I take several deep breaths and attempt to compose myself. Despite the chill of the cave my skin is on fire, my insides a raging inferno of hate. These demons not only destroyed my friends, but my innocence and my sanity. They literally shattered my soul, reducing the broken pieces to empty, pitiful shells.
Because of them, I hate my human half for causing me to care so deeply for Michael and Kayla in the first place. The pain of losing someone you love is the worst torture imaginable, and these monsters have been torturing me for years…
Ironically, my human half hates me for being of the same vein as these creatures—ones capable of this much destruction and heartache.
Deep down, I know we’re both at fault. And neither of us is to blame.
I glare at the monsters in their glowing orange cage, and they eye me curiously. I wonder if they know who I am or why I’m here. My face is like stone as my eyes bore into their enchanted prison. Why don’t they seem bothered? Why are they just standing there contentedly, smiling and looking around as if they don’t have a care in the world?
Suddenly, they grab hands and start dancing in a circle, singing a child’s nursery rhyme.
“Ring around the rosey, pocket full of posey,
Ashes, ashes, they all fall down!”
On the last word, they collapse in a fit of giggles and playful screams. Everything they do, designed to torment and mock me.
They know who I am.
The rage burning inside me threatens to erupt. But I force myself to remain still, motionless. I sit on the cave floor and just watch them as they repeat their act again and again, dancing and singing and laughing hysterically as if they’re the happiest little girls who ever lived. They repeatedly flash cherubic, dimpled smiles in my direction as I glower at them, fireballs in hand.
The time has come to do what I need to do. And once I do it, there’s no turning back…my fate will be sealed. Bracing myself against the cave wall, I slowly rise to my feet and lift my arms.
Suddenly, Tatiana’s face flashes in my mind. I think of how she’d found me in the woods as an infant after I’d been abandoned and left alone to die. Of how she took me in, cared for me, raised me, and gave me everything, and more, that I could ever hope for. She’s more than a guardian—she’s a friend.
I glance at the Amazèa again and back down to the swirling fire in my palms. I see Bones, my dearest friend and companion. I don’t know what the future holds for us, but I do know I never want to see him get hurt. It’s bad enough I’ve already hurt his feelings, but I know someday he’ll forgive me and things will be good again. I cannot let him get physically hurt because of me. I have to protect him —protect him from defending me, which he undoubtedly would, if I become a target of the Legionary for my crimes.
My heart racing, I slowly lower my hands to my sides as the Amazèa dance and sing happily. I swallow the bile rising up the back of my throat.
There’s Liora. She’s a part of me. Her humanity, a hindrance and a strength. As much as I hate her sometimes, I know it’s only her ability to feel love that allows me to experience it myself…an intoxicating sensation I know I never want to be without. True, when it’s bad, it’s really bad. But when it’s good, it’s really good. And if killing the Amazèa doesn’t lift the curse, Liora will be hanging around for a while. As long as she’s alive, she’s vulnerable. Therefore, I’m vulnerable. She’d never survive a life on the run.
Finally, Kieron. As much as I desperately craved hearing his words of love, I can hardly believe they’re real—that he’s actually real. He who fits me so perfectly, who is my exact match in every way, and makes me feel like a better version of myself. He who makes me feel so alive after years of feeling dead inside. He who sees me—really sees me—with all my flaws, but is still here anyway. He who is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for me and my happiness.
My arms go slack and the flames on my palms subside.
This isn’t just about me anymore.
Michael and Kayla—as much as I loved them—are gone forever. Nothing will bring them back. The love between us can now serve as my compass…my guide.
I slowly realize my criteria for achieving happiness has changed. Even if I knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that killing the Amazèa would reunify Liora and me, we’d never be whole. Not if it meant losing all the people dearest to us.
Michael and Kayla taught me that.
I glance at the smiling faces of their killers for the last time. Then I turn and head toward the darkened corridor, never once looking back. The balls of fire on my hands are now reduced to tiny flames on my fingertips, showing me the way out.