Page 64 of Crimson Shadows
“That’s amazing,” she breathes. “Does it hurt?”
I shake my head, smiling. “Not at all. Fire is a part of me. It’s as natural as breathing.”
With a flick of my wrist, I extinguish the flame. “But it’s not just about creating fire,” I continue. “I can also absorb heat and flames, making me virtually fireproof. And in extreme situations, I can even transform my body into a living flame.”
Adelaide’s eyes widen. “Wow. That sounds incredibly powerful.”
I nod, my expression turning serious. “It is. But the fire is volatile. It can warm and nurture, but it can also destroy if not properly controlled.”
She nods, a flicker of understanding in her eyes. “I’m starting to realise that myself, and it’s overwhelming sometimes.”
I feel a pang of sympathy, remembering my struggles with control as a small child, where I would burst into flame involuntarily. “It will get easier,” I assure her. “You just need time and practice.”
We fall into a comfortable silence, Adelaide sipping her blood while I take a drink of water. I study her, noticing the subtle changes in her posture, the way she holds herself with more confidence now.
“Can I askyousomething now?”
She blinks and nods. “Fair’s fair.”
“What are you? Really?”
“Tell me about your Order, and I’ll tell you what I really am,” she counters with such ease that I choke on my laugh.
“Well, fuck, You drive a hard bargain, don’t you?”
Adelaide grins at me, a mischievous glint in her eye. “I’m learning to play the game.”
“Touché. Okay, how about this—I’ll tell you one thing about the Order, and you tell me one thing about yourself. It’s an exchange of secrets, if you will.”
She considers this for a moment, then nods. “Deal. You first, seeing as I asked first.”
I lean in closer, lowering my voice. “The Order of the Crimson Shadow is ancient, older than most of the supernatural races. We’re tasked with maintaining balance in the magickal world.”
Adelaide nods slowly, and I can see the wheels turning. “Interesting. It’s my turn, I suppose.” She takes a deep breath and lowers her voice to a whisper. “I’m a Vesper—half-vampire, half-human.”
Now it’s my turn to be surprised.
Shocked, actually.
Vespers are incredibly rare, almost mythical. “That’s... wow, okay. This is definitely not what I expected you to say...” I frown at her. “That is one doozy of a secret, girl.”
“Yeah, I know. But I get the feeling from what youdidn’tsay that yours is as well, so we’re even, right?”
I study her for a moment. “Clever girl,” I murmur, impressed she read between the lines, but also slightly worried. I didn’t expect that either. In fact, this woman is full of surprises. “Yeah, we’re even.”
“You’ve got a cute accent, you know,” she says, standing up and taking her cup with her. “It makes me want to know more.”
“Then where are you going?”
“I’ve got shit to learn. Catch you around, firestarter.”
“Later, smartarse.”
She lets out a loud laugh and wiggles her fingers at me.
I watch her walk away, a number of emotions swirling inside me. Intrigue, attraction, and a hint of unease. A Vesper. I’ve only ever read about them in ancient texts. They’re supposed to be incredibly powerful, with abilities that surpass many supernatural creatures when fully tapped.
As I sit there, mulling over our conversation. Her secret is safe with me. It will come out eventually. It has to. It’s too big to keep safe, but no fucker will hear it from me.
