Page 78 of A Fate in Flames

Once we settled down, I explained the plan to Theo—He would distract Mira, giving me the opportunity to search for the stone.Predictably, he agreed without a second thought.

We turned to leave, and just as I reached the doorway, Theo’s hand shot out, gripping my elbow.

I frowned, expecting something serious from his sudden intensity.I leaned in instinctively as his lips curled into a wicked smirk.

His voice dropped low.“Did you like what you saw?”

Heat surged up my neck and bloomed across my face.I smacked him across the side of his head.

He let out a sharp cry though the amusement never left his face.

I spun on my heel and stormed away, leaving him rubbing the side of his head.

“You didn’t answer the question!”he called after me.

I flipped him off without looking back.

We fetched Mira, wasting no time in leaving the suffocating walls of this palace.

I walked ahead with Mira, while Theo and Tavrik trailed behind us.The halls stretched endlessly, twisting and turning.Each path just as dark as the last.For a moment I feared we’d never make it out—that we were walking in circles.

Finally, we approached an arch carved seamlessly into the stone, sunlight streaming through it like liquid gold.

My chest loosened with relief as I hurried forward, stepping into radiance beyond.The first breath of fresh air washed over me like a dream.

The grass was a striking emerald green, swaying gently beneath the warm breeze.The sun, so blindingly bright, kissed my skin.The crisp air filled my lungs, mercifully free of smoke and fire.

It felt like home.

We followed the winding path down to a vast, open field, my eyes hungrily drinking in every detail.Jinn were scattered across the land, their voices a distant hum.They lounged in the grass—walked hand in hand, their laughter carrying on the wind.

If I didn’t know any better, I would’ve believed they were like us.Mortal.

As we descended the gentle slope, I glanced back at where we had come from, and that was when I saw it for all its glory.

His palace.

It wasn’t a building.It was a part of the mountain itself—a fortress carved into the very bones of the earth.Countless rooms were etched into the jagged rock, connected by bridges that wound through the peaks like veins.

I tore my sights away from the breathtaking palace, engaging Mira in light conversation as we walked.I shot Theo a pointed look over my shoulder, silently signalling him.

Understanding immediately, Theo grinned before slinging an arm around her shoulder, effortlessly pulling her in.Her eyes moved to his lips, her cheeks warming under his attention.

That was my cue.

Tavrik remained at my side as I closed my eyes and reached outward with my mind, attempting to clear everything else away.

Nothing.

Was I doing it wrong?

I tried again, straining harder, but still nothing—not a call nor a hum.

I looked to Tavrik, completely defeated.He wrapped a comforting arm over my shoulder.

“Do you want to walk a little further?”

Theo and Mira stood a few paces away.Theo was talking, his hands moving expressively as he wove what was undoubtedly some outrageous story.Mira simply stared at him, hanging onto his every word.