Page 95 of Heiress of Fire

Isaiah’s lips slowly reached hers. Deafening applause and cheers scattered throughout the auditorium. Her heart clenched as she recalled how months before, Ron and her had been so close to sharing a wonderful moment like this one near the lake.

Davina parted from Isaiah, their arms intertwined with one another, with a smile as the people stood in their seats and shouted with joy. Different shades of purple plumage filled her vision. The feathers filled the entire amphitheater, Davina turned to Isaiah who had a satisfied look on his face.

“Did you do this?” she asked.

He nodded with a grin. “The feathers are a tribute to your exceptional your wings of fire.”

“Why? You barely even know me.”

“I know you enough to understand that you deserve the very best of this world, Davina.”

“Thank you.” She smiled. The chants began to change in volume.

“Davina! Davina! Davina!”

She realized then that Bellatorm was chanting her name. Had their plan truly worked?

Davina’s eyes gazed upon the sections before her heart pulled her to look for Ron among the crowd. Her smile faltered as their eyes met. His jaw and his hands were tightly clenched as his eyes were filled with even more rage. Davina’s heart quickened.

“Our plan is working,” Isaiah whispered into her ear.

Davina smiled without breaking eye contact with Ron. “Thank Magnar.”

Davina searched for her friends among the crowd. Cara came into view, but she only seemed puzzled. Caleb shared the same look of confusion as Cara. Davina turned to Beacon who was near Ron, he was distraught. Snow had no expression on her face except one of irritation, and Valerie had furrowed brows. Leilani had a blank expression, clearly still upset because of their argument the day before.

The crowd only stopped cheering when Isaiah raised his hand.

“Let the celebrations begin!” He clapped.

Bellatorm cheered again. Davina tried not to flinch at the noisy crowd, her ears began to throb.

Do they ever get tired of screaming?

“I’ll be right back. I’m going to go change for the celebration,” Davina said.

“Okay, my love.” Isaiah grinned. Her eyes remained glued to her dark violet boots as she rushed off the stage and out of the amphitheater.

She had to get out of there. She had to get away from the crowd. The silver walls of the castle filled her blurry vision as she ran into the nearest common room she could find.

Her first kiss was gone and wasted. It wasn’t with anyone that she loved. It wasn’t special. It was a performance. Davina slammed the polished wooden door shut behind her, it creaked loudly before splinters scattered around her.

The Aurisan Captain let out a frustrated sigh, reaching for her head and tugging at her hair. As if she could pull off the weight that lay over her brain.

Davina examined the busted door. She hadn’t meant to slam it so hard. She’d have to replace the door later. But right now, she had to deal with the disgust she felt with herself. Davina wiped her lips with the back of her hand, her chest heaving.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

Davina twirled immediately at the ringing of his voice.

TWENTY-FIVE

“Iasked you a question, Davina.”

Davina remained with eyes widened and lips gaped. After four months, Ron was finally directing a word to her.

“Are you just going to stand there, staring? What do you think you’re doing?” Ron asked sharply.

No, she couldn’t give in to what she was feeling. She had to let him go. It would be considered a crime of infidelity to Isaiah if she were to continue feeling those types of emotions for Ron.

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