Page 97 of Soulmateless
She perks her brows. “What about flames?”
“Your eyes. They’re like flames.” I'm certain her gaze is burning my cheeks.
She scowls again, her eyes glossing over. “Why flames? What about me makes you think of fire? Am I destructive to you?”
“No! Not at all. I didn't think of it in that way!”
She sighs and looks away. “Fire is destructive, destroying everything in its path, leading to everyone's devastation.” She scrunches her nose. “It’s not a good thing to be compared too.”
My foot tapping becomes more prominent as I try to gather some thoughts, choosing my next words carefully. “Well… fire isn't always destructive. It can be beautiful.”
She turns back to me with her eyes squinted, leaning in as if to tell me to continue.
“Fire may be destructive when out of control, but when handled properly, it can keep you company. It will keep you safe and warm, shielding you from enemies that try to snap back against it. It shields against the cold. It can be… protective. Like a campfire.”
Her gaze softens. “I never thought of it like that…”
“So when I look into your amber eyes, I feel like I'm looking into a warm calmer fire that's been started to keep her loved ones safe.”
She blushes in a way that makes my heart jump. I realize that my statement might have sounded more like a flirtation than I meant it. Or did I mean it as that?
Is it okay if I did?
No. I can't. Clara is amazing in so many ways, and she deserves to have her soulmate. One day, she'll find the person that matches her and be happier with them
They will admire her beauty. They’ll admire her courage and empathy. They'll match in ways I could never achieve with anyone.
If I want Clara to be happy, I can't fall for her. I'll be in the way of true love. I’d be selfish, and I can't prevent her from getting that joy that love brings. If anyone deserves a soulmate, it's her.
A grin tugs Clara's lips. “I've never thought of fire like that.”
I pull my lips into a smile too. It hurts to feel this way about her but as long as she ends up happy, it'd be okay. “Okay… Let's get you cleaned up.”
Chapter 34
Ignatia
It's been so long since I've stretched my legs like this for fun.
Most of the time, running was a fight for survival. Any mistake could result in never seeing tomorrow. All I could muster were tears and pathetic breaths.
Today though, I'm running to save my pride.
It's easy now, dashing past people walking and the short brick buildings lining the sidewalks. The air, fragrant with amare flowers, whips by me despite the lack of wind.
I turn over my shoulder with a laugh as Amias races behind me.
He's smirking, biting his lip as he passes people, like he's calculating something.
I don't know what he's planning, but it doesn't matter. I'm going to get to the orphanage first.
I turn the corner and the large stairs to the orphanage are in sight. I continue my race forward. Amias is a ways away. He won't make it.
Just a few steps ahead, and a figure comes up to me. I shriek as strong arms wrap around me when I recognize the bright chuckle from my attacker.
“Amias!” I scold when he swings and sets me down behind him. He dashes for the orphanage. “That's cheating!”
He looks over his shoulder with a wink and keeps racing away.
