Page 110 of Seared Fates

My chest deflates, and I lean on Vidar for support. I’m not sure what my feelings are, but I’m lighter than before.

“It’s going to take time to figure out all my bullshit.”

“Good thing you’ll be a vampire and have plenty of time.”

I scoff, my tears forgotten. “So confident I’ll want it?”

He smirks, leaving no room for me to doubt what he thinks.

“Will it even work with me being half-demon?”

“I’ve already spoken with Summer. You are half human, so it’ll work.”

I roll my eyes, nudging him away. He doesn't budge; if anything, he crowds in closer. “Fine, I do. But I’m writing a list of questions I want to ask.”

“So prepared,” Vidar laughs. Yet it slowly tapers off. “Losing a family is hard, especially how you lost yours. We will work through this together, Kai. For as long as you need.”

If only I could swallow a mouthful of Vidar’s healing blood and be done with all this pain, but life has never been that simple. I don’t forgive myself yet, but I know Vidar is right—it’s time to live my life, fully, to thank my parents for saving me.

“Xeni and Maxwell,” I whisper. “My parents’ names were Xeni and Maxwell Hadji, and…they named me…Kairos Hadji.”

“Þau dóu með sæmd.” Vidar pulls me into a tight embrace, pushing my head under his chin. “Thank you, Kairos Hadji, for trusting me.”

“W-what did that mean?”

“They died with honour,” Vidar says, tucking my head in the crook of his neck.

For a long time, Vidar simply holds me. Naked, and our emotions exposed, however, I don’t feel like a newly opened wound. More like I’ve got scars, proof that Vidar and I have gone through a lotta shit, yet we’ve made it through to the other side.

“Come, let’s get comfortable.” Vidar drapes my jacket over my shoulders and leads me into the bedroom, my toes digging into his expensive carpet

Without worrying or overthinking, I head over to the table by the closed window and grab the candle set in a glass bowl, happy to find it scentless.

The magic from my jacket flows into me as easily as an inhale, and with the smallest of exhales, a purple flame sprouts from my pointer finger.

There’s movement beside me, and I don't even need to look to know it’s Vidar. My anchor. My one true love.

Fire can be so many things. Danger and destruction, but also…light, heat. Comfort.

I hold my finger to the wick, pulling away when the flame doesn’t turn red. It remains a small purple flickering light.

“I never know how to put it out,” I admit, gaze lost to the candle. A flame still on my finger.

Despite it all, I’ve always longed for my fire. The heat was something I needed, like air or food or…

I glance to my side for Vidar.

Like love.

“Maybe try how you summon it, but in reverse?” Vidar shrugs, also looking like he doesn’t have a clue.

I dip into the steady stream of magic, and instead of pushing out, I push in, focusing on the flame on my finger.

Nothing. So I tug, squint, and finally—I just blow it out.

“Still not an expert, I guess.” I shrug, smiling. “Bet I’ll get there one day, right?”

“There is no doubt in my mind.”