I glare at him. “We don't fondle each other!” I say in unison with Amias.
Erasmus snorts besides Glaide. “I wouldn't be surprised if you two did.”
I shoot my glower at him too. We're just normal friends. “Fine. I don't want you guys around me anyways.”
“Oh come on now,” Amias groans. “Clara and I are nothing more than friends-”
“I call bullshit.” Glaide says.
Amias scowls. “We arejust friends.”
We are definitely more thanjustfriends.
My heart stutters at the thought. No! Anything more than friends could end in tragedy. He's still the prince of Amara herself.
I still can't forget about the times where love was weaponized to kill someone. Lydia and Rayden being one. Then my father and Vasilisa. I still need to consider father's warning about Amarians If we fell in love, it would open us up to death. Besides, this place is still a death trap. I should be heading off to Caelestia soon.
But… it feels so stupid to even worry about that. I don't want to leave. I can't even imagine Amias killing me either.
“Anyways, back to the party.” Amias’ eyes widen as if something clicks in his head when he turns to me. “The kids are all invited to the party. They'll need help getting ready.”
I raise my brows. “Do you need me to help?”
“Only if you want to. I have to get ready for the party myself. Glaide made my suit for the night so he's gonna drop it off for me and make sure it's all good, so we'll be down two. Erasmus has to get ready and get his date as well so then it will be down three.”
“I'll do it.” I nod. “You don't need to worry about it ”
“Great! Thank you, Flame.” The nickname rolls out naturally, as if it were my literal name. His vibrant blue eyes twinkle.
“No problem.” I return the soft smile, my heart fluttering as I admire his gentle gaze.
His soft smile curls into a small frown, as he glances away and sighs. “If you ever change your mind… It would be nice to have you there…”
My tiny neck hairs straighten. If I'm being honest, if Amorette and Amara weren't there, I think I would have a great time. From what I’ve heard, there will be a lot of magic and all sorts of fancy food and music. I honestly enjoy all of those things. Celebrating with Amias and Sabina would make for a great time.
But of course, if I am to survive, there's no way I can go. “I apologize. I can't. Your mother won't-”
“It's fine.” he murmurs, making eye contact again. The twinkle in his eyes has dimmed. “It wouldn't be fun if you were uncomfortable anyways.”
I slump and take another bite of my lunch. “Apologies.” I sigh as I chew and move the beef around in my bowl with my fork. “I would if she wasn't-”
A blood curdling cry makes me hit my back against my chair. I whip my head towards Amias, my body locking itself in place.
When I realize the source for the scream, I nearly gag on myself.
Amias is trying to blow violet flames off of his arm. It only roars and climbs up his shoulder. He flails his arms. “Help!”
I reach out for him, huffing on the fire too, but it doesn't help. It only travels up his neck and all over his body.
“Amias!” I scream. I glance around for a drink, but nothing is on the table. “Someone! Help!”
I snap my gaze to where Glaide and Erasmus are, but their seats are empty.
Shit!
Amias screeches once more before his body falls over towards me. I catch him, holding him tight despite the flames. My thoughts scramble for a solution. Amias can’t just burn to death in front of me!
“No!” Tears flooding my cheeks. I pull him away and take him by the shoulder. Through the fire, the only thing I can see are his eyes staring back lifelessly.
