Page 6 of Heiress of Fire

She swirled and encountered Leilani, who had been wearing a beautiful white and green gown. The dress was so enchanting that it seemed like it was one that the noblewomen of Bellatorm would wear. The white was made of satin, while the green that traveled around her gown seemed to be made of real leaves. The leaves twirled from her skirt, around her torso, and to her shoulders. Her blonde hair was perfectly curled. Leilani was a true Basalan princess.

She smiled at Leilani.

Fire… what a useless gift to have. She breathed out without letting her grin waver.

Leilani lifted her chin. “What do you think?”

“You look divine,” Davina exclaimed. She meant it. Her best friend was beautiful. Everything about her seemed to be perfect. Her gift, her hair, her skin, and her clothes.

“Thank you. I think Sadoc will truly notice me tonight,” she claimed with sparkling eyes while setting her hands over her heart.

Davina slightly sighed before walking to Leilani and reaching for her hands.

“If you have to adorn yourself to get a man’s attention, then he’s no man at all,” Davina claimed. “A real man will value your mind and your heart.”

Leilani remained silent while avoiding Davina’s gaze, a small frown over her lips before bouncing back immediately. Davina sighed.

“Let’s go, it’s getting late,” Leilani chirped, pulling Davina’s hand, and headed out her bedroom door. Davina struggled to keep up with Leilani, her excitement caused her to blaze on her feet.

As they walked out of the Dunbar house, she couldn’t help but notice the difference between Auris and Basalt Island and recall the day she met Leilani.

Basalt was known for being an island with serenity and calmness, which was something Davina lacked completely that day.

Her parents had fought and made up in one day. Her body continued to tremble as she stepped off Basalt Bridge and neared the cherry blossom trees by the entrance.

The tremors would course through her body whenever they fought, and the trembling in her bones would only leave until the next day. But that day, she didn’t want to deal with the fear that shook her being, she wanted peace and quiet. As much as she loved her siblings, they were not helping her tremors subdue.

So one day, she decided to head out to Basalt. Several Basalans saw her orange clothing and walked in the opposite direction. Others were shameless with their scornful looks. Davina ignored them and continued to search for a charming and quiet place to sit and meditate.

After much exploration, she found a beautiful lagoon near a valley. Davina walked through the thicket and foliage, careful with her steps. She looked around for a boulder or log to sit on so she could quietly stare at the beauty before her, only to find a blonde-haired girl standing near the edge of the water, skipping rocks.

Davina couldn’t help but envy the way she seemed so calm and happy. The girl found comfort in her own home. Davina wasn’t at peace in Auris, that’s why she ran to Basalt.

The blonde-haired girl heard the rustling of the leaves below Davina’s boots.

Davina froze. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bother you. I’ll be heading—”

“An Aurisan in Basalt? Now that is wonderful!” the girl exclaimed. Her voice was inviting.

Davina turned back to face her. With a smile plastered on the girl’s face, the blonde was approaching her.

“If you knew who I was, you wouldn’t be approaching me right now.” Davina cleared her throat, avoiding eye contact.

“I know who you are. I’m not scared,” the girl said.

“You’re not?” Davina asked.

A creaking noise pierced the air. Davina flinched at the incoming tree branch that was twisting closer and closer to her. Was the blonde girl about to kill her because of the family she belonged to?

“Relax,” the blonde-haired girl laughed. “I was growing this for you.”

The tree branch reached closer to the blonde-haired girl; a smile remained on her lips. Buds and petals grew from the branch, the bark screeched as it returned to its original form.

“I’m Leilani. Nice to meet you, Davina.” Leilani extended the lemony freesia to Davina. She slowly clasped the flower from its stem with confusion. Its sweet fragrance engulfed her scent almost immediately.

“Thank you.”

Leilani was the first person she’d met on Basalt Island who was nice to her. They instantly became best friends. Leilani became the companion she hadn’t known she needed, which is why she searched to take care of her when it came to Sadoc, yet Leilani was stubborn and continued to pursue him.

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