HOUSE OF FIRE

Chapter 4

     Groaning, I roll in bed and stretch my arms and legs with a sigh of satisfaction. I haven’t slept this peacefully in weeks. In fact, I don’t remember the last time I slept without waking up from nightmares I can never recall. Opening my eyes slowly, I frown when once again I realize I’m in unfamiliar surroundings, and in unfamiliar clothes, only this time panic is starting to build in my chest because I honestly and totally have no idea where the hell I am. Sitting upright I scan the blue room and wonder who brought me here, the last thing I remember is Steven and a ball of fire.

     Getting out of bed, I hurry out of the room and pause as the sight of a railing comes into view. Slowly stepping closer, I rest my hand on the wooden handrail to stare at what appears to be a living room and an open kitchen. There’s a dining table set with steaming plates situated between the kitchen and the living room and the aroma of a freshly cooked meal makes my mouth water.

       From here, I have a full view of Steven’s back as he stands before the sink and relaxes a little when it becomes clear I’m not in a hostage situation. Seeing him makes me remember everything that occurred yesterday, the things he’d told me and the things I’d seen for myself. I remember the panicked feeling I felt when I saw those flames, how suffocated and scared I was, the horrifying memories spilling out of my pandora box and assaulting my mind in various flashes before I passed out when it all became too much.

      Stepping away from the handrail, I move in the direction of the stairs and make my way down, wrapping my hands around my body I softly clear my throat as I draw closer to the kitchen. Looking over his shoulder, he smiles in greeting. “hey, you’re up already.”

      “Yeah, kind of had a mini freak out when I woke in different clothes and an unfamiliar room,” I say, raising a hand to run it through my tangled bed hair.

    “Sorry if you got startled. It's just, after you passed out I could only bring you here. I didn’t think you’d want to wake up in the infirmary again.” he shrugs, his face apologetic before he turns his attention back to the dishes. Quickly rinse out the last of it he turns to give me his full attention, taking out the hand towel tucked in the pocket of his apron to wipe his hands. The aroma of food makes my stomach rumble and I press my hands to it in embarrassment.
    
     “come on,” he chuckles, amused. Stepping out he places a hand on my back and guides me towards the table. “I was just about to go get you but you’ve saved me the trip.”
 
      I settle across from him and stare at the large plate with wide eyes, he’d made scrambled eggs with bacon and sausages, toasted bread sliced in triangular form with a spread of butter layered on top, canned baked beans and a glass of orange juice. “I don’t think I’d be able to finish it all,” I say, surprised that he can even cook, and he smiles in reassurance.

      “It’s okay, just make sure to eat your fill though.” he jokes, winking. “I don’t want you passing out again.”
 
      Biting down on my lip, I ponder on whether or not to explain it to him but decided to just go ahead considering he’ll most likely find out sooner or later. Picking up my spoon, I keep my head down as I say. “I suffer from anxiety when faced with the sight of fire.”

    Silence settles between the two of us and I slowly raise my head to gauge his thoughts, and to my surprise, I see nothing but a knowing look in his eyes. “I kind of figured when you all but swooned back at the academy.”

     “Okay,” I swallow, feeling awkward, before glancing back down at my food. Taking a bite of the beans I let it warm my tongue a little before chewing. “if you were aware then why am I still here?”
 
      “what do you mean?”

     “I mean, I remember everything you told me yesterday and I think I have an idea of where that conversation was heading to. If my guess is right, I have no business being in this school.”
  
      “I think you already know that isn’t true Coral,” he tilts his head, staring at me calmly. “as my daughter you’re an elemental conjurer. Being elemental is hereditary, and there is no way the blood-”