each other. Aeson and I were the oldest out of all of our cousins. Meredith Breevort was a year younger than us and her younger sister Luci. They were the children of Christian and Amelia, who are full-blooded Vampires. My aunt Grace and uncle Jasper had three children, all ranging from seventeen to four years old. Carsten Miller was close to our age and the oldest of all three, the next was Willow who was as sweet as can be and Emmeline. She had to sit in a high chair because she was still too little to sit in a regular chair. Meanwhile, there was Dakota and Rosalind, Kellan and Zahra's children. Rosie was as small as Emmeline and they were inseparable, much like sisters. They were my family but they can make my blood boil sometimes.

I curled my lips into a smile even when I did not want to do such a thing. "I'm sorry I'm late everyone. My idiot brother decided he wanted me to rest for the eventful day I've had."

Aeson choked on his drink. "I did no such thing-"

"What kind of eventful day?" Meredith interrupted, her voice elegant and calm. Nothing like mine, which was all fire and deep. She took a sip of the dark red liquid that mostly everyone in this room loves to death. Including me.

"Oh, wouldn't you love to know." I replied, laughing. I gazed at my parents, mostly at my mother who looked calm but I knew she was seething with anger. At my outfit. I have to show Meredith that I am better than her. Trust me, I don't want to wear this outfit. It is very uncomfortable. I spoke in her mind, which I am allowed to do within my close family. I watched as Mama nodded her head slightly, staring at her food as she did not say a word. But I know she was going to talk to me later.

It was quiet at the dinner table as everyone drank their blood or ate their food. The silence made the thoughts louder, which I hated. And I think Father knew that before I did for he spoke in his Kingly voice. "I am glad to see everyone in the same room again. It feels as though no time has passed, huh?" Sebastian laughed to himself as if it were an inside joke. There was a portrait of my Father in the Great Hall and he looked the same as ever. And young. My parents have never aged in all my life. Aeson and I stopped aging a few years ago. "I wanted to invite my family to the very first Summer Solstice here in Ambrosia!"

There were murmurs throughout the table but I stayed silent. He did this for me. Father arranged this because he knew that I am the most powerful at this time for me. It was a celebration for me. He went on, "And of course, there will be a Winter Solstice. This will be a week-long holiday where the city will celebrate the longest day in summer and the longest night in winter."

"Since Sebastian is horrible at planning such things like this, I have called in reinforcements." Elora said, staring at Sebastian. There was a silent conversation between them that I could never understand. Then she turned toward Aunt Ellie and Grace, excitement in her golden eyes. "You should have seen the last party he tried to arrange. It was horrid. He took us to an amusement park and we all vomited except for me when we got on a rollercoaster. So please, take his party planning privileges away from him."

"Ew, Mom. You did not have to tell everyone that story." I said.

She chuckled. "It's a funny story. Who knew the King of Ambrosia would be frightened of rollercoasters."

"Ha-ha," Sebastian grumbled. "It is a death machine and I will not get on it again."

"Next time, there will be pictures." Aunt Ellie said, laughing at the story. "I want to see it now. I would love to hold it over your head for the rest of eternity."

"Send me those photos, Ellie." Uncle Christian finally said, a smirk on his lips. "It is our vengeance for beating us at the annual snowball fight."

Sebastian sighed. "You will not do such a thing! To be clear, Kellan has already videos of us singing karaoke while drunk at his wedding. It has been years!"

"So very irresponsible, Dad." I said. "What is the saying you use on me all the time? Oh, what is it? Yes, I know..." I paused, smiling at my Father. "You know better." And at that, Sebastian Breevort tilt his head back and laughed.

The rest of the family laughed alongside him. It was my brother to speak again. "Oh, sister. How dramatic of you."

I glanced at my Mother and Father. "I learn from the best."

Everyone held conversations with each other but I stayed quiet. I did not particularly feel like speaking at the moment, it has been a rough day and my wounds were almost healed. I slipped out of the Dining Hall silently and trudged up to my favorite spot in all of the castle. I climbed out of one of the windows and climbed to the roof, where I could see the moon and stars better than any balcony ever could.

There were a slight wind and the summer head drenched into my skin, making my lips curl into a slight smile. This was my favorite time of the year and I was happier. But this year I was nothing but numb. The pain in my heart has made me feel nothing and I hate it. I want to move on but I cannot. Not for a very long time.

I miss him. And his blood will always be stained on my hands forever.

Or his ashes, I have to say.

***