Page 82 of Crimson Shadows
I turn to Adelaide, a mischievous grin on my face. “Well, well. Looks like you’re in luck, partner. Fire happens to be my speciality.”
“Guess it is my lucky day, or whoever got stuck with me would be sorely disappointed when I epically failed.”
With a flourish, I hold out my hand, palm up. I summon a small flame, no bigger than a candle’s. It dances in my palm, casting a warm glow over our faces. The fire responds to mywill, shaping itself into intricate patterns - a blooming flower, a fluttering butterfly, a spinning galaxy of sparks.
Adelaide’s eyes widen in wonder, the firelight reflected in their depths. “That’s amazing,” she breathes, leaning in closer to watch the display. “How do you do it? And how the fuck amIsupposed to do that?”
“It’s all about focus and intent,” I explain, my voice soft. The proximity of her face to mine is distracting, but I push through. “You have to feel the heat inside you, the spark of life that burns in every living thing. Then, you coax it out, give it form and purpose.”
I gently take her hand, guiding it to hover over mine. Her skin is vampire cool against my fire-warmed palm, but she doesn’t hiss and pull away as I half expected her to. “Close your eyes,” I instruct, my voice low and intimate. “Feel the warmth of the flame. Now, imagine that warmth spreading through you, from your fingertips to the top of your head.”
Adelaide’s eyes flutter closed, her face a mask of concentration. I watch, fascinated, as a faint glow begins to emanate from her skin. It’s subtle, barely noticeable to anyone who isn’t looking for it. But to me, it’s like watching the sunrise. The air around us grows warmer, charged with potential.
“That’s it,” I encourage, my thumb unconsciously tracing circles on the back of her hand. “Now, imagine that warmth gathering in your palm. Give it shape, will it into being.”
For a moment, nothing happens. Then, ever so slowly, a tiny spark appears in Adelaide’s palm. It flickers uncertainly, barely more than an ember. But it’s there, a testament to her untapped potential.
Adelaide’s eyes fly open, a look of pure joy on her face. The spark in her palm grows slightly, fed by her excitement. “Wait! What? How?”
Her excitement is infectious, and I grin like a fool. “You’re a natural, Adelaide.”
“No,” she says, shaking her head and staring at our joined hands with a fierce frown. “No. It’s not me.”
“What do you mean?” I ask, following her gaze.
Her eyes shoot up to mine, and she smiles stiffly. “Nothing,” she says. “I’m just surprised.”
“You know,” I say, my voice low enough that only she can hear, “I meant what I said earlier. About practising together sometime. I’d love to help you explore your powers more if you’re interested, that is.”
Adelaide looks up at me with a soft smile. “I’d like that,” she says finally, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Good. I enjoy spending time with you, Addy.”
She ducks her head, focusing intently on the small flame in her palm. It grows then flickers out, and she sighs with disappointment. “I enjoy spending time with you too, Iggy,” she murmurs.
Iggy.The way she says that sends my blood pumping straight to my cock.
The rest of the practice passes in a blur of stolen glances and lingering touches. Adelaide’s attempts to create fire come to nothing, but she did it once, she can do it again.
As we pack up our things, I’m reluctant to let this moment end. The connection between us feels tangible, a delicate thread that I don’t want to break.
“So,” I say, trying to keep my voice casual even as my heart races, “what do you say to grabbing some food? I know a place that does a great rare steak.”
She giggles, and it’s the sweetest sound. “I’d like that,” she says.
I grin, my heart soaring at her acceptance. “Let’s go then.”
As we leave the lecture hall, I place my hand lightly on the small of Adelaide’s back, guiding her through the crowded corridors. The simple touch sends sparks through my body, and I have to concentrate to keep my powers in check.
We make our way across the moonlit courtyard. Adelaide shivers slightly, and without thinking, I drape my arm around her shoulders. She leans into me, her body fitting perfectly against mine.
“God, you’re so fucking warm and toasty,” she laughs, looking up at me with those captivating eyes.
“Comes with the territory,” I murmur, hoping that I can pluck up the nerve to kiss her before the night is out.
We enter the busy dining hall, which never seems to stop buzzing, and I guide her to the food counter. She grabs a steak quickly, and I grab one as well, slightly more well done, and we sit at a table nearby.
As we sit down, Adelaide digs into her steak with gusto. I can’t help but smile at her enthusiasm.
