Page 11 of Heiress of Fire

Davina slowly nodded and sent him a small smile. “I’ll keep that in mind, thank you.”

“Shall we head back? I’m beginning to feel rather famished,” he said, putting a hand over his stomach.

“I thought I was the only one.” She chuckled.

Davina watched as he carefully stood upright. Ron dusted himself off before extending his hand out for her. She interlocked hands with him, and he gracefully pulled her to her feet. She was quite capable of standing up on her own, but she had to admit that it felt nice to be able to have his help. He nodded once before they both jumped off the roof, onto the balcony.

Davina stumbled into his arms.

“Careful,” he snickered.

They were both laughing as they fought to steady their footing. Davina was able to see that Ron had lost his balance just like her since he was trying to keep her from falling onto the stoned balcony.

As their rejoicing began to decrease, Davina was able to feel the heat of his body against hers. Her hands clasped around his forearms and his hands wrapped around her waist. He smelled like a blossoming field of flowers, despite not having a direct connection with Basalt. A rather unique yet wonderful mix. The moment between them was interrupted by the alarming realization that Ron was so physically close to her.

No one ever wanted to be this close to her before. Not her mother, not her father, not the people of Bellatorm. Only her siblings. Mostly Emmy and Genevieve. Micah was changing.

Davina gulped then released him from her grasp. A slight hurt flashed through his eyes. She didn’t want to let go of him, but the feeling she was experiencing at that moment scared her.

“Shall we?” She cleared her throat.

“We shall,” he muttered before opening the doors.

The servant that was chasing after them earlier, stood in front of them with a harsh scowl over his lips.

FOUR

With each step, leaves and branches crunched under her boots. Davina gazed upon Ember stream with somber eyes. The stream was familiar to her village, but most of all to her. She had one of her worst memories there. But as much as she hated the creek, and what it reminded her of, she was parched.

She couldn’t help but scan the woods, just to make sure no one else was around. Davina kneeled before the body of water and cupped her hands into the stream, the water was fresh and clean. Surprisingly, the water tasted like early spring. She stared at the little waves that rippled across the lake. It was mesmerizing.

A shriek filled the air. The forest that engulfed her shook from the child’s wail of terror. She could hear the rabbits pouncing into their burrows while birds flew out of their nests. Davina raised her sparkling purple eyes toward the village nearby.

The cry was one she heard often.

The days when she heard their weeping were always the worst. Her entire body trembled as she jumped on her feet and ran into the village. The stoned pathway of the village caused her feet and thighs to burn but she continued her march deeper into the streets. She had to get there before something happened to them.

Heading straight for the all too familiar yet hateful charred front door, Davina kicked it open.

Her eyes scanned the creaking floor beneath her. Clay pots and cups were shattered across the wooden floorboards, along with burnt shards of plates and utensils. The chairs, which had already been old and creaking, were snapped in half, and splinters covered the living room.

“Stop!” Micah yelled, his face red. Genevieve and Emmy were huddled together in the corner, holding onto each other. Tears streamed down their cheeks as they cried.

“Stop! Stop this! Stop!” Micah continued to beg.

Micah yelled in frustration and grabbed the vase by the coffee table, throwing it in Davina’s direction. He gasped once he noticed the vase flying toward his older sister. Before it could shatter on her face, she aimed her hand for the ornament, transforming the vase into plum-shaded ashes.

Her lips parted as she replayed the aggressive reaction that came from her brother. The same conduct that their parents had, was beginning to contaminate Micah. If Micah decided to go down this path, she knew it would be a path he would be imprisoned on.

So easy to corrupt, yet so hard to redeem.

She knew that she understood it. She comprehended the frustration that came from having to suffer the consequences of choices that were never their own, understanding well the fear of the fact that these fights could end in loss.

She knew the mixed emotion of love and contempt better than the children ever could. Love and contempt were something she carried for many years. Mae’s neglect and Nico’s words cut deeper than a knife ever could. Having to be a sort of maid and nurse for her parents and siblings.

“You said I was a monster, this is what you asked for. Here I am!” Mae yelled with gritted teeth as she scratched her husband’s cheek.

Nico stilled, then slowly reached for his face. His eyes froze as he gazed at his red fingers, his nostrils flared.

---