Page 218 of The Devil's Fire

seventy-two

Althaia

My throat closed when I saw the burned building. I stepped out of the car, barely believing what I was seeing in front of me. The boutique my mother had worked so hard for was just gone.

Gone like she was. Vanished, leaving only memories behind.

“I’m so sorry, Thaia.” Michael wrapped an arm around my shoulders while I still looked at the boutique in disbelief.

“Why would they do that?” My voice was nothing, but a mere broken whisper.

“I don’t know, but I promise you I’ll find out whatever I can and let you know if something comes up. They’re all going to pay for this.” Michael promised me, but right now, it all felt like empty words to me. “Come, let’s go now.”

“Do you want to take a walk with me on the beach? The sun is about to set, and it’s a beautiful sight to witness.” I asked Michael. He decided to keep me company for the rest of the day, even though I hadn’t said much since we came back.

He made sure I got something to eat and tried to lift my spirits. It did help that he was here. I had forgotten how goofy he could be, and I was happy that I was able to spend some time with him since it had been so long since the last time.

“Sure.” He smiled, and we made our way outside. “Are you sure you don’t want to stay at my place instead of here?” Michael asked again, trying to convince me not to stay here on my own.

“I appreciate the offer, but I just need some time for myself.” I explained to him as we walked down to the beach.

“I don’t like you staying here by yourself.”

“It’s literally a safe house. Do you really think they would send me out here if it wasn’t safe for me?” I pointed out. I rolled my eyes at him when he scoffed at my answer but said nothing else.

We walked alongside the water, watching and enjoying the incredible view of the sunset. There was something incredibly peaceful about watching the warm colors of red and orange in the sky. With the water reflecting everything, it created an even more majestic sight.

My hand reached up to touch the necklace that I always wore, only to be reminded again that I had lost it. I let out a sigh; it was a necklace I had received from my grandfather before he passed away—the only thing I had from him.

I stopped walking as I faced the water, and closed my eyes while taking a deep breath of the fresh, salty air. I loved it here. The sounds of the waves made me feel calm as I embraced the serenity.

“Is it true?”

I turned around to face Michael, seeing how he looked troubled while still gazing at the water.

“What is?” I asked him, curious about why he was suddenly wearing such a grim expression. He let out a breath and looked at me, his ocean-blue eyes gazing intently.

“You and him… is it really true?”

I faced away, feeling my heart ache at the mention of him. I wasn’t even sure if he still wanted me, and I couldn’t blame him if he wanted to leave me. I had lost a life that was precious to him too.

“Something like that…” I muttered, and my throat went completely dry. Michael grabbed me and turned me around to look at him.

“Why him?” He asked firmly, his brows furrowed, and seriousness in his expression that took me by surprise. He stepped closer, his hands slowly sliding up and resting on my cheeks. “Why him and not me?” He whispered.

I was too stunned to say anything as he caressed my cheeks.

In the silence, the sound of the waves crashing on the shore seemed to intensify, creating a backdrop of the unspoken emotions swirling between us.

“W-what?” I breathed out, and my eyes widened.

“Althaia, I’ve loved you since day one. I’ve always wanted you.”

My body was completely frozen in place, unable to say anything at all as I watched his face coming closer to mine.

“Michael, I’m sorry, but I don’t…” I shook my head and tried to take a step back, but he wrapped an arm around my waist, preventing me from moving away from him.

“Don’t say you don’t feel anything for me either, because I know you do.” He stated. I swallowed hard at the way he was affectionately looking at me.

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