Scribbled Thoughts

Chapter Nineteen

Rekindled Friendship

Prince Earl left Firo two days later with no more trouble. He didn’t seek Lennie or me out, and he didn’t revisit the fire caves.

            ‘Don’t let your guard down,’ Lennie warned. ‘He’s situated at Lar now, which is too close for comfort.’

            ‘I know.’ I said, but couldn’t help relaxing a little. If Earl hadn’t acted while he was here with Ignatius, then was he really that interested in me?

            A girlish giggle made me look over at the trinket stall, frowning. Annie was stood there with Chuck. He was handing money over to the clerk and dangling a heart shaped necklace in front of Annie’s face. She giggled again, turning around so Chuck could fasten it around her neck.

            ‘If you keep glaring at them like that you’ll burn a hole through his head.’

            ‘Good.’ I said, slamming a fruit onto the table.

            Annie and Chuck didn’t even notice.

---

‘Dimi,’ Mum sighed, trying to hide an amused grin. ‘Annie is fourteen, and Chuck is a good lad.’

            ‘She’s too young! He’s taking advantage.’ I protested, standing up from my chair so I could follow her around the kitchen.

            ‘Oh?’ She said, raising an amused eyebrow. ‘I seem to remember you were only twelve when you started dating Iris.’

            ‘But we were the same age.’

            ‘Dimi, we’ve known Chuck for years. He’s matured a lot, and Annie likes him. I thought you’d be relieved she was dating someone older; someone more like you.’

            The idea made the situation so much worse. Chuck was my age, and I knew all too well what type of thoughts occupied my mind.

            ‘Annie shouldn’t date anyone until she’s eighteen.’ I said firmly.

            Mum just shook her head, laughing.

            ‘Good luck telling her that.’

---

I was forced to hold my tongue that night with Mum’s well-timed glares. Annie didn’t mention Chuck, but the necklace was in plain view and she kept fiddling around with it.

            ‘He could have at least bought her something decent. Those trinkets are just cheap junk for the tourists.’ I muttered as I helped Aaron in the hotel kitchen.

            ‘Really? And what exactly did you buy your old girlfriend when you dated?’ He pointed out.

            I gaped at him, spluttering for an answer.

            ‘I-I was only twelve!’

            ‘You still had a job.’ Aaron said, grinning at my reaction. ‘Chuck just got one as a builder, right? So he wants to shower his woman with gifts.’

            ‘Annie isn’t his woman!’ I snarled.

            Aaron rolled his eyes.

            ‘Dint, face it, your little sister is growing up. Chuck is a good guy; if she’s chosen him you should be happy. Seriously man, you have to loosen your grip over her, or you’ll end up losing her completely.’

            I scoffed, transferring the eggs a little too harshly from the pan to the plates.

            ‘Hey, watch it! You’re making the yolk run!’

            ‘Annie wouldn’t turn her back on family.’ I muttered.

            Aaron gave me a sympathetic smile.

            ‘Everyone grows up, Dint. Life can’t stay this way forever.’

---

My temper simmered under the surface all day, making any small talk customers tried dry up. Lennie sighed and sent me home early, saying my mood was costing him business.

            So it was only four thirty when I arrived home, coming in quietly and hearing two female voices in the kitchen.

            ‘He really said that? How sweet!’ Iris squealed, making me freeze and hold my breath.

            ‘Yeah, right after he gave me the necklace. I’m so happy, Iris! I’ve liked him for so long now.’ Annie sighed dreamily. ‘I know he was mean at first, but he’s the first boy who tried to be friendly to Dimi after his skin changed, and that meant a lot.’

            I paused at that, realising it was true. Since Iris’ party Chuck had always tried to be polite to me. We’d never become friends, but he was someone I could engage in small talk with.

            But Annie is my little sister. Can I really trust him with her?

            ‘I’m sorry; here I am going on about Chuck when you and Hal broke up.’

            ‘No, don’t worry, I’m fine now.’ Iris reassured.

            What if she gets hurt? It’s my job to protect her…but she’s growing up…

            ‘Really? But didn’t you go all the way with him?’

            Wha-?

            I could feel my face heat up, turning my scales an even brighter red.

            ‘Yes, we did, but I think that’s how I knew we wouldn’t last. It wasn’t done out of love; it was more like…for practice.’

            ‘…What was it like?’

            I stomped into the kitchen, startling them both as I pointed a shaking finger at Annie.

            ‘You are not having sex with Chuck! I forbid you to even think of it!’

            They both gaped at me in astonishment before Annie managed to splutter some words together.

            ‘Dimi, I’m not-’

            ‘You better not be! Not until your wedding night, or better yet, never! There are some things a brother should never have to imagine his sister doing!’

            ‘But you’re the one who brought it up!’ Annie yelled back, her face as red as mine.

            ‘Because you’re dating Chuck now! He’s my age, Annie! That’s all he’ll think about!’

             ‘Maybe that’s just you, you pervert!’

            Iris’ uncontrollable laughter made us both stop and look at her. She shook her head but carried on laughing.

            ‘Oh, you two!’ She laughed, her head banging on the kitchen table as she giggled into her arms. ‘You’re still the same Dimi and Annie from five years ago.’

            I looked at Iris in shock, but felt a content smile settle in place. I shook my head as I laughed a little, pulling up a chair to sit with them.

Chapter Eighteen

Prince Earl

‘I don’t know why you’re so worried; he’s not going to come to the market stalls.’ I said, ignoring Lennie’s nervous twitchiness and putting more fruit out.

            ‘I’d still feel better if you stayed home today.’

            I gave him a narrowed glance. ‘Why would Prince Earl be interested in me anyway? Is there something you’re not telling me?’

            ‘I’m only cautious because of your own suspicions,’ he sighed, ‘I know you want to help Firo, but making yourself known to Earl isn’t the way.’

            I scoffed and turned to serve a customer.

            Over five years had passed since Father had left for good. In that time Lennie had been true to his word about keeping Ignatius at bay. I hadn’t met the immortal since. When I returned from Laven in the fire caves he was never in sight.

            But over the years I had started to piece Firo’s mystery together. Someone was hurting her, had entrapped her. Tourists were good at bringing gossip, and one rumour mentioned a dragon being kept imprisoned at Tempit castle.

            ‘If he reacts to me I’ll know the rumours are true.’ I said firmly. ‘And I can figure out a way to save her.’

            Lennie sighed in defeat.

            ‘I hope you know what you’re doing. Just make sure he never learns your real name.’

            Prince Earl arrived in the town mid-morning, heading straight to the Inn to wait out the hot mid-day weather.

            ‘I even caught a glimpse,’ Mary gushed. ‘So young and handsome, but I didn’t see him smile once. Poor thing, I hear he’s been relocated to Lar with the rest of his brothers now.’

            ‘Maybe there’s a good reason the King doesn’t want them in Tempit.’ I said, earning a glare.

            ‘Well, if they were planning a coup, not many would complain! An immortal king isn’t right, especially that tyrant!’

            ‘Careful what you say.’ Lennie said gently. ‘Even here there are ears.’

            A lot of people didn’t believe the King had really lived over two hundred years, or the rumours that he had black magic. Annie had explained the history to me once, saying there was once an elf who’d been born with dark magic. He had terrorised many towns until the King stopped him, stealing his power and taking it as his own. As a result he stopped aging, just like an elf. Some of his children had already died of old age, while he remained in his thirties.

            Residents didn’t believe it, but tourists who came from towns closer to Tempit swore on its truthfulness. Grown men and women had seen the King when they were children, and then again when older, unable to find any signs of aging.

            ‘Maybe he just doesn’t want to watch his children and grandchildren grow old and die anymore.’ I shrugged, not believing it for a moment. If the King really did have Firo, then he was a man who didn’t let moral or sentimental attachments hold him back.

            Half an hour later we closed the stall for the mid-day heat. The fruit from Aneller or the desert didn’t wilt in the weather, but the fruit from Lar or further away had to be preserved with pickling.

            ‘Go home,’ Lennie said. ‘And if you take the rest of the day off I’d be very relieved.’

            I sighed at his insistence, not arguing but also not planning to listen. Mum was still a maid for Felicity, but didn’t get as much pay now her baby was grown and attending school. In fact, she was in the class Annie taught.

            ‘Anyone home?’ I called as I entered the house.

            ‘Oh, hi Dimi.’ Annie said, distracted. ‘I’m just preparing for my afternoon class.’

            I rolled my eyes, not daring to move any of the papers scattered about on the kitchen table.

            Annie had finished her schooling at twelve, and for the last two years had been a full time teaching assistant. Now she had her own class of five to six year olds in the mornings.

            ‘Why are you doing the afternoon class? I thought that’s Iris’?’

            ‘Yeah, but I said I’d take care of them today. She broke up with Hal and needs some time alone.’ She looked up then, giving me a meaningful gaze. ‘They didn’t even last six months.’

            I turned to look in the cupboards, saying nothing. Annie sighed, turning back to her work.

            ‘You’re so stubborn, Dimi. You could at least try being friends again.’

---

Lennie’s jaw clenched shut in annoyance when he saw me return that afternoon. I gave him a smug smile.

            ‘I am grateful for you protecting me.’ I said, ‘But I can’t hide forever. She needs me.’

            Lennie sighed, saying nothing more about it as we worked.

            We saw his guards long before the Prince himself, four altogether. One in front, one behind and one either side, keeping the crowd at bay. It was only because the customer I was serving turned to look that I bothered glancing at him.

            He was older than me, in his early twenties, with short, neat black hair and brown eyes. He was shorter than me, but average height. His face was a careful neutral as he glanced at the stall, nodding at the merchants. As soon as his eyes strayed to me he stopped, his face flashing with surprise before he smiled gleefully.

            ‘Here we go.’ Lennie whispered quietly before plastering on a bright smile and bowing.

            ‘My Prince, you honour us with your presence.’

            I rolled my eyes a little but bowed as well. So far Earl hadn’t taken his eyes off me.

            ‘Indeed.’ He said, distracted. ‘And you are?’

            ‘I’m Lennie, a simple stall owner, and this is my assistant.’

            Earl waited a moment before finally turning his gaze to Lennie and raising an eyebrow.

            ‘And does he not have a name?’

            ‘Firo.’ I said, holding my head high and staring right into his eyes. ‘I’m known as Firo.’

            I think Lennie would have smacked his hand to his forehead at that moment if he was able.

            ‘I see,’ Earl grinned, the manic look in his eyes filling me with dread.

            On second thought, maybe I should have listened to Lennie.

            ‘Well, Firo, I’m in need of a guide to visit Ignatius at the fire caves. You will lead me.’

            He had already half turned before I blurted out a startled,

            ‘No!’

            He turned back, frowning.

            ‘T-that is, my Prince, I can’t visit that place. I can provide directions, but I can’t see Ignatius.’        

            ‘That is true, my Prince.’ Lennie broke in. ‘There is…an agreement in place. If you prefer, I can guide you.’

            Lennie’s appearance flickered for a second, making Earl’s eyes widen. He flickered again, offering a warm smile.

            Did he just let his illusion slip for a second? I wondered.

            ‘Indeed, I would prefer that.’ Earl said, turning away again. Lennie gave me a quick pat on the shoulder before following.

---

I had just finished packing the tables into Lennie’s storage house when he arrived home, giving me a tired smile.

            ‘Well, I can now say I’ve met my brother Ignatius.’ He said, trying to sound light.

            ‘What’s going to happen?’

            ‘I don’t know. Clearly Earl and Ignatius are planning an alliance, but I wasn’t privy to the details. Be on guard, they’ll make their move before too long, and I don’t think I can fully protect you anymore.’

            I nodded in understanding.

            So be it. No more hiding.

Chapter Seventeen

Partings

The rainy season lasted eight days. Lennie quickly investigated the storage house, finding it had flooded, but the stuff stored higher up had been spared damage.

            ‘Well, never mind, the traders will be here soon. They would have missed our business the last week.’

            ‘Do they just camp out in the desert?’ I asked.

            ‘No, they stay at Lar and wait for the rain to begin stopping, then they follow it.’

            ‘Follow it?’

            ‘I guess you wouldn’t realise, but the rainy season spreads out through the whole desert. When it stops it first begins dwindling from the outer desert and the process slowly makes its way to Firo. The same happens when it starts, which is why we get some warning before it hits us.’

            ‘I didn’t know rain did that.’ I frowned.

            ‘Other rain doesn’t; it is something unique to the rainy season here, probably due to a spell cast long ago.’

            We were too busy for the rest of the morning to talk much. I finally headed home, dreading the state I’d find the whole house in.

            ‘Oh Dimi, you’re back!’ Annie grinned when I stepped through the door. I blinked in confusion at the clean and undamaged sitting room and kitchen.

            ‘How-’

            ‘Well, Iris, Chuck and I were in the house when the rain started, so we’ve been protecting it.’ Annie said proudly.

            I frowned, ‘Why weren’t you at school? You shouldn’t be giving Chuck his lessons at that time.’

            ‘He has exams coming up, so both Iris and I were told to spend entire school days teaching him. Thanks to the rainy season he’s really prepared now.’

            My frown deepened, not liking the idea of Annie spending a whole week here with that horrid boy.

            ‘He behaved himself,’ she reassured. ‘And Iris was here the whole time.’

            ‘Good job I brought today’s leftovers.’ I sighed. ‘You must have eaten everything we had.’

            I set the food down on the kitchen table, trying to sound casual. ‘Is Iris and Chuck still here?’

            ‘No, they both went home to check their own houses.’

            I sighed in relief and saw Annie narrow her eyes.

            ‘Dimi, is there something wrong with you and Iris? You’ve been acting weird since she came back.’

            I ignored her and started putting the food away.

            ‘Well, it’s her birthday party in a month, so try to make up for that, okay?’

            I cursed inwardly.

            ‘Okay.’ I said, trying to come up with a plan to get out of it.

---

Even a trip to Laven couldn’t save me. Lance soon realised I was trying to stay longer for a reason, and being Lance, made it his personal mission to make my life as painful as possible.

            ‘But I don’t exactly blend in.’ I protested as he ‘escorted’ me to Eilir’s hut. ‘I’d rather stay here and reach Firo.’

            ‘Three nights is long enough. She clearly isn’t going to tell you anything.’ Lance chuckled. ‘And even if you don’t blend, this is part of your obligation to your mate. Trust me, it will be easier if you do as you’re told and keep her happy.’

            The word mate reminded me of Lance’s talk, and I spluttered in embarrassment.

            ‘I-I can’t have a mate anymore! Not ever!’

            Lance stopped walking, turning to look at me with a chilling, blank stare. He remained silent so long I had started to tremble.

            ‘I don’t see why you feel that way,’ he said quietly, ‘But you shouldn’t lead that girl on if that’s your choice.’

            He walked past me, leaving me standing in front of Eilir’s hut without a backwards glance.

---

‘I’m so glad you both came!’ Iris beamed, her house already filled with people. She turned a puzzled glance to Aaron, but was still polite. ‘And you are?’

            ‘I’m Aaron, Dint’s friend,’ he grinned. ‘Sorry for inviting myself, but I figured he needed moral support.’

            ‘M-moral support?’ Iris asked, her smile straining. ‘You think I can’t support my own boyfriend?’

            ‘I think this is your party and you should focus on having fun.’ Aaron said with an easy smile. ‘I’ll be a fly on the wall for the good stuff, and whisk him away for the bad, deal?’

            Iris tried to keep a stern face, but couldn’t help mimicking his smile.

            ‘In that case, please come in.’ she grinned, moving out of the way and giving a mock bow.

            Their easy acceptance of each other made me irritated, not knowing why. I turned to Annie and smiled as we entered, trying to banish the thought from my mind.

            Most of the children were my age, but a few were older. Marge hovered in the background, providing food and drinks but otherwise staying out of the way. Everytime she looked at Iris she had a proud smile on her face.

            I could feel everyone staring whenever I went near them. I recognised Chuck sat casually with his friends on the floor. His face turned pale and he frantically began to whisper. I sighed, starting to head into the kitchen.

            ‘Oh no you don’t.’ Aaron tutted, grabbing the back of my t-shirt. ‘No hiding when we’ve only just arrived.’

            To my horror he steered me towards Chuck’s group, his easy smile still in place. Annie had already disappeared with Iris so my one hope of escape was gone.

            ‘Aaron,’ I started.

            ‘Hi!’ Aaron grinned. ‘Mind if we join you?’

            Chuck narrowed his eyes but nodded. ‘Aren’t you that guy from the Inn?’

            ‘The one too stupid to be in school?’ One of his friend’s sneered. I glared at him and smugly watched his face drain of colour.

            ‘Too busy, not too stupid.’ Aaron corrected with a good-natured shrug. ‘My life is going to revolve around food, so that’s all I need to know about.’

            ‘But aren’t you going to take over the Inn one day?’ Another asked, curious. ‘Won’t you need to know figures?’

            ‘I just want to be a cook, but my dad has been teaching me anyway, just in case. I guess you can say I’m being home schooled.’

            Just like that Aaron had been accepted. I watched, part fascinated, part envious as he soon had them rolling on the floor laughing at his stories.

            Why does he put up with me when he can make friends so easily?

            I glanced down at my empty cup then looked around for Marge.

            ‘Anyone want a refill? I asked, the laughter instantly dying down. ‘I can’t see Mrs. Hale so I’ll brave the kitchen.’

            ‘Sure, sounds great!’ Aaron said. To my surprise Chuck nodded too. His friends were looking anywhere but me.

            ‘Okay, I’ll be right back.’ I said, deciding to bring them all one anyway.

            The kitchen was empty, with fresh fruit ready to be squeezed for more drinks but no Marge in sight. I debated just preparing some water, but shook my head and started squeezing some oranges.

            ‘Oh Dimi, you don’t have to do that!’ Iris said, entering five minutes later. ‘Mum got called to the stall for an hour, so I’ll do it.’

            ‘But it’s your party; I can do it.’ I said glancing at her briefly then looking away.

            ‘But it’s your birthday tomorrow, and you’re not throwing a party.’ Iris insisted, moving closer. ‘At least let me help.’

            She looked amazing in a blue party dress with a large ribbon round the middle. Her body was showing signs of change, growing into a beautiful young woman. I swallowed, squeezing the orange harder.

            ‘I didn’t want a party.’ I said eventually.

            ‘Well, I’m glad you came to mine.’

            She moved closer, bumping our arms together and giggling.

            ‘Iris,’ I began.

            ‘Shush, it will be okay.’ She whispered, leaning in closer. ‘You’re still my Dimi.’

            As soon as her lips touched mine I pulled away and took a few steps back.

            ‘I can’t! I can’t do this anymore Iris!’

            ‘I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have pushed-’

            ‘No! This has to stop! You and me…we have to stop.’

            ‘W-what? What are you talking about?’

            ‘I’m not the same person anymore.’

            Her eyes were filling with shocked tears, but she shook her head in denial. ‘I already told you, I don’t care about the scales.’

            ‘I’m not talking about how I look. Iris, I’m…I’m different now. I don’t want what you do anymore.’

            ‘…You don’t want me?’ she choked out.

            ‘You want to live here your whole life, but I don’t think I can anymore. There’s something I need to do now.’

            ‘Something you need to do? And it’s more important than me or Annie?’ She asked, her voice and anger rising.

            I stayed silent.

            ‘And you chose today, of all days, to tell me!’ She quickly grabbed a squeezed orange and threw it at me. It bounced harmlessly off my head. ‘You’re despicable, Dimitri Leav! Despicable!’

            She bolted from the kitchen, tears running down her face. I flinched, seeing her bump into Aaron, who had been hovering outside the kitchen entrance. Aaron winced but Iris kept going, ignoring any concerned faces and diving towards her room.

            ‘Wow Dint,’ Aaron finally said, ‘I didn’t see that coming…But did you really need to do it on her birthday?’

            ‘Leave me alone.’ I spat out, ‘Go hang out with your new friends.’

            ‘Hey, there’s no reason to be like that.’ He began, but I quickly shoved past him, striding through the house and out the front door.

            He didn’t follow me.

---

Annie didn’t come home until after dark, her eyes puffy and her temper formidable.

            ‘I can’t believe you!’ she exploded, poking me hard in the chest. ‘Iris is such a caring person; how could you do that?’

            ‘What’s wrong?’ Mum asked, startled. I’d hidden from her since she’d come home, but Annie’s return had forced my guilty conscious to wander into the kitchen.

            ‘He broke up with Iris at her party! She wouldn’t leave her room and Mrs. Hale sent everyone home. I…she’s so upset.’ Her gaze turned back to me, making me flinch. ‘You are such a jerk!’

            ‘I didn’t mean to do it like that.’ I muttered.

            ‘Oh Dimi,’ Mum sighed, ‘If you didn’t want to be with her anymore then you did the right thing, but to do it at her party…’

            ‘I know.’ I whispered, head bowed. ‘But I couldn’t do it anymore.’

            ‘You’re horrible. I hate you!’ Annie screamed, running to her room.

            Mum gave me a weak smile.

            ‘Give her time, sweetie. I better go pop over to Marge’s and see how she’s doing.’

---

Mum didn’t come back that night, and I stayed in the kitchen until the early hours of the morning.

            Happy birthday. I told myself miserably, climbing to my feet and leaving the house.

            I left the quiet town, taking the familiar and dreaded route to the fire caves.

            Why did it turn out like this?

            When they were in sight I stopped, the sun only beginning to peek over the horizon. Father was already outside, backpack ready, gazing the opposite way. His head turned, frowning at me.

            I took a step forward but saw him shake his head firmly. He slung his pack on his back and began walking away.

            I never saw him again.

Chapter Sixteen

Rainy Season

It was near the end of our working day when the rain began to fall. I cursed, hurriedly packing the leftover products away while Lennie just shook his head in amusement.

            ‘You could help, you know!’ I snapped. Already I was drenched, the heavy, relentless downfall sticking my hair to my face and stinging my eyes.

            ‘I’m surprised you didn’t notice the signs earlier. What’s troubling you so to miss the warnings of the rainy season beginning?’

            I felt my face flush but refused to answer, finishing packing up the fruits and vegetables then stacking the boxes in my arms. Lennie sighed at my silence, picking up the rest of the boxes I couldn’t manage and dashing towards his home.

            I’d been to Lennie’s storage house countless times to help set up the stall, but never accepted an invitation into his house next to it. After placing the boxes in the storage house, then going back to rescue the tables, I didn’t have any energy to protest following Lennie into his house.

            I glanced tiredly around, trying to hide my disappointment. His house was small with only a kitchen, a small sitting area and one bedroom. There was nothing hinting at Lennie’s true identity or even a hobby.

            ‘Here, you must be freezing.’ Lennie said as he handed me a towel. I frowned, shaking my head.

            ‘Actually, I’m fine. It was annoying when I was in the rain because it hurt my eyes, but I wasn’t cold.’ I brought my right hand to my face, seeing the bare skin had water droplets resting on the surface, which rolled off easily when I moved it. My clothes were soaked, but the skin underneath wasn’t even damp.

            Lennie laughed at the sight, ‘Well, it looks like you’ll fair better in this rain than any of us. If you didn’t have to wear clothes, I imagine it would even be enjoyable.’

            I started scrubbing my hair to hide my face, trying to scrub the image of dancing naked in the rain out of my mind.

            ‘Don’t be stupid.’ I said, trying not to sounds as embarrassed as I felt.

            Lennie shrugged it off good-naturedly, drying his own hair.

            ‘So, young Firo, what is your plan? Will you brave the rain and return home, or wait out the rainy season here? I have plenty of supplies.’

            I paused, considering. The rainy season was usually a week of constant rain, which shut down most businesses in the town. The sun would evaporate a lot of the water during the day, but flooding was still a common problem, at night especially. Once the rainy season started, it was best to stay where you were and barricade the house as much as possible to stop the rain getting in.

            ‘Mum will still be at Felicity’s and Annie at the school. They’ll stay put. I could go back to try protect the house from flooding, but doing it alone wouldn’t be very effective, and we don’t have anything valuable anyway. Annie’s been keeping her books at school and everything else we can dry out later.’

            ‘Good, then it’s decided,’ Lennie grinned, ‘You can stay here and keep me company. I think there’re questions I’m long overdue answering for you.’

            I nodded slowly, a mixture of dread and excitement at the prospect.

---

One bath later I was scrawled out on the couch, engulfed in an old sweater and loose pants I had to hold up when I walked around. Lennie had insisted I bathe first, because he was just as resilient against rain and I was the guest.

            I wonder if he can stand up against fire too. I thought, trying to squish the hope it gave me. No, I can’t ask Lennie to help me with Ignatius. R is lower than I, so he wouldn’t stand a chance.

            ‘What’s all the sighing about?’ Lennie asked, stepping into the room in a bathrobe. ‘I wish you’d tell me what’s been troubling you this last week.’

            I shook my head. ‘It’s not that…Lennie, does Ignatius know you’re here?’

            Lennie gave me an unreadable stare before sighing and sitting on the couch next to me, forcing me to swing my legs onto the floor to make room.

            ‘He didn’t at first, but I imagine after your father met me he would have mentioned my presence to his master.’

            I winced, realising that was because I’d asked for a job.

            ‘But so far Ignatius has not objected, in fact he has never tried to contact me. I am of no interest to him.’

            I frowned. ‘But isn’t he your half-brother? I thought he’d want to…’

            ‘Catch up?’ Lennie chuckled, ‘That is not how we immortals are. In fact, I have never met Ignatius. My master, Katriona, has, but they don’t converse much. I think she’s too close in strength for him to manipulate easily, and a fairer partnership isn’t in either of their interests.’

            ‘So you don’t know his plans.’ I sighed, slumping a little.

            ‘I’m afraid not,’ Lennie said, grim faced. ‘But it can’t mean anything good. He clearly has plans for you if he’s letting you stay when you father is leaving.’

            I stiffened. ‘That’s not quite true; he won’t let me leave. Whatever he wants with me I clearly have to be here for.’

            Lennie frowned, a look of alarm spreading across his features.

            ‘I see,’ he said, standing, ‘Let me make us some tea.’

            His reaction left me cold, but I tried to look unaffected when he returned, handing me a steaming mug. I took it, but he continued staring at me.

            ‘I promise you this, as long as I’m in this town I will do everything I can to keep you safe. I may be weaker, but I have my ways.’

            I nodded, swallowing loudly. At that moment he wasn’t Lennie, he was Rafferty, and he looked anything but weak.

            ‘Now,’ he smiled, the eerie presence fading. ‘Enough of that, I want you to finally tell me what’s been bothering you.’

            I sighed, giving in.

            ‘Iris came back, and she acts like nothing has changed.’

            ‘Is that a bad thing?’

            ‘I have changed.’ I said, staring at him, my gaze fierce.

            Lennie nodded as he slowly sat back down.

            ‘Then, I believe you have a difficult choice ahead.’

Chapter Fifteen

Differences

‘Marvellous.’ Lennie sighed for the fifth time, grinning at me. ‘I knew they’d be beautiful, but I was still unprepared.’

            ‘I’m just glad it’s over and I can get back to work. I’m fed up of feeling sick.’ I said, trying to hide my pleasure at his words.

            A lot of the locals are still terrified by me, but the tourists seemed in awe, viewing me as ‘exotic’ and buying from the stall just to get a closer look. Lennie’s business had never done so well. He focused on serving the regulars and doing deliveries while I attracted and entertained the tourists. During the hottest part of the day we closed, my new skin unable to bear it.

            ‘I’m glad to see you happy again.’ Lennie admitted. ‘I worried this would break your spirit…or that you’d never forgive me.’

            ‘Why? I already knew you were, you know.’ I said, glancing nervously around at the crowds nearby. ‘Knowing your real name just means I can trust you now.’

            Lennie’s smile was genuine, but sad.

            ‘And I will not betray that trust, no matter what. You have my word, young Firo.’

            I blinked in surprise at the name, but felt myself slowly grinning.

            I’ll try to make her proud, I thought, my attention turning back to the crowd…

            …and landing on Iris and her mother, staring open mouthed at me.

            I froze, unable to move or think. Eventually Marge snapped out of her shock and pulled Iris away. She didn’t try to resist.

---

I hid in my room when the two of them called at the house later that night. Their voices started out cheerful, with Marge’s delightful voice proclaiming, ‘My little Iris is now a woman!’

            Even in my room I hid my face in embarrassment, now knowing what that meant thanks to Lance.

            ‘Is Tempit really as big as they say?’ Mum asked.

            ‘Bigger, Lily! You can’t even imagine! The buildings and shops are so different there, the structure…I’ve brought back gifts. You wouldn’t believe the clothes they had! So elegant.’

            Iris’ voice interrupted. ‘Um, Mrs. Leav, what happened to Dimi?’

            There was a deadly silence after her words, then low voices as Mum began to explain. I gritted my teeth, climbing under the bed, trying to drown out the world around me.

            Why did she have to come back? I was finally starting to accept this.

            The slow creaking of my bedroom door opening froze my thoughts. I didn’t even dare breathe.

            ‘Dimi?’ Iris asked, hesitating only a moment before stepping boldly into the room, closing the door behind her.

            ‘You shouldn’t do that,’ I said automatically, wincing but unable to change it now. ‘You’re considered a woman now, so being alone in a bedroom together…’

            I faltered as her face appeared next to mine, bending down to look under the bed.

            ‘Is that all you ever think about, Dimitri Leav?’ She teased, her easy smile not once faltering at the sight of me. ‘Perhaps you only worry about it because you dream of stealing my virtue.’

            My face heated up and I scrambled backwards, coming out from under the bed and crouching next to it. Iris did the same on the opposite side, the bed between us.

            ‘Has someone given you the talk then?’ she asked, her voice no longer teasing but kind. I felt tears well up in my eyes.

            ‘Yes, but what does it matter anymore?’ I choked out, embarrassed that sobs were already escaping me but unable to stop them. ‘Nothing like that could ever happen now.’

            Her face morphed to concern as she stood. I shot up too, backing away into the corner of the room, as far away as I could get.

            ‘Don’t! Don’t pretend this doesn’t change what we have! I saw you before; you couldn’t stand the sight of me!’

            ‘That isn’t true!’ Iris burst out, a little angry now. ‘I was just shocked, Dimi! We had no idea things had changed here. I left because so many people were around, and I know you don’t like strangers hearing about your life, that’s all. Nothing between us is different! I still care for you. In fact, I think they’re beautiful.’

            To prove it, she quickly crossed the room, touching my face with both hands and smiling, no trace of doubt on her face.

            ‘I love you, Dimitri,’ she whispered, ‘Can’t you see that?’

            My answer was another sob, and she gently held me as I cried in her arms.

            I don’t understand.

            ‘Everything will be okay, Dimi.’ She soothed, ‘You’ll see.’

---

Iris came by everyday, determined to prove her feelings hadn’t changed. I was starting to believe her, but I still couldn’t see us ever being the way we once were.

            ‘Is it the virtue thing?’ Iris teased, ‘Because we’re still too young for you to worry about that. Plus I thought your people didn’t believe in sex before marriage.’

            My face heated at her blatant use of the word, I didn’t know if she could tell I was blushing with my scales now.

            ‘Anellan people are only with one person their whole life, so s-, it’s the equivalent of a wedding.’

            ‘Oh, okay,’ she said, her teasing tone fading. ‘Does that mean they don’t have a ceremony?’

            ‘Some do, afterwards,’ I said. ‘Mum and Father did.’

            The thought of Father sobered me, the memory of his reaction to me so different from Mum’s, Annie’s, Aaron’s and Iris’.

            How could he despise his own child so much?

            ‘I really did miss you, Dimi.’ Iris whispered, leaning in closer.

            ‘No woman will ever want to touch you.’

            I jerked back, panic making my breathing uneven.

            ‘Shush,’ Iris soothed. ‘I’m sorry. We can wait until you’re ready for kissing again. There’s no rush.’

            Her smile was genuine, patient and loving.

            But with Father’s words ringing in my head, I couldn’t bring myself to believe it.

Chapter Fourteen

Protective brother

I didn’t see the ash field, but I sensed her watching my dreams. My mind tried to reach her, but it stayed locked in meaningless fantasies of Ignatius combusting and Father coming home.

            But even in my normal dreams I was in dragon form.

            A loud bang made me jump awake, wincing at how sluggish I felt.

            ‘Stupid Chuck,’ Annie grumbled. ‘Why is he always so…’ she sighed, stomping about in the kitchen. ‘I’m never going back.’

            ‘Hello?’ I croaked out, ‘Shouldn’t you be at school? Who’s Chuck?’

            I saw her pause and back-pedal towards my room, a quick, unconvincing smile plastered on her face.

            ‘Hi, are you feeling any better? I’ll get you some water.’

            I sighed as she disappeared again, mentally preparing my big brother authority tone. She avoided my gaze when she came back.

            ‘What happened?’ I demanded, staring at the water she offered but not taking it.

            ‘It’s nothing. Just some stupid boy at school who says I belong in a nursery. But I’m supposed to be giving him extra help so I can’t avoid him. Why does he have to be such a jerk?’

            To my horror she burst into tears and I had to grab the water before she spilt it all over me.

            ‘Why are boys such idiots!’ she sobbed, unable to hold back any longer. ‘I miss Iris so much! She’d know what to do.’

            My horror sank away into shame. I’d been a pretty worthless big brother lately.

            ‘Next time he needs extra lessons, bring him here.’ I said, trying to sound casual. ‘I’ll teach him some manners.’

            Annie smiled through her tears but shook her head.

            ‘He wouldn’t come here even if I wanted him to.’

            ‘Then you should do it at school with a teacher there.’

            ‘…But he’ll be so embarrassed.’

            I rolled my eyes.

            ‘You’re too nice, Annie. Just tell the teacher he’s picking on you.’

            ‘I can’t do that! If I can’t handle one person she’ll think I don’t have what it takes to be a teacher. No, I’ll figure something out. Sorry Dimi, don’t worry about it. I’ll be fine.’

            I gave her a disbelieving stare before nodding, my own plan forming.

            ‘Well, face him tomorrow and take the afternoon off; I bet you’re ahead anyway.’ Her modest blush confirmed this. ‘Spend some time with your big brother.’

            Annie nodded, wiping away her tears.

‘Um, Dimi, you really don’t have to come with me.’ Annie said, glancing at the people staring as we walked by.

            ‘A little walk will do me some good,’ I insisted, trying to wipe the manic grin off my face. ‘And I haven’t visited the school in ages, is it true there’s a new swing in the playground? Not that I’ve ever been in the playground.’

            ‘Dimi.’ Annie begged.

            I ignored her, my pace quickening when the school came in sight. A middle aged woman was stood outside, greeting people as they went in. Her face shifted to puzzlement, then horror when she saw me getting closer.

            ‘W-wh-’

            ‘Mrs. Lee,’ Annie interrupted, producing a strained smile. ‘This is my brother, Dimitri.’

            ‘Ah, yes, of course.’ Mrs. Lee’s fake smile fooled no one. ‘How may I help?’

            ‘Annie came home early yesterday,’ I stated, smiling so the skin around my mouth would creak. ‘Are you aware why?’

            ‘Dimi,’Annie begged.

            ‘I-I assumed it was to…see to your needs.’

            I paused, a new solution forming which would keep Annie’s dignity intact.

            ‘Yes, exactly. Annie says she’s helping someone called Chuck with extra lessons, but I need her at home, just in case I can’t cope. Would Chuck be willing to have his extra lessons there for the time being?’

            Mrs. Lee blanched at the thought, as though I was planning to cook Chuck and eat him.

            ‘I usually stay in my room,’ I reassured, ‘I doubt he’ll even see me. And if he isn’t comfortable, then they can go back to his lessons being at school.’

            ‘W-well alright, if Chuck doesn’t mind we can have a trial run of your idea today.’

            I smiled, hoping it looked less feral this time.

            ‘Thank you. I’ll see you later then, Annie.’

            I turned and walked away, feeling Annie’s piercing glare on my back.

            If she’s mad about this, she’s going to hate what comes next. I chuckled.

---

The walk took its toll on me and I slept for the rest of the day, clutching Eilir’s necklace in my hand. Her presence was warm in my dreams, enveloping me, but I couldn’t see or talk to her.

            The bang of the front door woke me, followed by Annie’s frantic shush.

            ‘Don’t tell me what to do, baby.’ A boy’s voice scoffed, ‘Just do my work for me and I can leave.’

            ‘I’m not doing your work for you, Chuck.’ Annie said firmly, the boldness in her voice making me swell with pride. ‘I’m here to help you understand it so you can do it.’

            ‘Look, baby, I agreed to come all the way here so we could do this, so do what I say or I’ll-’

            ‘Problem?’ I asked menacingly, stepping out of my room.

            Chuck was leaning threateningly over my little sister, still near the front door. He jumped back at the sight of me, eyes wide with horror. He was shorter than me, but looked strong for our age. His hair was a light red that bordered on orange, which needed a haircut; his fringe half covering his eyes. Judging by his hand-me-down clothes, he was as poor as us, if not more so.

            ‘No Dimi, everything is fine.’ Annie said, her voice firm.

            I nodded, smiling wide to reveal teeth and cracking skin.

            ‘Welcome to our home, Chuck, right?’

            His answer was a squeak.

            ‘Thank you for agreeing to come; it’s hard when Annie needs to stay out so late. Please, make yourself comfortable, the kitchen table should be a sufficient working area.’

            Despite Annie’s earlier anger I could see her suppressing an amused smile as she led Chuck into the kitchen. I followed, with Chuck never taking his eyes off me.

            I waited until Annie had begun making drinks before suddenly leaning on the kitchen table, feigning dizziness.

            ‘I better leave you to it and rest. Chuck, you look strong, can you help me back to my room?’

            Helping me looked like the last thing he wanted to do, but he nodded mutely, probably relieved I wasn’t planning to hover over them the whole time. He was completely rigid as I leaned on him, making the slow journey back to my room.

            I waited until I was sat on my bed before grabbing the front of his shirt and pulling his face closer, all pretence slipping away and exposing my true anger.

            ‘Listen well, Chuck, because this in the only warning you’ll get. If I ever see or hear of you being cruel to my sister again I will come after you. If you don’t come here for your lessons I will be forced to come to the school, and trust me, no one wants that. As long as you listen to her and work hard, I will stay in this room, but if I have to emerge, things won’t be pretty. Understood?’

            Chuck nodded his head mutely so much I thought it would fall off. I gave him one last manic grin before releasing him.

            ‘Good, don’t disappoint me.’

---

I was almost disappointed that Chuck did keep his word. For that whole week I listened from my room as Annie taught him. I had fully begun to peel now, and felt ill because of it. Only twice did Chuck forget himself and raise his voice to Annie, and each time my subtle walk to the kitchen for a drink quickly changed his attitude. Perhaps my glare and the trail of flaking skin left on the floor behind helped too.

            By the weekend Annie was smiling again, a genuine, carefree grin on her face as we both admired my new appearance. All the dead skin was gone, and the red scales were breath-taking. For the first time I was happy with them.

            ‘See, I told you,’ Annie grinned.

            She never thanked me for what happened with Chuck, nor did she scold me for interfering, but her happiness was enough for me, and I think she knew that.

            Just like my acceptance of myself was enough for her.

Chapter Thirteen

The Talk

‘Your father will no longer give you the talk?’

            I scolded at Lance’s smirk, sipping at my tea.

            ‘What’s so funny about it? My own father won’t even look at me anymore. How am I supposed to learn about everything now? Like what happens when a girl becomes a woman, or the secret of marriage. I bet Annie will find out before me.’

            Lance smiled, flexing his fingers. I eyed him wearily.

            ‘We have time before you need to leave, let me satisfy your curiosity.’

---

‘Interesting, even with the scales one moment your face is white, the next bright red. Does it give you a headache?’

            My head dropped onto the table. ‘Did you have to use so much detail?’

            ‘You’re no longer ignorant, and even gained a few tips for the future. Aren’t you glad it was me who gave you the talk?’

            I groaned.

            How long will it be before I can look Mum in the eye again? To think her and Father did stuff like that!

            ‘Just keep in mind, not everyone experiments the way Sapphire and I did. Now, shall we go?’

            My face was still burning when we reached Eilir’s hut. I looked up.

            ‘Eilir’s?’

            ‘Yes, he has unusual talents, and because of it he was bestowed great favour from the immortals. This certain talent led to our alliance with Ignatius and the beginning of trading. That led him to you, coincidence?’

            ‘Wait, can he see the future?’           

            Lance chuckled, instantly I felt stupid.

            ‘No, although there is an immortal who can. I merely meant you were truly destined to come here, fate designed it so.’

            His long-winded talking was giving me a headache.

            ‘Okay, whatever, can we go in now?’

            ‘You are welcome,’ Eilir’s voice interrupted. I jumped, seeing him emerge from the hut. ‘Did you rest well?’

            ‘Yeah, thanks.’ I said, resisting taking a step back as he loomed closer.

            ‘My payment seems to be helping. I’m glad.’

            I glanced down at the necklace, which had gained a green tint since this morning.

            ‘It will allow you to feel her presence even when away from Laven.’ His hands hovered over it, but never touched.

            ‘Can I help her through it?’

            His hand flinched away, a blank mask on his face.

            ‘I have no knowledge of such things.’

            I nodded, throat dry. Eilir turned away, stepping back into the hut.

            ‘Come in, we need to send you home.’

            Lance nudged my back, making me stumble into the hut. I caught myself before falling down the stairs and glared at him.

            ‘This is no time for careless questions. Eilir is an elder, don’t be so informal.’

            Like that first day in Laven, I felt like these creatures would seriously hurt me if I wasn’t careful. I swallowed, nodding as I descended the stairs, entering the main room.

            ‘Please sit,’ Eilir said, his back to me, his hands occupied. ‘It will make the journey easier on you.’

            There was no table or chairs. I glanced at Lance for approval before sitting at the centre of the room.

            ‘You will experience some nausea, and you’ll experience extra clumsiness for a few days. These effects should fade once you’ve used this method of travel a few times.’

            He turned; in his hands was a dagger he was cleaning gently with an oiled cloth.

            I remembered Lance’s warning and bit back a sarcastic comment about whether cuts were a symptom too.

            ‘I assume you know of the immortal realms?’

            I nodded, watching every movement the knife made.

            ‘The passages created to enter them are cuts in space. Only two know beings were able to do this: Eilir of Wind, and Firo.’

            My gaze jerked up to his eyes, he smiled.

            ‘And so, those entrusted with their power can also use this ability, to a degree.’

            He cradled the knife in both hands, kneeling in front of me and extending his arms.

            A rough elbow jab from Lance made me take it, mimicking Eilir’s hands. I tilted it, turned it, seeing no visible marks or feeling any connection to her.

            ‘This dagger was left by Eilir of Wind. It was used to open the entrance to the Unknown Realm in Malhand Forest. It takes someone with vast and powerful magic to use, or you must be like you and I.

            ‘It requires a lot of energy to make a permanent cut. Temporary ones are much easier, but it’s a power that shouldn’t be abused. Transporting you from one area with a seal to another holds no danger, because two permanent entrances can’t be made in the same place. Using it in a place without one could result in a new permanent entrance, and we have no control over where it would lead.’

            I nodded, handing the knife back. Eilir stood back up.

            ‘If Eilir made it, how come I would be able to use it? I don’t sense her in this at all.’

            Eilir frowned. I winced, remembering Lance’s warning.

            ‘T-that is, y-you don’t have to answer-’

            ‘I am unsure myself. Eilir and Firo were close, perhaps they shared their powers with each other. Or perhaps Firo can use anything made by the immortals. All I know is Eilir and Firo were the only two to create a weapon. Firo’s was lost long ago, and only could be wielded by her, while Eilir’s can be used by both. Now, shall we begin?’

            ‘You said I’ll end up near another entrance, does that-’

            ‘Silence now; I must concentrate. Try not to move.’

            He stood up again, the knife moving to his right hand, dangling a few inches away from my head.

            ‘Fire seal,’ Eilir boomed, quickly dropping to his knees, the knife slicing downwards.

            I jerked back, a thin black slit in the air folding open, like the corner of a page being lifted. A black void greeted me, the very air around it stuffy and dull.

            ‘Safe trip.’ Lance grinned, and shoved me head first into the nothing.

---

For a terrifying three seconds I couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe. My body felt heavy as stone, but it was moving through the nothing faster than a ball thrown in the air.

            My lungs were frozen, my eyes unseeing. Then it lifted, and a long scream escaped me.

            ‘I see he hasn’t changed.’ A voice boomed over my scream. My eyes snapped open, head turning so fast I fell on my face.

            ‘Unfortunately not, Master.’ Father’s hard tone gritted out.

            ‘Stand up, boy!’

            I shuffled away, my hard skin protecting my face from being scraped. A scream escaped me when a hand grabbed my arm, yanking me up and spun me around.

            ‘Do as you’re told!’ Father barked, twisting my arm so I couldn’t turn and face him.

            Ignatius stood at the narrow tunnel’s entrance. Fire licked the walls, but kept a safe distance from our clothes.

            I grounded my feet in the ash, Father struggling to push me. He growled and grabbed my waist, swinging me to his side, dangerously close to the flames.

            ‘You want to leave don’t you? This is the only way out.’

            I went limp, flinching as we reached the towering Ignatius, his grin widening as I came into view.

            ‘His transformation seems to be going well. Let him go, I have no use for him here. Yet.’

            Father’s grip slackened and I collapsed to the floor. Again. The weight of my backpack too heavy for my legs to move.

            ‘Didn’t you hear him? Leave!’

            I stared up at the man who once loved me. A man once proud to teach me the ways of his culture, who would laugh with his family.

            The disgust clear on his face made my eyes water.

            ‘Father.’         

            His disgust shifted to fury, a hand grabbing the backpack and yanking me up. My feet barely touched the floor as he stormed through the cave, fire parting but close enough to singe my clothes.

            My eyes cleared of tears when we entered the mid-morning sun. I crashed to the floor, tasting sand in my mouth.

            ‘Don’t call me that again. You are nothing to me.’

            I didn’t turn to see him walk back into the cave. It took five minutes before I pulled myself into a sitting position, escaping tears draining away all my strength.

---

It had taken me until sundown to drag myself back home. I collapsed into bed without a word to anyone.

            ‘Dimi?’ Annie asked, carrying a tray of food. ‘What’s wrong?’

            ‘I feel sick,’ I grunted through the pillow.

            ‘You’re on the bed instead of under, you must be really sick. Do you want your food?’

            I groaned a protest.

            ‘Okay. Mum got called to Felicity’s; the baby is teething.’

            I didn’t answer. Annie sighed. I felt a hand stroke my head, then her footsteps moving away.

Chapter Twelve

Eilir’s Payment

He was silent as he walked towards me, his eyes serious. I opened my mouth to scold and leer, but his eyes stopped me. I looked away. He moved past me without a flinch, bending to pick up the discarded box.

            ‘Great timing, the happy couple want to set off this afternoon.’

            I felt a pat on my shoulder, jerking at the touch.

            ‘Are you coming in? I haven’t seen you in ages.’

            I gulped as Aaron walked towards the Inn, grinning back at me.

            He’d actually touched me.

            The eating room was empty as we passed through, tables littered with dirty, empty plates. I grabbed a few as we continued into the kitchen.

            ‘So, how does it feel?’ Aaron asked, grabbing the plates from my hands and dumping them in the wash bucket.

            ‘W-what?’                       

            ‘Your skin! I mean, it looks really cool, even with that white layer over it, but does it hurt?’

            I gaped at him.

            He tapped my arm, hearing the hard echo it produced.

            ‘Man, I bet a knife couldn’t pierce that.’

            ‘I-’

            ‘What’s wrong? You look kinda sick. Does it hurt?’

            ‘H-how can you be so calm about this! Look at me! I’m a monster! My own father said I wasn’t human.’

            Aaron shrugged, his grin gone but his body still relaxed.

            ‘No offense Dint, but your dad has always been an idiot. You seem pretty human to me.’

            ‘Look at me!’ My head was in my hands, my nails clawing at my impenetrable skin.

            Aaron grabbed my upper arm.

            ‘Dint, look at me.’

            I shook my head, ugly sobs bursting from my mouth.

            ‘Do you want to know what I see? I see my best friend who went through a lot to bring his family back together and had it thrown back in his face. But you’re strong, and whatever is happening to you, you’ll do something amazing with it. Like not bleeding when you accidentally slice your arm trying to cook.’

            A sob broke into a humourless chuckle.

            ‘So forget your dad, I bet your mum doesn’t think you’re a monster, or that little sister of yours. Just you wait, in a few weeks people will be at the fabric stall, raving about wanting the same look as you.’

            He fell quiet and began the washing up, letting me sob to myself.

            It won’t be that easy. I thought bitterly. Yet his voice had been so convincing and sure of itself.

            By the time he’d finished my breathing was even again.

            ‘I doubt it,’ I whispered, as though no time has passed. ‘It doesn’t hurt much anymore, but it really itches.’

            Aaron burst out laughing, making me jump. He laughed so hard tears streamed down his face.

            The laughter died away, but the tears didn’t.

---

‘Well, this was bound to happen when you pick at it all the time.’ Mum sighed, dabbing cream onto my weeping arm.

            ‘But it really itches! I can’t sleep it’s so bad.’ I moaned, ‘So I thought if it came off-’

            ‘Dimi, this layer is like a scab, you can’t pull it off until the skin underneath has healed. How about you get a bath? That should help the itching.’

            I stared at the angry, bleeding arm and sighed.

            People want this skin? Aaron has no idea what he’s saying.

---

‘This is so unfair!’ I burst, throwing my empty water pouch on the floor. Annie looked up, alarmed, and quietly bent to rescue it.

            ‘What’s wrong with you now?’ Aaron asked, for once helping me with deliveries. ‘Trying to scare your sister to death?’

            I glared at him, conscious of the people staring all around. They were staring before I’d even spoke.

            ‘Have you ever seen a lizard get overheated?’

            ‘Um-’

            ‘How come I do then? I’m going to die of over-heated itching soon.’

            Annie let out a giggle, a little of my anger slipped away as I smiled at her.

            ‘Maybe because they’re cold blooded? They need the heat or they’ll get too cold and die.’

            ‘Great, so either I should move or hope my blood turns cold.’

            ‘Maybe you can find something to lower body temperature when you go trading.’ Annie said, putting a hand out to stop me walking, letting Aaron deliver the final groceries to Felicity’s house.

            My anger began to bubble again.

            ‘What makes you think I’m going trading?’

            ‘…Because Daddy was right, I think you need to. You started changing because you went there.’ She gave me a sharp look, a reminder I hadn’t told her about there yet. ‘If you go back maybe the itching will stop.’

            My gaze dropped from hers. I frowned in concentration.

            ‘What happened?’ She asked.

            ‘There was this dream I kept having, but it felt real. A-’

            ‘Hey!’ Aaron burst in. ‘Don’t be revealing your secrets without me! We’ve finished here, so why not go back to your place and you can tell us the whole story, alright?’

---

I hesitated at first, so used to pretending the things that happened were nothing. But why? Father had told me to be quiet, but look where that had led everyone.

            ‘Wow, you really did tell the whole story.’ Aaron said.

            I shrugged. ‘I thought it made more sense to explain about Ignatius as well.’

            ‘So there’s a real person in those caves? I always thought it was a statue.’

            ‘A statue? But you must have known about immortals before.’

            ‘Well, yeah, but most people see them as a myth.’ Aaron squirmed in his chair, hands resting on the kitchen table.

            ‘What? But there’s-’

            ‘Dim!’ Annie shouted, her face pale but an excited twinkle in her eyes. ‘You really met elves? And a dragon?’    

            ‘I didn’t meet a dragon. And the elves are all insane.’

            ‘Of course it was a dragon; she must be dying and searching for someone to be her successor.’

            ‘For what? Dragons are rarely seen, let alone do anything.’

            Annie just shook her head.

            ‘You’ll have to ask her. If Laven is the only place you can hear her you have to keep going back. I think it would be dangerous if you don’t.’

            I clutched at my hair, groaning.

            ‘Are you saying I’m going to become a…’

            ‘I don’t think you can completely. How could you sprout wings from nowhere? But it looks like you’re getting some…qualities.’

            I snorted.

            ‘It has to be formed from something already there. The scales…they were made from your blood.’

            ‘Great, sounds like I’m going to have tons of fun.’

            ‘Her magic will help your body adjust to the scales enough for your dead, human skin to-’ she stopped, biting her lip.

            ‘Shed?’

            ‘Cool! Can I keep it after?’ Aaron jumped in. ‘I wonder if I can use it as an ingredient.’

            I would have glared at him, but Annie did a better one.

---

The sun was starting to peek above the horizon when I reached the fire caves, twitching from the effort not to scratch.

            If I don’t go back I’ll go insane.

            I clutched the pouch of herbal medicine, waiting for it to take effect before entering.

            Mum would kill me if she knew I brought this. But it should help me not to care about the itching as well.

            Father stepped out of the cave entrance when the sun had risen. A look at my blank face made him nod in approval.

            ‘Good, I don’t want any trouble on this trip. We’ll go and come straight back.’

            ‘I need to stay at least one night.’

            He didn’t answer, storming past into the dessert.

---

‘Father,’ I called out, his sleeping gear set out four metres from me. ‘I know you’re leaving on my birthday, but…are you still going to tell me about marriage rituals, like you promised? Iris mentioned it once.’

            His glare shot across the distance, clogging up my throat.

            ‘I don’t think you need to worry about such things now. No woman will ever want to touch you.’

            He turned his back, lying down. I swallowed, grabbing for more of the herbal tea.

---

‘My, don’t you look magnificent.’

            I grinned back, too relieved to get annoyed.

            ‘Feeling better already?’ Lance asked, stepping back as I moved off the lift platform.

            ‘Yeah. As soon as we entered Line Woods the itching faded. Now that I’m in Laven my skin is tingling.’

            ‘Glad to hear it,’ Lance glanced up, seeing Father still on the platform, as far away from me as he could get.

            ‘Are you well, Dimitri? You must be busy preparing for your return to Firo.’

            Father just grunted, stalking over and dropping the bag of ash by my feet.

            ‘I wouldn’t want to disappoint them by doing my job. They want you.’

            His eyes brimmed with a hate so fierce I took a step back, feeling Lance’s hands on my shoulders.

            ‘You’re welcome to spend the night, as always.’

            ‘Don’t bother,’ Father spat. ‘I’m going back now. He can make his own way home.’

            He stepped past, heading towards the main street.

            ‘What’s he doing?’ I choked out.

            ‘To leave here, you need the gift of a certain elf. He can be returned home in five minutes compared to the three days walking takes.’

            ‘What?’

            ‘It’s how you were returned last time, though you won’t remember, being unconscious.’ Lance patted my shoulders, releasing his hold. ‘Still, did you never wonder how your father only took three or four days on his trips when it takes three days alone to get here?’

            I felt my face grow hot, feeling stupid.

            ‘Well, never mind, you’ll see how it’s done when we send you home. In the meantime you should get to work. A lot of people want to trade today.’

            There were four ribbons on the main street. Lance whistled.

            ‘The most I’ve ever seen put up was two,’ he smiled. ‘Already you’re attracting attention.’

            I scanned the street, seeing the yellow ribbon from before there.

            ‘See Eilir last; he’ll be busy.’

            He patted my shoulder again and moved past me, footsteps silent. ‘I’ll wait for you at home.’

            The first ribbon was a pale lilac, tied so precise it was symmetrical. The vine door parted, the ribbon falling to the floor.

            I sighed and picked up the ribbon, rubbing it for comfort before stepping into the hut.

            ‘Hello?’

            The main room was dark, a figure waiting near the centre.

            ‘Welcome, Firo’s chosen.’ An orb of light lit up in the figure’s hand. I blinked. ‘We have waited for this time to begin.’

            Her eyes were old. I swayed from side to side, shutting my own eyes to steady myself.

            ‘The ash-’

            ‘I wish to bestow my blessings on you.’

            I opened my eyes again to see her frown, studying my face.

            ‘I will use the ash to do this. Open the bag.’

            I shivered, dropping the bag on the floor and bending to open it. My fingers stumbled on the knot under her pale lilac gaze.

            ‘Don’t touch it,’ she said, her voice calm but I flinched anyway. A slight ruffle made me look up, seeing her bent down in front of me, placing both hands into the open bag. I frowned, remembering last time they’d only wanted me to touch the ash.

            ‘As the one chosen by fire, I offer you my aide. As long as our protection holds, you will not draw your last breath.’

            Her fingers were smudging a symbol onto my face, something oval. The skin touched by her responded, tingling harder. I sighed, my shoulders relaxing.

            ‘It is done.’

            The light touches ceased. I sighed again, opening my eyes to see the woman elf smile.

            ‘Welcome to our world, young one.’

---

Eilir stood waiting at his hut’s entrance, holding his yellow ribbon. I held back a wince, imagining a fourth round of smudging symbols on my body.

            ‘I see you saved me for last,’ he turned and entered, me reluctantly following. ‘You have already received some blessings?’

            ‘Three,’ I said, entering the main room and opening the ash bag. ‘On my face, back and chest.’ I felt my face warm up at the reminder. All three had been women, but I hadn’t dared to argue when the last two wanted my shirt removed.

            ‘Mine only requires you roll up your sleeves,’ he smiled, ‘But first, I have my payment from last time.’

            He pulled a necklace from around his neck, the chain unlocking with his touch. He dangled it in front of my eyes, its swaying lulling my mind.

            It was silver, designed in the familiar vine style popular in Laven. They were tangled and twisted together, shaping a leaf form.

            ‘This was given to me by the real Eilir before he disappeared.’ The elf said, bending down and grabbing my hand. ‘I was given the privilege of his name because of this necklace. He entrusted me to guard it until you appeared.’ He lifted my hand, palm out, and placed the necklace there.

            I gasped, feeling a presence, a comforting warmth of protection. It felt like her, but there was something more to it, another person?

            ‘It will be a great asset for you.’ Eilir said, placing a hand on my shoulder.

            Do all elves do that?

            ‘Now, shall I bestow my blessings on you?’

---

I sighed in relief when the dream began. It came out as a puff of smoke.

            Are you well, young young?Her tired voice drifted to me.

            I’m confused. Why did you chose me for this? What’s happening to me? What’s happening to you?

            I’m sorry, little one. It had to be you.

            Are you dying?

            There was no answer.

            Am I supposed to save you? Please let me help!

            That necklace.

            I looked down, catching a glimpse of Eilir’s necklace around my neck, the chain longer than in reality to fit round my dragon body.

            An elf in Laven gave it to me.

            The red blur moved in the distance, growing bigger.

            I’m glad.

            A sting on my head made me look up, seeing the ash falling. I shivered.

            Do not fear, little one, it will soothe you.

            Ash fell on my tense body, a thin coat that stayed unlit. It drifted to my neck, following the necklace’s chain to the leaf symbol, and melted into it. The more ash that entered the more warmth spread through me.

            I will save you, I vowed. I promise I will.

Chapter Eleven

Transformation

 ‘Where have you been? I was so-’ Mum stopped, staring in shock at my skin. ‘What on-’

            ‘Out of the way; I need to put him down.’

            I stared at Mum, not really seeing. I let my mind wander, trying to reach the ash field, but with no success.

            ‘Oh poor Dimi,’ Mum said, following Father towards my room. ‘Is it a skin disease?’

            Father barked out a wild laugh and dumped me on the bed.

            ‘Disease? If only it were that simple.’

            I was laid on my back, limbs sprawled out. The pain I’d felt from her still ached through me. I moved my hand closer to my face, tilting it to the side so I could see.

            The lines were like angry red burns, clear for all to see. I whimpered, realising the pain was from them.

            ‘Oh Dimi,’ Mum said, reaching out a hand to touch me, but unable to find a bit of skin she wouldn’t irritate. ‘I’ll get some pain-relief cream ready. Can you undress him, Dimitri?’

            ‘I won’t touch him again.’

            ‘Wha-’

            ‘I’ll be at the caves.’ He was gone before Mum knew what to say.

            ‘Well, never mind him. I’ll look after you; everything will be okay.’

---

Annie arrived back with a soft bang of the front door closing.

            ‘Mum?’ She called, ‘Are they back yet?’

            ‘Keep it down honey.’ I heard Mum’s hushed voice. ‘Dimi is trying to sleep.’

            I’d given up trying an hour ago, instead staring blankly at my arms covered in white cream.

            ‘Is he okay? Why were they so late?’

            I didn’t hear Mum’s reply, her voice moving away.

I opened my eyes, seeing Lennie hovering over me.

            ‘How do you feel?’

            I didn’t answer, blinking at him.

            He turned his head away towards the door. I didn’t have the energy to follow his gaze. ‘The poor thing’s wiped out from fighting the pain. Just keep him comfortable, bathe him to keep the wounds clean and cover him with more cream. I’ll come check on him as often as I can.’

---

It felt like my whole body was cracking. Every breath that moved my chest caused a wave of agony, the marks bleeding.

            I tried moving my mouth and felt more split open on my face, blood slipping down my chin and neck.

            ‘Mum,’ I managed a hoarse whisper, swallowed by the night.

---

People were talking, their voice shrill and fast. I tried to concentrate, translate the noise to words, feel my body again.

‘Dimitri, are you listening? It’s Lance. I know it hurts and you’re confused, but it will be okay. Your life was never in danger, this is a gift she’s given you. I know it’s her now, because I tried to enter your soul and she stopped me.

            ‘I know you don’t trust immortals, but I swear on my true name, Rafferty of the Earth element, that I’ll do all I can to watch over and protect you. I vow to make you live a good and long life. I will help you through this.’

---

My eyes struggled open, everything blurry and confusing.

            ‘Dimitri?’

            ‘Mum,’ I croaked out, wincing with regret. My throat felt like a desert.

            ‘Thank Goodness,’ she sobbed. I blinked, each time her form becoming clearer. ‘How are you feeling?’

            ‘Thirsty.’

            ‘Of course, of course. Let’s get you sat up.’ She turned her head to the door. ‘Annie! Could you get some water?’

            Mum gently wrapped her arms under my armpits, pulling me up to prop against a pillow.

            ‘There you are.’ Her voice was soothing, calm and safe. ‘Good girl Annie.’

            My eyes moved, noticing Annie for the first time. Her eyes were bright with tears, a relieved smile on her face.

            ‘You’ve been asleep for a week! Lennie had to put a tube down your throat so you wouldn’t starve.’

            I opened my mouth to speak but a cup was placed there, tilted. I gulped slowly, everything still sluggish and strange.

            The cup was taken away. The hand holding it was Mum’s, when had that happened?

            ‘I think it looks pretty,’ Annie said as Mum left the room. ‘Your skin. You can’t see it too well right now, but Lennie said it’s like a scab and will come off when it’s ready.’

            I frowned, trying to move an arm so I could see.

            ‘Oh, let me help,’ Annie’s hand was warm and soft, holding me with as little pressure as possible. She set it gently on my lap.

            A layer of dead skin was covering the new red scales. The ones on my outer arm were harder, while the ones on my inner arm, palms and fingers were softer, looking more like a pattern.

            ‘My face?’ I asked.

            ‘That’s like the ones on your fingers, really small and flat.’

            ‘So, I either have scales like a fish, or skin like a reptile.’

            Annie’s smiled vanished.

---

I decided they weren’t like fish scales. They were too hard, yet smooth, the strength of nails. I flexed my hand, hearing it creak like new book binding.

            I flexed both hands, staring at the drawing Annie had done of my face. I still had my hair but my eyebrows were gone. My whole face and neck were coated in a lizard type skin, red in colour. Where my eyebrows used to be the skin was bulkier, darker. I still had my nose, ears and lips, but they too were harder, like leather.

            I swung my legs over the side of the bed, relieved I still had toes. I stood up from the bed, keeping a grip on it. My legs wobbled but didn’t collapse.

            The house was bathed in moonlight, harsh whispers travelling from Mum’s and Father’s room. It took four steps to reach the door, grabbing the handle to prevent knocking into the wall.

            ‘How could you even ask me?’ Mum demanded, voice shrill with anger. ‘I could never abandon my own child!’         

            ‘He isn’t a child anymore. He isn’t human anymore. Ignatius wants him here, but we can still leave. He can live with that man he works for.’

            ‘I will not leave him here! If you’re going, you go alone.’

            A long pause was his answer.

            ‘Daddy!’ Annie’s voice cried, storming into their room. ‘Don’t leave us!’

            ‘The move is in two months, it’s your choice if you come.’

            ‘You’re not taking my daughter.’

            ‘Isn’t that her choice?’ His voice was no longer a whisper. I moved closer, standing outside their door and peering in, ready to duck back out of view.

            Father and Mum were sat on their bed, Mum curled up as far away as possible, while father’s legs were dangling off the bed’s edge. His gaze was fixed on Annie in front of him.

            ‘Well?’ He snapped. Annie flinched, taking a step back. ‘Can’t you even make your own decisions?’

            ‘Leave her alone!’ I yelled, banging into the room. ‘Stop bullying her!’

            His face changed to a look of complete disgust. I flinched, head lowering.

            ‘She has time to decide. You,’ he spat out, glaring at me. ‘Will come to the next trading trip, as Ignatius commanded.’

            I shook my head, feeling bile rise in my throat.

            ‘You say that now, but in another three weeks my master says you’ll be begging to go back. I leave for the fire caves in the morning, meet me there in three weeks.’

            ‘Why wait?’ Mum’s voice was quiet, but firm.

            ‘What?’

            ‘Why wait until morning? Leave now, Dimitri. You’re no longer welcome here.’

            I braced myself, ready to grab him, but he just laughed, stepping off the bed.

            ‘Very well. I lost all respect for you months ago, there’s no point pretending now. Have a good life, Lily.’

            He stepped past me, his footsteps echoing through the house. Annie crumbled to the floor when the front door slammed shut.

---

I didn’t sweat anymore. At mid-day I panted like a dog, desperate to expel the heat from my body. The large brown cloak I wore wasn’t helping, but I couldn’t bear to leave the house without it.

            ‘You should go home and rest for an hour.’ Lennie said, handing a bag of groceries to a customer.

            ‘I can’t just abandon my job.’ I panted.

            ‘It’s not busy at this time.’

            ‘I need to get used to this.’

            ‘Maybe if you took the cloak off-’

            ‘Do you want to lose all your customers?’ I snapped.

            If Lennie had asked again ten minutes later I would have gone home in a heartbeat. My head felt overheated, my skin too hot to touch.

            ‘Why don’t you deliver this to the hotel for me? I was going to go later, but now is just as good a time.’

            My whole body stiffened.

            ‘You haven’t seen Aaron since you got back. He said he came to your house but you didn’t want visitors.’

            I flexed my hands, listening to the now familiar creak.

            ‘You can’t avoid him forever.’

            The box was small, containing herbs and medicines.

            ‘Is someone sick?’

            ‘One of the guest’s been having a hard time with the heat. This is to help them on the journey home.’

            I took my time, trying to ignore the few people out. The locals stared and looked away, while the tourists stared and kept staring.

            ‘Hey, are you crazy?’ A young man stepped in front of me.

            So close, I sighed, staring at the hotel entrance beyond him.

            ‘You’re going to collapse if you stay in that thing!’ His hand reached out. I flinched back.

            ‘I’m fine; I’m a local.’ I said, balancing the box in my hands as a hint.

            ‘Not even the locals wear cloaks.’

            ‘It’s none of your business!’ I snapped. I stepped forward but he didn’t move.

            ‘Come on, you can’t be that ugly,’ he sneered. ‘I was trying to be nice, but your attitude is appalling, kid. How about handing over the box and cloak?’

            I blinked, lifting up the cloak’s sleeve to inspect. I’d made it from material the elves had traded because it was the lightest and most breathable.

            ‘You’re wrong.’ I said.

            ‘What?’

            ‘I am that ugly. In fact I have a terrible skin disease.’ I pulled the sleeve back, twisting my bare arm around. ‘Are you sure you want a cloak that’s touched me?’

            His eyes were wide with disgust, a hand moving to his mouth as he gagged. I smiled, slipping my sleeve back to pull my hood down.

            ‘Do you still want me to take it off?’

            I set the box down and slid my arms from the sleeves, letting the cloak slip to the floor. I paused a moment, letting him see the lizard-type scales covered with dead skin before turning, bending to pick up the cloak.

            ‘Here,’ I said, turning back and holding it out. ‘Take it.’

            The man shuffled backwards, his feet slipping, making him stumble. I stopped, feeling the grin spreading on my face.

            If I’m stuck this way, I might as well enjoy it.

            The man stumbled to my left.

            ‘S-sorry, my mistake.’ He stammered, flinching at my outstretched hand and sprinting away.

            I watched him head in the direction of the market stalls until he was out of sight, then turned back to the Inn.

            Aaron stood at the entrance.

Chapter Ten

Ash

I woke slowly, my whole body aching. I tried moving an arm and winced. I ignored the pain and sat up, gazing down at my human body.

            I’m still me, I sighed, gritting my teeth as I stood from the vine bed.

            I shuffled into the main room, trying to remember where the toilet was.

            ‘Good morning.’ Lance breezed in, staring as I leaned helplessly against a wall. ‘How are you feeling?’

            I glared at him.

            ‘Perhaps you’d like a bath? I have a small private one, or there’s the public spring, which will be big enough to swim in.’

            ‘Swim?’ I blanched.

            ‘Can’t you swim? Perhaps another time then. I’ll fill the bath for you.’

            I shuffled after him to the bathroom. His bath was twice the size of our wooden tub; like everything else, it was made of vines.

            Lance tugged at a vine dangling from the ceiling over the bath. Water began pouring out.

            ‘How is it already warm?’ I asked.

            ‘The source of this water is always kept heated. I’ll add some herbs to help ease your soreness.’

            ‘Lance,’ I said. ‘What was that dream? Why did it feel so…’

            ‘Real? It was real.’

            ‘But I still look like me.’ I raised my hands to check.

            ‘I don’t know what you saw, but I do know it was meant for you alone. Wherever fate leads you, this was meant to happen.’

            ‘That’s not an answer.’

            Lance smiled and pulled the vine, stopping the water. I stared down at the full bath as he sprinkled crushed herbs onto the surface.

            ‘You can handle what’s in store, little one; I have no doubt about that.’

---

I stayed in the bath until the water was luke-warm. My muscles were still sore, but I could move them without much pain.

            Lance had left a normal towel made of cotton. I dried myself carefully, examining my skin with a frown. It felt harder. I squinted at it, seeing faint lines.

            Are those scale shapes? I shook my head and looked again, seeing nothing.

            ‘What’s wrong with you?’ Father asked when I shuffled into the main room.

            ‘Everything hurts.’ I moaned, collapsing into a chair.

            ‘Isn’t he at the age human boys begin growing like weeds?’ Lance smiled, setting a tray of food on my lap.

            Father nodded, the hint of concern fading from his eyes.

            ‘Even so, it would be better to wait before leaving. Being transported when unwell isn’t recommended.’ Lance advised.

            ‘He’s not ill.’ Father said, ‘But we can wait; there’s no need to rush back.’

            ‘But-’ I stopped, too tired to try.

            ‘Your mother will understand.’ Lance smiled.

            I wasn’t so sure.

---

I barely moved that day, dozing in the chair, each time catching glimpses of that ash-filled place with the red blur far away, watching. Each time I woke Lance stood there with some tea. Drinking it always made me doze again.

            In that place I was still a dragon, unable to move my new body. I breathed in and out, feeling my body, aware of possessing another lung I wasn’t using.

            What’s that for?

            To breathe a different substance. The voice sounded amused. A stab of pain pierced the world. My eyes shot open.

            ‘Someone’s hurting her!’ I said, sitting up. Father looked at me, annoyed.

            ‘It was just a dream, son. Everything is fine.’

            ‘It wasn’t just a dream; she’s in pain!’

            Lance said nothing, his face serious.

---

After three days of barely moving my aches had faded. The red blur had evaded my questions about her pain, encouraging me to concentrate on my own new body.

            The scale marks had become more noticeable, decorating every inch of my skin. Father had stared at them in horror and refused to acknowledge them, barely looking at me.

            ‘What are these things?’ I asked Lance, following him out of his hut. Father remained behind, determined to leave today but refusing to help Lance with his own trading.

            ‘What do you think they are?’ Lance answered, making me want to punch him.

            ‘Don’t you ever give a straight answer?’

            ‘Only when I want to.’

            I gave up, following him as we walked away from the occupied streets to a narrow, darker road.

            Lance stopped suddenly, his posture rigid.

            ‘Hello, Sapphire. Can I help you?’

            A small light twinkled in our path, a pair of delicate see-through wings the most visible part of it. My eyes could see a small version of Sapphire in the light’s centre.

            ‘I thought you said faeries don’t exist here!’

            ‘They don’t. Faeries are beings who can only remain small. Sapphire is a farry, an evolved form who can be both elf and faery.’

            As he spoke the light around the farry brightened, growing. Even my eyes were blinded. I closed them, re-opening them slowly to see the Sapphire I’d met before standing in front of us.

            ‘What are you doing Lance?’

            ‘I think you already know.’ He smiled.

            ‘Why are you getting involved with that boy? His fate had been decided, do not try to steer him.’

            ‘He’ll see the seal eventually; why not give him a quick peek now?’

            Sapphire stared at him, her expression cold.

            ‘I will not be a part of this.’ She stepped forward, forcing us to move aside so she could walk past. ‘That is not Dagan, no matter what you wish.’

            Lance watched her back until she disappeared from view, a melancholy expression on his face.

            ‘An amazing woman, that one,’ he breathed, his face suddenly shifted into a mischievous grin. ‘Shall we follow her?’

            He wasn’t joking.

            ‘Err-’

            ‘Never mind; you need to see this. But don’t tell your father.’

            I followed him, the path growing narrower. I held my tongue, wanting to know who Dagan was, but remembering the expression the name had caused for Lance.

            My foot slipped. Lance grabbed my arm before I fell off the path’s edge.

            ‘Careful little one, it’s a long way down.’

            ‘Where are we going?’ I asked, trying to calm my racing heart.

            If I get too scared here…

            ‘Have you ever heard of the four immortal realms?’

            ‘I know that’s where the immortals come from.’

            ‘The only ones who can enter are immortals, and only through barriers at certain locations. The earth barrier is protected by the elves here. I thought you being near the seal might help in some way.’

            The path had become so narrow I had to put one foot in front of the other. The ground widened out into a round platform. I took three steps into it before I dared look up again.

            The platform would have squashed ten people on it. The design reminded me of the elevator; I shuddered. Only a green mist hovered in the centre, the height and width of two men.

            ‘Do you see it?’

            I nodded, reaching out of hand.

            ‘Careful.’

            Too late. My hand touched the mist and searing pain shot through my head. Her scream echoed through my whole body, and once again I felt it burning.

            ‘What have you done?’ Sapphire’s voice. I could only see the ash place now, the red blur a little clear, her body withering in pain.

            ‘She’s dying!’ I screamed. ‘I can’t-’

            Soon.

            I didn’t hear anymore.

---

‘Has this happened before?’ Lance asked.

            ‘A few times, but it’s nothing. The boy gets scared and passes out, that’s all.’ Father insisted.

            ‘Dimitri, panic attacks are dangerous when being consistent.’

It wasn’t one. I wanted to say, but my mouth refused to move, my eyes heavy to open. You know what it was, why are you lying?

            ‘They’ll go away.’

            ‘You can’t risk it. He won’t survive in Aneller; the lifestyle is too harsh.’

            ‘He-’

            ‘You’ll have to wait Dimitri.’

            ‘Wait? Wait! Look at him! What is wrong with him? His skin…’

            ‘Does it scare you?’ Lance’s voice was quiet, soothing. Father began to whisper too.

            ‘Is this because of my sin? That woman, she was…and now his skin looks…’ He trailed off.

            ‘Those two events aren’t connected. Your son has been chosen for a very special role.’

            ‘Ignatius warned me. He said the boy would be used as a tool against him if I wasn’t careful. How can I take him to Aneller if he’s going to betray me? I’ve tried to redeem myself after what I did, but…’

            ‘Dimitri?’

            ‘I need Ignatius to be Arŕ Wel. I need to be loyal to him. I can’t risk that, not for anything. Forget the stupid attacks; I can’t go to Aneller when he could be a threat. He needs to stay so Ignatius can watch him; and if need be…if he ordered me to…’

            They didn’t talk again. I retreated into the ash field, too shocked to cry.

            If you die, and Father kills me, what will happen then?

            She didn’t answer.

---

My mind remained in the ash field until it was forcefully yanked out. I gasped in a deep breath, eyes opening to feel heat all around me.

            Fire all around.

            Please no.

            I was off the ground, being carried by Father, cradled to his chest in a suffocating hold.

            ‘Welcome back, was it a successful trade?’ 

            ‘Yes master, although one payment hasn’t been made yet. I-’

            ‘What is wrong with the boy?’

            I was sobbing. Those fire eyes stared at me and I could barely breathe.

            ‘It happened the first night in Laven. What should we do?’

            I tried to struggle, but all my body did was a pathetic wriggle.

            ‘P-please Father. Don’t k-kill me!’ I shifted my head, burying it in his chest.

            ‘Why chose this child, I wonder.’ Ignatius pondered.

            ‘Master?’

            ‘Don’t hurt him, Dimitri. I have plans for him once his transformation is complete. He must stay in Firo, and visit Laven as often as possible.’

            ‘But-’

            ‘Does it bother you that much? You may still depart to Aneller, but the boy must stay. The choice is yours. Let me know when you decide.’

            Father hesitated for a little longer, but turned away, his tight grip bruising my hard skin.