FATED BY BLOOD AND FIRE

ill

red ground. The moon remains low in the sky like a silver flame while I kneel on the ground where fire once raged. The jagged black scars on the

of breaking wood mixed with the sound of flames, while I noticed Lucien turning his face away from me. A mixture of guilt and sadness twists within me

oak fall open, so I pull it tight, hoping it can protect me from my past. I inhale deeply and detect the metallic tas

fading flames while his hand rests in mine and his voice carries gentle promises. A deep yearning ins

e vision vanishes, leaving nothing but smouldering thoughts in my mind. My heart pounds fiercely while I advance, sear

y heart pounds against my ribs because I couldn't have created these tracks. Whoever came here

o view with their hood pulled down low while their face remains concealed by darkness. The rapid beat of my heart signals danger

hen I notice the council's mark on the clay token I had to take. My gut tightens with simultaneous feelings of anger and

sking what brought you here," I whisper, betrayal rendering my voice unstable. His hand trembles as he lifts it upwar

His confession comes at me like a devastating tidal wave, revealing his role as another of their spies. A torn hea

anger. I urge him to leave my side as my voice turns icy cold. He lowers his head as shame p

my skin with an unforgiving brightness that feels like a judgment. As I walk toward the middle of the ashes,

der trickles through my fingers from my grasp as grief escapes. The ash flies up into the air as I watch

en until my nails dig into my skin. As I breathe in this place, my thirst for revenge becomes increas

nd cloak flutter in the breeze that seems to respond to my presence. A secret force beats benea

e subtle heat of warmth against the chill of ash. The power surged through my veins as it flowe

ightly while I promise to wield this power for both him and myself. I will command this power to serv

se. My boots move me effortlessly across the ground while the power below my feet pushes me forward.

me with its windows blinking back lantern lights. The familiar shape of the building makes my heart spin as it stands bot

ns. I push open the door, then proceed along the glowing path leading to Lucien's door. Wit

ide eyes. His eyes scan past my figure down the hallway with fluorescent panic. I advance with my

he moment Lucien meets my eyes, his breath stalls abruptly. A cold sensation grips my blood as it freezes

prison of fear and betrayal. A chill floods my bloodstream while my heart reveals an uncontroll