Page 6 of Origins

“Because it’s more authentic,” she replied, leaning forward. “Like I’m really in danger.”

There was that spark again, the subtle glint in her eye that made me want to see just how far she’d go for a thrill.

The temperature in the room seemed to spike as my powers threatened to slip out. Pyrokinesis was a dangerous ability, often linked with villains or vigilantes. One wrong move and you could seriously hurt those around you. Usually, I did my best to keep everything under control. But right now, I was dying to watch Callie play with fire.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” she asked, tilting her head like a curious puppy.

“No reason.” I forced an easy smile as I fought to keep the flames at bay.

Another silence enveloped us, but this one was slightly uncomfortable as I worked up the courage to ask:

“So... What would you say to hanging out tonight?”

Her lips parted in surprise.

“Like a date?”

I choked, gripping the table to steady myself. The wood beneath my fingers began to smolder.

“Do you... want it to be a date?”

Her eyes widened, darting from my face to the steaming table.

“Do you need help, Sulien?”

I looked down at the orange glow in my fingertips, threatening to ignite.

“I’m fine,” I lied, flicking my wrists to cool them down. “You just got me a little... hot under the collar.”

She didn’t laugh at my lame joke. Instead, she reached across the table, placing a hand on my shoulder. Her touch was warm, grounding me as she stared into my eyes. It felt as if she was peeling back my layers, searching for something hidden deep inside. I had no idea what she was looking for, but for some reason, I desperately wanted to give it to her.

“You’re not the first person I’ve unnerved,” she teased. As she pulled away, my shoulder tingled with the memory of her touch. “Although youarethe first to almost catch a table on fire.”

I barked out a laugh, finally managing to cool down. “I’m full of surprises.”

“Surprises?” she purred, leaning in again. “Like what?”

I leaned closer too, her breath brushing against my lips. Part of me wanted to tell her she’d have to sleep with me to find out, but that kind of comment wouldn’t befit an aspiring hero. Luckily, my phone’s alarm went off, saving me from myself.

“Shit, I need to go,” I groaned, glancing at the time. “Combat simulations.”

“Guess I’ll have to wait to know your secrets.” She gave me an exaggerated fake pout.

“I guess so. Hey... what are you doing in like two hours?” I asked, still trying to figure out if a date was on the table.

“I’m sitting in on a meeting with my family,” shesaid, sounding bored. “We’re trying to expand our center.”

I tried not to be offended. Flora recognized my talent, and Aegis was looking to expand, so why wouldn’t they offer me a placement? Part of me wanted to be angry at Callie for that, but deep down, I knew she had no control over her father’s decisions.

“What about after?” I asked.

She gave me a wide smile. “I’ll be free after eight…Does that work for you?”

“Eight sounds perfect.” I feigned nonchalance, hoping she wouldn’t notice how excited I was.

***

The worn soles of my sneakers squeaked against the metal tiles as I sprinted from the locker room to the middle of the gym. At the beginning of the semester, I’d set the alarm for this class specifically to give myself enough time to reach the third floor, change into my training uniform, and still arrive fifteen minutes early. But that plan didn’t account for a detour across campus to a building I hadn’t even known existed just to drop Callie off at her class.

---