Page 114 of Scars and Burns

Then there’s silence.

I glance around the dark corridor. Waiting and on guard. Listening for any movement. Then I hear, “It’s alright my estrella. They’re gone.”

Aeron.

Sliding my body up against the wall. I stand, barely, having to use the wall for support.

I feel him walking closer to me. He places his hands on my body. I flinch under his touch at first.

Then he grips whatever is around my wrists that hindered my magic. He shakes at the effort of attempting to break it. Whatever it is, it’shard and strong. But eventually it gives. Breaking and shattering. Falling to my feet.

He picks me up gently. Wrapping me in his arms. My knees hooked over one of his forearms while he supports my back with the other. I lean into him. Embracing his warmth as it spreads through my body. I rest my hands in my lap. I hear his heartbeat. It’s racing.

Perhaps even faster than mine.

I feel him extend his magic. A cloud of black smoke consumes us and then poof. We appear in my chambers.

He walks over and lays me gently in my bed. Tucking me into the covers. His hand resting on the back of my head. Guiding me back to the headboard.

He freezes. Pulling his hand away. I see his eyes widen. Fear stricken on his face.

Looking down and seeing nothing but crimson. I reach up and pull my own hand away from my head. I’m bleeding. There’s a hole in my skull.

My head begins to bob. Wavering from the loss of blood. I struggle to keep my eyes open. Feeling myself slip away.

I see Aeron’s mouth moving but I am too far gone to hear or make out the words he is saying. My eyes begin to drift close. He nudges me, forcing me to be lucid once more.

He looks down at me. Whispering me a promise, “You are a rare star whose light cannot be matched. You are my light. My ember. My estrella. ”

And then darkness.

49

Aeron

Iknew KingElio was a disgraceful beast but I didn’t think he was capable of this.

Forcing himself on a woman young enough to be his daughter. Essentially raising her. Sheltering her. Watching her grow from child, to teenager, to adult. Failing to deign her a morsel of respect.

I knew something was not right when I saw his hand on her leg. The look in his eyes filled with desire.

She left the ballroom shortly after Prince Proteus announced his gift to Princess Saphrina to be a star. She didn’t even stay to eat dinner. I watch King Elio finish his meal and order a grand celebration dance that requires most of the guests.

He stands and exits the same side door as Dinalia did.

He cannot be trusted.

I follow. If he intends to do my estrella harm. I will kill him. Slowly and painfully. I will steal the gift of every star given and bring him back each time only to desecrate his soul again and again.

Feeling the pull that connects me to her shake. I follow it. Allowing it to guide me straight to her. What I see sends me into a frenzy.

King Elio is on top of her, ripping her skirt. While three othersoldiers are holding her down.

I don’t think, I just react.

Unleashing my magic upon those that would touch what is mine.

My black shadows seeping into their skin. Consuming their minds.

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