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CHAPTER 15:
“Explain.” Elijah demanded, glaring at Incendio.
“I’m still not understanding.” Cyan cut in. “What did Incendio do?”
“Did Incendio really do anything?” I added. “Aside from getting me stabbed.”
“I am so sorry.” Incendio apologized for the twentieth time.
“Stop it. All of you, I know you’re trying to confuse me. I know what i saw. Incendio was going to get pierced by the witches ice, but it hit Kric instead. Kric, being the idiot that he is, pulled the ice from his stomach and basically bled to death… only he didn’t. Somehow, kric healed from an impossible injury and then Incendio started bleeding. I don’t know how or why, but I know that somehow, whatever happened, it’s something Incendio did.” Elijah ranted, irritated with us. We had spent the last three hours denying everything he said, so I understood his growing frustration. “I won’t ask you again Incendio. Explain what you did or be charged with treason.”
“Elijah-“
“No Cyan! I don’t know how you’re involved in this, but the fact that you’ve kept it from me is really starting to piss me off! So sit down and stop talking or leave the throne room.” Elijah snapped, making Cyan bite his lip. Cyan sat down in his throne, a bit shocked at Elijah’s outburst. It was rare that Elijah told Cyan what to do and even rarer that Cyan actually listened. That’s when I knew that Elijah was serious.
“I tied his flame to mine.” Incendio spoke, his voice soft.
“Explain.” Elijah repeated.
Incendio hesitated, obviously uncomfortable under the angered gaze of the king. Fairies never got in trouble… until now that is. “Almost all living things contain a flame. All sun creatures and most plant life are kept alive by a spiritual fire within them. This fire heals wounds and sustains organic life. Kric’s flame is strong… because I made it strong.”
“How did you do that?” Elijah questioned.
“I took a seed that I had cultivated, one which shared a flame connection with myself, and I implanted it within his chest. Kric had no idea what I had done.”
“What does that mean though?” Elijah asked.
Incendio sighed softly, beginning to speak again. “Kric was capable of healing himself at a normal rate with the help of his flame, but when injuries were too serious, the flame would weaken. The seed provided its flame in those moments, feeding Kric’s fire. Then, in instances where he was mortally wounded, the seed would draw on my own flame and his wounds would be shared with me.”
“What? You never told me that.” I spoke up. My mind flooded with all the instances I had charged into battle, only to get myself almost killed and saved by my healing abilities. “You’ve been feeling it then? Everytime I get hurt, you feel it?”
“Not every time. Sometimes, your flame and the flame within the seed are enough to sustain you.” Incendio explained.
“But what about the other times?” I argued. “What happened earlier, that’s happened to you before?”
“Not often.” Incendio answered.
“All fairies are capable of this?” Elijah spoke up.
“No. I am the only one.” Incendio told him.
“And you can do this easily? Its as simple as planting a seed?” Elijah question him.
“Elijah…” Cyan whispered.
“Yes.” Incendio answered obediently.
“Thats brilliant.” Elijah said, looking to Cyan. “Isn’t it? The key to surviving any injury is right here.”
“Elijah.” Cyan said a little louder. “I don’t think-“
“You will perform this seed magic on Cyan and Ciel.” Elijah ordered.
“Did you not just hear him say he feels the pain?” I asked Elijah. “How could you-“
“He does it for you. He could do it for his Kings.” Elijah turned his attention back to incendio. “You will do this for the Sun Kingdom.”
“Elijah-” Cyan tried, but was cut off.
“I will not.” Incendio said almost instantly.
“Excuse me?” Elijah narrowed his eyes.
“To do this for you all would not be the will of the goddess.” Incendio explained. “Cheating death would be the ultimate betrayal to the goddess that has given us all life. I cannot do this for you. I am sorry.”
“If that is so, why would you do it for Kric? Was that the will of the goddess?” Elijah argued.
“It was not.” Incendio answered honestly, making me shake my head at his stupidity.
“Then you will do it for your kings. It is in the best interest of the sun Kingdom and Solar. To protect the lives of the royal line should be an honor.” Elijah insisted. “You will do it, Incendio.”
“I will not.” Incendio repeated. “It is in everyone’s best interest that I do not.”
“Please just let it go, Elijah.” Cyan urged.
“I am commanding you to do this, Incendio. You have given no reason as to why Kric deserves this power over the royal family and so you are obligated to do this for your Kingdom.” Elijah demanded.
“Just do it, Incendio.” I urged him.
“No.” Incendio said calmly.
“You will be charged with treason if you continue to say no.” Elijah warned.
“Incendio…” Cyan addressed the fairy.
“No.” Incendio said again. “I accept my punishment.”
“Incendio!” Cyan snapped. “Elijah, you can’t!”
“He’s lying about something and if he lies to his kings, he jeopardizes all of us.” Elijah told Cyan.
“But he’s not lying about what you think!” Cyan cried.
“What do you mean?” Elijah asked.
“I said I accept my punishment!” Incendio said loudly.
“Shut up!” I grabbed his hands, turning him to face me. “The punishment for treason is death!”
“Then I accept it!” Incendio reiterated.
“You will not!” Cyan growled. “I have gone along with you, Incendio. I have kept your secrets because they were not my truths to tell but I will not have you kill yourself over them!”
“Better I die than anyone else!” Incendio countered.
“No.” Cyan shook his head, turning to Elijah. “Incendio is leaving out information about why he will do it for Kric and for no one else… To him, Kric isn’t just some general. They didn’t just date or like each other for no reason. Incendio has known, from the first moment really…”
“Cyan, do not.” Incendio warned.
“Incendio knows that Kric is his soul mate. He only did the seed thing because he saw that Kric would have died without it. He did it, broke his own rules, for his mate. He’s willing to bear overwhelming pain for his mate… we can’t demand that he treat us the same way.” Cyan explained.
“Incendio, is this true?” Elijah asked the fairy beside me, whose hands I was still holding.
“What is truth?” The fairy mumbled.
“Incendio.” I grabbed his chin, forcing him to look me in the eyes. “Is it true?”
“I am sorry.” He whimpered.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” I asked. “Why let me believe that you had used me?”
“I am sorry.” He repeated. “Back then, the future was clear. You were not ready to love me and I was content to wait… but then everything became blurry. The future was so uncertain. A single mistake-“
I kissed him, suddenly realizing that I had desperately wanted to kiss him since the moment I had first seen him. It didn’t matter to me why he had done what he did. It was enough to know that I had been right in feeling that there was something special between us.
I had been infatuated with Incendio at first glance. His face, his body, his voice… all of it had captivated me the second he had come to retrieve Cyan from a lesson. The more I grew to know him, the more it all seemed to make sense. He was so different from me and yet the attraction only grew.
I had found my mate and here he was within my arms, kissing me like he thought he never would again. I pulled away, smiling at him.
“I guess that means this little issue is resolved.” Cyan chuckled, a bit uncomfortable. “Come, Elijah. Let’s leave them alone.”
————————
“Can fairies have sex?”
Cyan coughed, almost choking on the mouthful of blood he was drinking. “Kric, the children!” he cried, motioning to the two boys coloring at a table in the corner.
“They’re not listening and I really needed to ask.” I groaned. “The thing is, i know that they don’t have sex, but Incendio is different than the rest of them… so maybe…”
“Why don’t you just ask him if he wants to sleep with you?” Cyan asked, nervously eyeing the preoccupied children to make sure they couldn’t hear us.
“I would… but what if he says no?”
“Well then he says no.” Cyan said matter-of-factly.
“But i’m a dragon Cyan! Dragons have sex!” I whined.
“Shhhh!” Cyan cried. “The kids!”
“I don’t know… What brought this on?” Cyan groaned.
“Nothing really… Yesterday Incendio and i were kissing and it got really hot.”
“Okay and?”
“And nothing. We just kissed and it got hot and we kept kissing and then he had to go meet with the elders and nothing happened.” I explained.
“Were you expecting something to happen?” He asked.
“No, but I wouldn’t have minded if it did.” I sighed.
“Well then you’ve got to-” Cyan was cut off by a knock at the Dining room door. “Come in!” He called, but the door remained closed.
He sniffed the air. “Obsidian.” He grumbled, just as someone knocked again. “Is this his childish version of ding, dong, ditch?”
“Better than the time he filled your bath with leeches.” I pointed out.
“Fine.” Cyan groaned as someone knocked on the door again. “I’m coming!”
Cyan approached the door, irritation clear on his face. “What do you wa-” Cyan pushed the door open, revealing an empty hallway for a split second. That second was quickly washed away by the large amount of red fluid that fell from the sky and onto the unsuspecting king. Cyan screamed, shocked by the assault.
In another second, the rain was over and cyan was standing in the doorway, soaked in what smelled like blood. Ciel walked over, sniffing his dad and then hesitantly licking his arm. “Oh, yummy!”
“Don’t drink it Ciel.” Cyan cried. “We don’t know where it’s from.”
“Cyan? Areyou alright?” Elijah cried, most likely having ran the moment he heard Cyan scream.
“I’m covered in foreign blood. Do I look alright?” Cyan growled.
“Yes? N-no? No.” Elijah looked around the hallway “Who did this?”
“Who do you think?” Cyan hissed.
“Oh goodness, King Cyan. What ever happened to you?” I heard the teasing laugh before I saw the culprit walk into view.
“Ciel, Iris… go see Michellie.” Cyan said in between clenched teeth. The kids obeyed, probably sensing the growing tension.
“Obsidian, did you do this?” Elijah sighed, turning to the chuckling vampire behind him.
“You don’t think it was funny?” Obsidian frowned, eyes turning wide as saucers.
“It’s not that-“
“It is that!” Cyan cut Elijah off. “I’m covered in questionable blood from who knows where!”
“It’s not questionable.” Obsidian countered. “It’s from your special blood wine cellar.”
Elijah seemed to turn white as Cyan turned even redder than the blood that was drying on his cheeks. “You went into my special cellar and used the blood wine, totalling hundreds of thousands of dollars, to pour it on my head?”
“What else was there to do? You confined me to my wing!” Obsidian countered.
“You told him not to leave his wing?” Elijah asked Cyan.
“And yet he still did!” Cyan yelled. “Where is your guard?”
“Oh, you mean the delicious Marco person?” Obsidian chuckled. “I’m not sure.”
“Marco?” Cyan turned to me. “My Marco? You gave Marco to this beast?”
“I’ll go find him.” I promised. “Obsidian, apologize and we’ll go.”
“I’m sorry.” Obsidian sighed. “I see what you mean now Eli. He really does get mad at everything.”
“What? No, I didn’t say-” Elijah was cut off by Cyan’s glare.
“Whatever, just help me get the blood off.” Cyan groaned, pulling off his sticky shirt. Obsidian narrowed his eyes in disgust. Cyan smiled at him. “Why don’t you lick it off?” He asked Elijah, making the poor guy stiffen.
“Come on. Let’s go.” I rushed out, trying to drag Obsidian away from what was bound to be some really rough sex.
Obsidian glared openly as Elijah attacked Cyan’s throat, lapping up the sticky bloodwine. ELijah pulled Cyan into his arms, lifting him off the ground to wrap his legs around Elijah’s waist. “Oh please Elijah… bite me already.” I heard Cyan moan just as I slammed the dining room door shut.
“What a blood whore.” Obsidian mumbled.
“Don’t.” I warned.
“Don’t what?” He asked innocently.
“Don’t do what i know you’re trying to do.” I warned him. “Things are good the way they are. Stop meddling.”
“I’m not meddling.” Obsidian insisted.
“Fine. Then show me what you’ve done with Marco.”
“I haven’t done anything with him.”
“I told you i’d skin you alive-“
“Actually, you said you’d leave me for the wolves to eat.” Obsidian chuckled. “I really didn’t touch him Kricky, I swear. You’re my friend. I would never hurt someone you care about, even if he is yummy looking.”
“But you’ll call Elijah’s bonded a blood whore?” I raised an eyebrow at him.
“It’s a term of endearment.”
“On what planet?” I scoffed. “Listen Obsidian, you know I love you. You’re one of my oldest friends. I know you.”
“Yawn.”
“Dont try to snark your way out of this conversation.” I said sternly. “You know Elijah’s particularly dense when it comes to betrayal by his friends and so you’ve gotten away with a lot more than you should have, but no more. Elijah and Cyan are bonded and that will never change. I would have thought it would be easier for you to accept by now.”
“I’m not betraying Eli. I would never. I just don’t think they’re as perfect for one another as you think.” Obsidian countered. “I mean… he’s done in by the big eyes and the pouty lips and the intoxicating blood, but I-“
“Obsidian, drop it.” I grabbed him by the chin, forcing him to look me in the eye. “I mean it. If you pick on Cyan anymore, Elijah won’t be so kind.”
“Maybe i’m a glutton for punishment.” Obsidian chuckled, kissing my nose. “Now, guess what I did to the vampire?”
“I thought you said you didn’t do anything.”
“I said I didn’t do anything with him, but I definitely did something to him.”
“Obsidian-“
“I promise I didn’t hurt him.” Obsidian stepped away from me and pointed to a closed door. “I just wanted a tiny little taste.”
I stepped up to the door, a bit scared of what i’d find. As I turned the knob, I heard the muffled yelling of a man I knew all too well. Marco came into view, gag in his mouth and ropes tied around his body, forcing him into a kneeling position. His shirt was open and a delicate bite mark was slowly healing by his nipple. “Obsidian.” I growled.
“It’s his own fault. I told him to let me have small taste. I even gave him a knife and cup to fill, but he said no.” Obsidian walked up to stand beside me in the doorway. “He made me take matters into my own hands. He won’t be doing that again, right?”
Marco glared daggers, fiercely fighting his restraints. If looks could kill, Obsidian would be dead. From what I remembered, marco was never the submissive type. He was versatile and topped even from the bottom. “You look put out.” i chuckled lightly, leaning down to eye level with him. “I’m guessing BDSM isn’t your thing?” I pulled the ball gag from his mouth.
“I’m going to kill both of you.” He growled.
“Both? I’m the one rescuing you.” I pointed out.
Obsidian knelt down beside me, invading Marco’s personal space and purring loudly. “It’s so sexy when they have fight in them. If Kricky wasn’t so stern, i’d have you on your knees for me, willingly.”
“If I was ever on my knees for you,” Marco purred back, “it would be to bite your cock off.”
——————–
Incendio’s P.O.V.
Kric’s lips were caressing my throat, making me moan.
His hands were trailing lines of fire done my sides and the scrape of his teeth against my collarbone was making my legs shake beneath me. “Kric,” I whimpered as he pressed my hips down into his lap, “Oh Kric.”
“Solar, I love your fucking voice.” He cursed, but it barely registered in my mind over the pounding of my own heart. “I wonder what other sounds you make.”
I squealed in shock as Kric maneuvered me off of his lap and onto my back. The grass tickled my skin, cooling the heat that had seemed to take over my being. Kric stared at me, seemingly lost in thought. “What happened? Did I do something wrong?” I finally asked, my self consciousness increasing.
“No… it’s just… can I ask you something?”
“Anything.” I told him, pressing my palm to his stubbled cheek. “I would do anything for you.”
“Careful.” He chuckled. “Maybe I should ask my question before you say that.”
“What do you mean?” I frowned, watching his discomfort grow.
“Fairies, when it comes to reproduction and stuff-“
“Oh.” I stopped him. “You want to know how it works for fairies?”
“I mean… I know the basics, but I know that you’re nothing like the basics.” He chuckled softly.
“Well… that is true and not true. There are some fundamental facts about my species and one is that we are physically incapable of reproducing. Fairies have sexual organs, but no reproductive system. Our magic makes up for that and so our species evolved away from sex.” I explained. “So, although i’m the first male in existence, I still lack a reproductive system necessary to create life.”
“Wait, do you think i’m asking about kids?” Kric asked.
“Are you not?”
“No, no! I mean, for a second it seemed like I might want a child one day, but it’s nothing i’ll despair over to lose. Dragon’s mate constantly. I’ve been raising kids since I was one. I don’t need to father a child to feel like one.” Kric took a deep breath. “I was actually asking about-“
The palace alarm sounded, snapping us out of our own little bubble. “What’s going on?”
“Shit!” Kric cursed when he heard a palace guard calling for him. “I’ll be back soon. Stay safe.”
“You as well.” I smiled as he kissed my lips quickly and rushed off. I sat in silence, taking in the absolute bliss I had been living these last few days. Unfortunately, fate had made up it’s mind.
Horrifying screams filled my mind, making my eyes snap shut in pain. Images appeared instantly, of the sweet little wolf crying out in pain. “Stop!” I cried, trying to stop a scene I was not a part of.
“If you’d like to save the child, I require you in return.” The sickening voice of Allister laughed in my mind, talking over the terrible screams. “Would you do it, little bug? Would you trade your life for his or shall I haunt you with his screams for the rest of your life?”
“Please don’t.” I cried, clutching the sides of my head. “Please, just bring him back. Stop hurting him! I’ll do anything!”
“Prove it.” Allister laughed within my mind. “Walk out of the palace gates and tell no one you’re leaving.”
The screams continued even as I shakily got up and began to walk toward the gate. The grass began to sprout stems that wrapped around my legs, trying to keep me from going. I ignored the earth, desperate to stop the child’s agony.
When I arrived at the gate, there was a single guard. “Are you going back to the forest now?” He asked me, opening the door for me instantly.
“Yes.” I said robotically.
“I’ll let the Commander know.” He smiled at me. My heart clenched.
“Yes, tell Kric I love him… I have always and will always love him.”
The guards cheeks turned pink, obviously a bit embarrassed at the thought of telling his commanding officer such a thing. “Of course sir.”
The screaming got louder, urging me to hurry. “Also… can you tell him that i will miss him? Please?” I couldn’t hear his response as the screaming became almost deafening. “I have to go. Goodbye.”
The gate closed behind me with a woosh of air. I walked forward, into the cover of the treeline. The screaming ceased, making me sigh in relief. “Such an obedient fairy you are.” The voice made me jump.
I spun around, taking in the sight of the intimidating witch. “Where is Kieran?”
“Right there.” Allister pointed to a small body leaning against a tree just out of view from the castle.
“Kieran!” I rushed toward him, falling to my knees beside him. His face was badly bruised, and one of his eyes has swelled and stuck shut with blood. His left leg appeared to be severely broken.
“He’s free to go as long as you come with me.” Allister told me.
“Incendio?” Kieran spoke. “Am I home now?”
“Yes.” I whispered, brushing his hair from his face. “You have been so strong.”
“It’s time for us to go.” Allister spoke, his presence suddenly right behind me. “Get up.”
“What’s happening? Incendio?” Kieran struggled to open his swollen eye. “Where are we?”
“You have to stand up Kieran. You have to walk to our left, straight for a minute or two. Once you are out of the trees, they will see you and they will bring you into the palace.” I told him.
“Don’t go.” Kieran began to cry. “I can’t walk! My leg hurts too much! Don’t leave with the bad man! I need you!”
“You can, Kieran. The earth will help you. I promise.” I assured him. “I have to go with Allister, but you must leave the forest. You have to make it out of the trees, okay? Then you will be home.”
“But-“
“Shhh. Just do as I say, okay?” I kissed his forehead. “When they ask about your smell, say the wolves cared for you during your stay then get to Cyan as soon as possible. Do not let anyone sniff you too deeply, okay? Tell everyone I love them.”
“Don’t go Incendio.” Kieran sobbed, thick, blood tinged tears soaking his cheeks.
“It’s you or the child.” Allister reminded me.
“Stand up.” I urged Kieran, helping pull him to his feet. I rubbed my foot into the ground, urging stems to sprout and begin to wrap themselves around Kieran for support. “Walk him to the palace. He’s hurt.” I urged the earth and it complied, pulling the boy away from me.
“Incendio!” Kieran cried. “No!”
“Shhh.” I held my finger to my lips. “Live a long happy life Kieran. I love you dearly.”
So theres an update ! There are about three more chapters left in INFERNO! I hope you’re all excited for it!
Remember, you’re guaranteed an update that same week if you comment on every paragraph of the most recent chapter! I’ll follow and dedicate the next chapter to you as well! (Reminder: Please make sure the comments are not ‘update please’ or anything along those lines. They must be related to the story to count.)
Anyway, feel free to leave me the feedback I so desperately crave:
-Do you guys think Incendio did the right thing by going with Allister?
-What are your opinions of Obsidian?
-Are you guys interested in having Obsidian’s story conclude within this book, or would you like to have a short story on the mischievous vampire?
-How do you think Kric will react when he realizes Incendio is gone?
-How are you guys feeling about the story direction so far?
-What are you guys still waiting on? Any questions?
-Is there anything you don’t understand or need clarified?
Thanks so much for reading my darlings <3
Vote, comment, follow, etc. <3
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