The Mark of Fallen Flame

Chapter 1- Emma

The final breath of summer's muggy heat wrapped around Emma like a thick blanket as she and Adrianna stepped out of the boisterous restaurant, chatting loudly. The scent of fresh rainfall cleared her head like nothing else could, and she found herself inhaling it deeply, a smile curving her lips.

The cars that drove by splashed water up onto the curb, their headlights reflected off the road.

"I can't help it," Adrianna said matter-of-factly, "drummers are my weakness."

Emma laughed. "Aaron plays the guitar, that's close. Besides, he's a good-looking guy, not to mention extremely smart. He couldn't keep his eyes off you at band practice."

"Yes, but he's a ginger."

"Ouch." Emma mock-winced. "My mother has red hair, you know."

Adrianna's snort was nearly drowned out by the clacking of their heels on the wet pavement. "She has strawberry-blond hair. That doesn't count," she countered.

"I think you're just scared to go outside your comfort zone. Give Aaron a chance. He might rock your world." Emma winked. Both girls burst into laughter.

As they rounded the corner, their laughter faded. The air became like ice, sending a shiver down Emma's spine. Clutching her arms around herself, she shared a look with Adrianna that said, Why didn't either of us bring jackets?

A whimper that stretched into a whine brought them to an abrupt halt.

"Did you hear that?" Emma asked. Adrianna's thick brows creased. The whimper came again, followed by the unmistakable howl of an animal.

They approached a darkened alleyway on their right from where the sound seemed to emanate. The hairs on the back of Emma's neck stood on end, her skin clammy.

Emma started forward, but before she entered the side street, a slender hand gripped her arm, whipping her around.

"You can't go down there!" Adrianna hissed.

"There's an injured animal down there, A." Emma turned her head and squinted, trying to catch a glimpse of the creature. As if in answer, a light from above a shop door flickered on for a moment, illuminating a dumpster and a dark form on the ground beside it.

"And what are you going to do about it if there is?" Adrianna asked, panic growing in her voice. "Just call your mom and have her come take a look."

Emma shook her head. "She's in surgery until at least eleven tonight."

"Well, we can call a veterinary clinic on our way to the concert," Adrianna suggested, gripping Emma's arm with both hands as if anchoring her to the pavement. Adrianna was only about an inch taller than Emma, but unlike Emma, Adrianna's mother hadn't insisted she take self-defense classes on a regular basis. Emma glanced down at her friend's tightening grasp.

"Come on, Em, please," Adrianna whispered. "You know I don't like alleys. Or the dark. Combine the two, and you're just asking for a panic attack!"

Emma stared into Adrianna's dark, frightened eyes. With a small, reassuring smile, Emma eased the fingers off her arm one-by-one.

"You stay right here; I'll just be a minute." Emma pulled out her phone and turned on the flashlight feature. The animal let out a low, pained moan, making Emma's chest ache. She stepped forward softly, crouching so as not to scare the creature. Each step pushed a dagger of ice further between her lungs, the weight heavy in her chest, making it hard to breathe, but she didn't stop.