I freeze. That flame... I recognize it. The same energy that swirls through me now pulses within him.
My fingers trace the raised scorched glowing symbols along my chest and neck, feeling the heat blazing from them, the joy that Arawnoth bestowed them on me. I breathe slowly, releasing the tension from my hand, and with a wave, the barriers vanish.
Ignixis collapses, retching onto the harsh, icy floor. I exhale, still only feeling contempt for the treacherous Ignixis.
Skittering movement draws my attention and I nearly leap into the air with sudden fright.
“Todd!” I exclaim in surprise as the black-and-red cyloillar scuttles up my arm, coming to rest upon my shoulder. Heclicks noisily, his leathery skin warm against mine, somehow untouched by the flames that still flicker around me.
What does it all mean? What is this power Arawnoth has bestowed upon me?
I absently stroke Todd’s soft skin, my mind swirling. The sacred markings burn hot against my skin, a constant reminder of Arawnoth’s presence. This must be the gift Dracoth spoke of—the one tied to his strange marriage ritual. But... we haven’t even completed the bond yet.
God, that must mean I’m his bonded woman...
I groan inwardly, wrestling with conflicting emotions—excitement, fear, and shame. Do I evenlikeDracoth? Like let’s get bonded forever,likehim? Does it even matter if we both gain power from it? Could be similar to arranged marriages of the past. I just need to make sure it works out for me too.
My excitement surges as images flash through my mind—me, living like a pampered queen, crushing anyone who disobeys with a flick of my silver barriers. A wicked grin creeps onto my face.
Wait... what about Sandra?Fuck!She might be heartbroken about this. She’s crazy about Dracoth. I sigh loudly, knowing there’s nothing that can be done. How do I always end up in these situations, stealing someone else’s guy without even trying? Love can be cruel, but we made a promise to take care of each other no matter who was chosen, and that’s exactly what I plan to do.
Suddenly, I feel an absence of warmth in my soul. Glancing around, I notice the flickering flames no longer wrap around my body, and my vision and clarity of mind have lessened, like someone has turned the dimmer switch on my life. I already miss the comforting warmth, feeling the frigid air kiss my skin like a creepy ex-boyfriend. Even the glowing runes on my chest and neck dim, the vibrant heat they once carried gone, leavingonly the dark, healed burns like the ones which mar Ignixis’s flesh.
“Your eyes. They return to normal.” Ignixis rasps between coughing fits, still kneeling on the floor.
My eyes?I raise a tentative hand to rub them, wondering what he’s talking about.
“You’ve only taken the first steps,” he says, rising with a twisted smile on his scorched, weathered face. “The journey has just begun, blessed daughter.”
A flicker of fear tugs at me. Ignixis is much taller and stronger than me with those massive claws of his. He creeps toward me like a smiling shadow, cold as the frigid air bellowing from his blackened lips. And there’s nothing I can do to stop him, my powers now as absent as my father’s love.
Todd stirs and croaks on my shoulder, and I give him a pet more for my own nerves than his. Ignixis stops, peering down at me, his smile twisted like something grotesque.
“You are Arawnoth’s chosen,” he says, voice laced with madness. “Dracoth’s bonded female.” His eyes glint an eerie green as he cackles, the sound grating against my ears. “Iknewit was you! In the firelight, back in Star City—you saw Arawnoth within the sacred words, didn’t you? The truth was written in your eyes even then.”
“Yes,” I mutter, my voice distant as my mind drifts back to that moment. I had seen them—the glowing symbols on Ignixis’s skin, burning molten. Arawnoth had been there, at that moment, calling to me. I can still feel it, that warmth, that presence.
“He helps me. He... makes me feel better.”
“You bear his attention well, child. Many cannot endure Arawnoth’s fires for long.” Ignixis’s gaze locks onto the scorched runic symbols on my chest and neck. His wrinkled hand hovers near them as if afraid to touch, yet mesmerized.
“May I?” His eagerness is obvious, barely restrained.
My fingers trace the raised markings, feeling a flicker of warmth still simmering beneath.
I glance down, only partially seeing the intricate black patterns swirling over my pale skin, extending from my chest and wrapping around my neck. The runes pulse faintly with a glow, like embers waiting to reignite. The center column spirals outward, its pattern reminiscent of twin arrowheads, bordered by jagged, flame-like shapes.
Ignixis steps closer, moving the edges of my leathers aside to examine the mark. His fingers trace the scorched symbols with something like reverence.
“The... cycle... burns... eternal,” he whispers, his yellow fangs gleaming with joy. “My, my, words from Arawnoth himself! That I lived long enough to witness this day is a blessing beyond measure.”
I should be annoyed having this burned into my skin, like some kind of tramp stamp I never wanted. But a part of me loves it. Not for how it looks, but for what it makes mefeel.The memory of Arawnoth’s presence floods back, the sensation of being consumed by divine flames, the soaring of my soul, the absolute adoration that filled my heart. I smile at the thought.
“What does it mean?” I ask, my voice hushed.
“What does it mean?” Ignixis echoes, with elation in his voice. “It means we’re on the path of destiny, blessed daughter. Arawnoth’s will shall manifest through your union. Dracoth will rise to claim the mantle of War Chieftain, and our people will reclaim their glorious future as the Gods have foretold.” He adds, his tone full of reverence.
My mind swirls, trying to comprehend the implications of all this. Gods, War Chieftains, divine destinies. I always thought Dracoth and Ignixis little more than space conmen with delusions of grandeur. But now... well, the truth is literallyburned into my flesh. The powers I’ve wielded—they’re not just tricks.
