Page 109 of Seared Fates

Irub the middle of my chest.

The empty space where my soul used to be doesn’t hurt as much as missing my birth parents does, or as much as feeling like I’m a shitty son to my adoptive parents for not being grateful enough.

“Dad taught me how to appreciate art, how to look and think deeper. But it was Mum who taught me how to draw.”

I go for my scars, for once not to hide them, but to feel the mottled skin under my fingerprints.

“Looking back, I think she was teaching me demon Script. Magic. It wasn’t something that happened overnight, and my childish brain would get so frustrated when I couldn’t make the same shapes she could.”

Vidar offers his unwavering silent support, his hands on my thighs keeping me grounded. Something I’ll be forever grateful for as I break all my secrets open for him.

“Then, one day, it all clicked.” I swallow. “And it’s my biggest regret.”

“Kai.” Vidar takes my chin, gentle but firm. “It was an accident.”

I want to turn away, but he won’t let me. Instead, my shoulders drop.

“I was so fucking stupid to practice my fire magic without them. When I started the fire, it got out of control so fast. Panicking, I tried using the paper I was drawing on to put it out—of course, I only made the flames worse. My parents came running in when the alarms started screaming, and it was just everywhere…so fucking hot, Vidar.”

He watches me, no judgment, just steady reassurance.

“Dad grabbed my duvet cover to try and fight the flames back, but it caught fire and the flaming corner whipped across my face.” I swallow. “The pain of my skin melting was… excruciating.”

Vidar runs knuckles over my scarred jaw. “An accident.”

I nod.

“He apologised and promised once we made it out, he’d make it better…” I want to tug my braids as the memory of searing agony invades my mind. “He never needed to. I wanted to tell him that but my lungs got choked from the smoke.”

For a moment, I’m there, not staring into Vidar’s grey eyes, but in a small, burning room that wants to eat my family and me, and leave nothing but charred remains.

“And now he’ll never know.”

Wetness drips down my cheek, and I realise I’m crying as Vidar pulls me into him.

“Then Mum let out this scream. Not scared, more like…I dunno. She picked me up and charged through the fire, towards the window and punched a fist through the glass with her bare fucking hands. I was terrified; there was blood everywhere. Either she didn’t feel it or didn’t care, but once the glass was smashed away, she hurled me out the window without a word.The last thing I saw before darkness was her—” My voice hitches. “...she smiled.”

“A warrior’s cry, Kai.” Vidar brings up his fist and gently pounds it against his bear tattoo, a sign that screams respect. “She died protecting you and was happy to make that sacrifice. Your father, too. They’ll find honour inValhalla.”

I cough up a wet laugh, my shoulders shaking. “That is…” I sob, laugh, sob again. “Thank you.”

He takes the hand I hadn’t realised was tugging at my braids, and kisses the inside of my palm. “There is nothing I can say to bring them back, or take away this hurt, but nothing could take me from your side.”

It hurts, yet I can’t help a small, trembling smile.

“I woke up in the hospital five days later. Two broken legs, a broken wrist. Concussion, smoke damage to my lungs, a scarred face and no parents. And now I gotta figure out this demon bullshit. What are demons even like?”

“Territorial, stubborn bastards. But if this isn’t something you don’t want to explore, then don’t. You have your fire under control.”

I level him with a look.

“Fine, you have it somewhat under your control.”

I rub the scar on my chest, the ache blooming into something more uncomfortable.

“Am I a bad person for wanting to learn more about my fire? Even when it stole my parents?”

“No.” Vidar cups my face. “No, love. They wanted you to learn. They saved you so you could live; you honour them by living.”