Page 122 of The Scars Within
I ignored him, clenching my fists and forcing in a deep, shaky breath. I held it for a beat, then let it go. Again, and again, until the heatin my fingers dulled, the fire receding. I crossed the room, threw open the window, and channeled the air element to sweep the lingering smoke outside.
The potted plants on the windowsill caught my eye, reminding me to check on Jeffery. I crouched down, peering at him with mounting confusion. I had meticulously followed every care instruction for my plant, yet while the others on the windowsill thrived, Jeffery now sported two stems that had turned black and rotten.
That’s when I heard a knock at the door.
“Please,” I murmured, pressing my forehead against the cool glass window, “I just need some space.”
“Can I see you?” The voice on the other side wasn’t who I was expecting. I thought it would be one of my roommates, frustrated because I had locked the door.
But when I walked to the door and opened it slowly, Shayde was there, leaning against the doorframe, a solemn expression etched on his face. The wound on his arm had been properly stitched up while we were in the infirmary. And he had dark circles under his eyes.
I just don’t understand why he cut me out after the Burn Trials. He went from being someone I thought I was safe with. Someone I could find myself with. To the one who abandoned me. After making me pinky promise to let him save me— he was the one to drown me.
And that doesnotsit well with me.
Maybe it was fear—fear of what others thought I might become. Or perhaps he was just trying to protect himself, not wanting to be associated with me or seen as an accomplice to whatever Kalluri believes I’m up to.
Whatever his reasons, I will never forget what happened in the courtyard. He stood in the shadows while I was publicly humiliated in front of everybody.
I pulled the curtain over my emotions, reminding myself that I don’t need anyone to fight my battles for me. I stepped back, keeping enough distance so Shayde could read theroom.
I stood tall, chin up, shoulders back.
Shayde’s brows furrowed in confusion as he stepped inside, closing the door behind him. “I came to see if you were ready to explain what’s been going on between us,” he said, his tone dismissive.
His words hit me like a poisoned arrow. “Excuse me?”
Shayde shifted from one foot to the other, then began to pace slowly. “You pulled that stunt during the Burn Trials, knowing it would stir trouble with the War Chief—” He tried to continue, but I cut him off.
“I pulled that stunt? You mean trying to save my friend while running for my life?” My voice rose in frustration.
“Would you let me finish?” Shayde threw his hands out in an aggravated gesture.
I fell silent, anger burning through my veins.
“I called out for you to stop, Scar. You weren’t supposed to enter the pit. You are already an air wielder. Why did you do that?” His voice began to rise, though he kept his distance.
Did he hit his head too hard in the cave? Where the hell was this coming from? He had all the time in the world to talk to me when we were stuck in that freezing cavern, sharing warmth under his cloak. What changed between then and now? Just a day ago, he was quiet, maybe even guarded, but now—this sudden shift? I can’t wrap my mind around it. Why, after everything, is he glaring at me like I am the enemy?
Shayde ran his hands through his hair, then down his face. “Is it true?”
“Iswhattrue, Shayde?” I asked, my voice laced with anger.
“Are you behind the murders?” His whisper was either an attempt to keep the question private or a sign of his inner turmoil.
Sparks ignited from my fingertips, falling to the stone floor. Thankfully, there is no rug in the room.
“Scarlet?” Lakota’s voice raised in question.
Shayde flinched, taking a step back. “Are you the crimson wraith?” He asked breathlessly.
I clenched my hands, extinguishing the flames. “How dare you accuse me of that!”
His fear quickly shifted to anger. He stepped closer, and I took a step back until my back was nearly against the wall.
“Tell me the truth, Scar,” he demanded.
“I am telling the truth!” I shouted, my voice trembling with emotion. “Nobody believes my truth! I don’t understand what’s happening at this college or with my magic. I rushed into the pit to save one of my closest friends, and this is what happened to me. I didn’t make it happen. I am not a murderer. I am not this so-called wraith. I’m just a normal girl who’s been dealt a shitty hand, and all I want is to live my life and be left alone! I let you in because I thought you’d be ready to apologize!”
