In Shadows of Night

You Will Burn

You Will Burn

Cora

I jolted awake, my arms draped over a chair, with a sense of overwhelming calm and peace washing over me. I looked to my left and right, and noticed Theos staring at me intently. When I stood, my pain was gone. I went to the bathroom and washed my face, again, completely healed. My hair seemed shiny, more lush. My eyes were brighter and my skin seemed to glow with the light of the sun.

The sun. The sun is out.

"Theos?" I called. "What the fuck happend? Why am I healed? Why is the sun shining?" I was looking around completely confused.

"We were hoping you could tell us?" He paused. "You and your sister have been sleeping for a long time, but, at three yesterday morning, the sun started to rise and hasn't set." I looked around and my eyes focused on Theos.

"Jace." I whispered. "I killed him."

"Then it started." He paused. "Let the battle rage." He sighed.

"I guess it's time to call your father." I smiled.

"No. Don't." His voice came too late.

My eyes fluttered shut and darkness overwhelmed my vision before a cloud of smoke welcomed me to the palace. I could hear voices chattering about, but their tongue seemed foreign to me. A powerful, booming voice spoke over the rest, however, and his dialect clear and concise.

"She's alive. Find her. Kill her." Urlos' voice filled with panic. I could hear his heartbeat, fluttering faster and faster. He was scared. I walked slowly into the room, my voice slow and clear.

"Hello, Urlo." He turned and took a swipe with his fist. His hand flew through me like air. I tsked at his attempt. His eyes flew open even wider and his jaw dropped.

"End this, or I will." I boomed.

"Fuck you." He quipped.

"No thanks."

"So, did you just come to taunt me, then? I have work to do." I shrugged.

"As much as I enjoy playing with my food." I rolled my eyes. "I'm here to make you a deal. Stop this bullshit, or I stop your bullshit. Your choice."

"Who do you think you're talking to?" He squared up.

"Do you know who YOU are talking to?" I stomped toward him, throwing my fists down. Energy just dripped from my body, pushing him to take a step back. "I am Virtue, of the Okiyah. I restore the balance of good and evil. I am the apocalypse and you, you pathetic, sniveling, conniving snake will be saved for last- you will burn." I turned my back and stalked out of the room, disappearing into smoke.

When I came back to, Theos was pacing frantically, holding a crying Thedia. I jolted awake again and jumped to my feet. Sweat dripped down my forehead. I walked to Thedia, pulling her from Theos. Immediately, she calmed and cuddled into my chest.

"We need to find a safe place to keep Kayla, Thedia, and Legnietta. Hide them well, Gem. I'm relying on you to keep them safe." He nodded back at me and disappeared into a whisper of light.

"So, what's next?" Theos looked to me.

"We burn."