Their Flame {ON HIATUS UNTIL MY WRITER'S BLOCK GETS HIT BY A TRUCK}

Chapter 14: Katrina

Author's Note:

Hey guys! I just wanted to mention that the photo above is similar to the garden in the story. Just imagine an old fountain in the center and a wall around the perimeter. Hope you enjoy the chapter!

😎😎😎

There is a forgotten garden behind our town that not many people know about. Its entrance is hidden by a group of large euonymus bushes, thick hanging vines, and a few small trees that need some water. 

The entire area has been abandoned by all but a few. Even the nearby plaza's maintenance crew has long forgotten this place.

I found it one day after taking a wrong turn when I first moved here. Ever since then, I've used it as my sanctuary. 

Past the entrance, an old fountain that ran dry a while ago stands proud, surrounded by a variety of roses, lilies, and carnations. Trees line the garden's wall on all sides, forming a large ring that would look pretty cool from the air.

Old, stone benches are scattered throughout the garden. The years of weather that have confronted them left scars in forms of cracks and holes littered across their bodies.

The ground itself is usually covered with thick grass, but it seems like one of the locals that live nearby cut it down somewhat. The few people who do know about this spot try to take care of it when they can. 

I sometimes bring down large jugs of water in an old wagon to give to the plants when this area hits a dry spell. That usually draws a few confused stares, but I don't really care.

Cracked concrete winds around the area in a circle, breaking off into smaller paths at different parts.

Overall, this place is beautiful. Ever since I found it, it's been my favorite place in the entire town.

I walk around for a few minutes, admiring the different flowers and plants before sitting on one of the benches and pulling my water bottle from my bag. 

Right before I pull off the cap, I groan as the world starts to spin in slow motion. 

Not again. 

This time, instead of a cage or a baby, it's just them in a blank white room. The woman looks deep into my eyes and says something. I can't decipher it completely, but a few words stand out. 

"... we'll… find… you…"

Then I'm awake again, my eyes wide. 

I need to get home. 

I jump up on shaky legs and sprint out of the garden, running down the back road that will get me home faster. I'm almost to my neighborhood when someone grabs my arm and drags me back.

I try to scream but they cover my mouth, pulling me into a building and shutting the door.

I'm shoved to the ground, landing on all fours. Quickly, I jump up, wobbling a bit as I look at the people before me. 

"Why hello there, you remember me, don't you?"

The woman purrs the words, making me flinch. I just nod, unable to speak. My fear makes her grin wickedly. 

"Who are you? Why do you want me so badly?"

Her smile deepens as she places her hand on her chest. 

"I'm hurt you don't know my name darling. You can just call me Aubrey. And the reason I want you is because you're valuable. You possess powers far greater than anyone else who has come to this planet and anyone who has been here since the day they were born."