Page 68 of Heiress of Fire

Had that been the reason why he always felt like there was a void living inside of him?

“I don’t know, Vivi.” He sighed, rubbing his eyes, wishing he could wipe away his shame.

Ron didn’t mean to be vulnerable at this moment in front of Davina. He wanted to have a good day with her, but it seemed like the issues at hand wanted to be spoken about.

A harsh wind spilled between them. Ron and Davina rushed to hold the plates with food into place as the blanket almost flew right out from under them. They laughed as their fingers became slimy from the condiments.

“Careful,” she laughed.

Her coils danced with the breeze, allowing him to see the red splotches that ran from her cheek down to her collarbone. Ron’s jaw tightened as he saw the burn marks on her face. As he examined the stains even more, he was able to notice a bit of cosmetic powder above the scars.

Davina met his eyes and quickly covered the red spots over her beige skin by moving her hair. Ron heard her gulp before he asked, “What is that, Davina?”

“Another reason for me to fight Raven,” she mumbled, fixing her skirt over her leg.

“Who did this to you?”

“I can’t stand back and do nothing, Ron,” Davina argued.

“Who did this to you?“ he muttered.

“Nico.”

“When I find that—” he said as he began to lift himself up.

“Stop.” She cut him off, setting her hand over his, he remained still. “I’m okay. He didn’t do too much damage this time. Also, you shouldn’t be making too much effort or you could hurt yourself.”

Seeing the wounds that marred her skin made him forget all about his own. Davina tried to smile, but he could see how much it cost her to even try.

“I don’t know how you do it.” Ron marveled at her strength.

“I don’t have any other choice.”

He sighed. She didn’t have any other choice but to fight and persevere. It was then that he truly realized that there was nothing he could do, he would never be able to convince her otherwise.

“What if I lose you in one of those battles? What will be left of me if something happens to you?” Ron asked.

“You won’t ever lose me, Ron,” she promised, squeezing his hand. How he wished that her promise could be guaranteed.

“Promise me that you’re going to be careful.”

“I promise.”

“I don’t think I have any other choice but to be there to help you. In whatever way you need me to,” he claimed. It was the least bit of security he could have for her safety.

“Really?” she asked. The relief in her voice was clear. Did she truly care that much for him?

“Yes. The only way for me to make sure that nothing happens to you is for me to be there, right beside you.” Ron smirked.

Davina chuckled.

“Truthfully, I’m scared to death. I have five months with my powers and training and now I have to fight a demon woman and her army to protect my family,” she began. “I can’t seem to understand why Magnar chose me to lead the army.”

“I don’t know either,” was all he could say.

“All I know is that I need to do this for my siblings. They deserve the very best of me.”

Part of him wished she didn’t have to carry the responsibility. He wished for a way for her to return to her years as a child and live them differently.

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