“I’m so sorry,” I sniveled, my flames sparking slightly with the emotion, climbing his leathers again.
“It’s fine, we’re all fine!” Ashley cut through. “Well… your fire didn’t hurt us at least.”
My eyes slid to Lionel, who still watched me as if I was about to explode at any moment, his eyes had turned from fearful to calculating.
“I’ll get you some clothes to change into,” Ashley murmured low, and began rummaging through Malakai’s bag that had been placed on the ground.
How was I supposed to convince them that I would never hurt them, when I couldn’t even control myself at times?
The way Lionel looked at me? I burned the image of it into my core, reminding myself that this was how people would see me if I ever let myself slip again.
This was all backwards, my emotions all messed up.
“Ethalyn… you think you can fix Mey’s wound up before I bandage it?” Nate pleaded. “If you’re in control, that is.” He seemed hesitant, he wanted my help, but there was a slight doubt hiding within his eyes, the question; was I in control?
I nodded slightly, as Malakai let go of me. I was clumsily making my way towards them, taking another deep breath, trying to focus as I let the edges of my flames lick against her wound. Mey screamed, a primal sound of pure agony. Ashley put her hand over her mouth, softly and gently muffling her sounds.
“What was the other option?” Lionel asked Malakai, finally finding his words again, but not looking at me.
“I said,don’t,” I repeated firmly, looking at them, as Nate began bandaging his sister.
“What is going on?” Eve hissed, trying to clean the wound on her leg with water, wincing as the cool liquid touched it.
“Let’s take a break, recover and continue,” I ordered, flames dancing around me as if they refused to let go entirely.
Malakai stepped in front of me, blocking my path, as he stared me down. “Take my offer instead.”
“No,” I yapped back. “You think I’m too weak to capture one?”
“That’s not it,” Malakai argued.
“Can anyone enlighten us about what’s going on?” Ashley joined the confusion.
“This is my trial, we’ll do it my way,” I said, looking at Malakai with resolve burning in my eyes. “We’re taking a short break, tending to our wounds, and then continuingour search.”
CHAPTER
29
Since Eve wouldn’t let me near her wounded leg, we couldn’t continue the trial until past noon. The only way we got her going was when Lionel offered to support her, since she apparently couldn’t walk fully on her leg.
Perhaps it was true, she had been bitten by pretty large teeth after all and the wound looked nasty, but I still hated her for making it play out exactly how she wanted.
Hag.
“You want to tell me what that argument was about earlier?” Ashley asked, sneaking up beside me.
“It’s stupid. He’s stupid,” I muttered bitterly.
“Clearly,” she snorted. “But at least tell me why we hate him.”
“He doesn’t believe I’ll catch a demon,” I sighed.
“Nah, that’s what you’re thinking,” Ashley shrugged. “He’s probably worried you’ll get hurt doing it.”
“I thought you of all people were on my side,” I murmured, glaring at her.
“Oh, I’m your number one fan,” she smiled widely. “How’s your shoulder?”
