I shift, groaning. There’s an odd splashing sound, and I feel light, as if I’m floating.

I crack open my eyes, my body aching, screaming for me to stay still.

“So you’re awake.”

I turn in surprise, the sudden movement making me groan in pain.

Cain is sitting cross-legged on the floor next to me, his eyes a swirling whirlpool of blue.

I didn’t expect him to be the first person I see. He looks bored, chin resting on his palm as he watches me.

“Where…what…?” I croak, voice hoarse and throat burning. I feel like I have a fever, my body hot and limp.

My memories are jumbled together, a massive big blur, and I can’t figure out what happened.

I can’t seem to decipher dream from reality. It’s then that I realize I’m lying in a pool of cool water that splashes along with my movements.

The room I’m in is large and spacious, dome-shaped with glass for the ceiling, letting in streams of light. It feels like a greenhouse, except there are no plants, just a big pool that I’m in.

The floor is polished pearly white, reflecting the unnaturally blue sky which stretches above me. It’s soothing to look at, my mind slowly quieting down.

Cain shrugs. “I’m here to keep you from bursting into flames.”

Flames?

“Kay.” I look towards the doorway to where Zephen hovers, unsure. His brows are knit together, the only sign on his calm face that he’s worried. “You’re awake.”

“Yes, I think we can establish that.” I rasp, feeling my blood boil just from his presence.

“Hey, easy there.” Cain chides with a click of his tongue. “You’re boiling the water and it’s hard to keep it cool.”

“Oh, sorry.” I mumble, willing myself to relax. The bubbling stops.

“So the Halfling is a Fire Faery.” Cain leans back, supporting his weight with his arms, a mocking smile on his face. “Who would’ve thought.”

“That makes her one of the last.” Zephen says, making his way into the room. My breath quickens, the temperature spiking immediately.

Cain shoots me another glare and I struggle to stay calm. “And it makes surprising sense as to why your powers showed so late.”

“Why’s that?” Cain turns towards Zephen with a frown, and I listen intently for an explanation as well.

“Elemental magic are the most powerful, yes?” Zephen starts.

“So it’s assumed that a Halfling with Elemental magic should show magic early. But it’s actually the opposite, since a Halfling’s body isn’t strong enough to even conjure the magic. Using Elemental magic takes incredible strength—otherwise it’ll end up killing the host.”

I focus on my breathing, staring at the sky. The ripples of water is reflected on the glass, casting beautiful light all over the room. “What exactly happened?”

“You were in the forest.” Zephen’s tone goes dry. “You were attacked by a Shadow. I was afraid I got to you too late…but you were able to use magic. Quite a light-show, might I add.”

There’s no humor in his voice. “You burned the Shadow, exploding it until there was nothing left. You fell unconscious after that.”

I close my eyes, imagining the burning sensation I had. The blast of white. It makes sense, I guess. I’m half Fire Faery.

“Fire.” Zephen says with a hint of a smile. “I see.”

“You don’t sound surprised.” I say.

“Well, I had some theories.”

I sigh. Now that I think about it, it does make sense. Why else would I have dreams—or visions, whatever they were—filled with fire?

“Where’s Ember?”

“At the house.” Zephen replies. “It’s resting.” That’s good. I’m just so glad we made it out alive.

“I heard the Lord of Fire is coming back soon.” Cain speaks, interrupting my loud thoughts. I look at him, locking eyes.

Lord of Fire? Could it be someone related to me?

“Don’t look too excited, Halfling.” Cain cracks a dry grin and I roll my eyes.

“Yes, she is.” Zephen says. “Tomorrow, in fact.”

“Finally, some good news.” Cain stands, smoothing out his pants, turns and mutely leaves the room. I wish he didn’t, wish he acted like a physical wall between Zephen and I.

Even Cain is better than being with Zephen—at least I can tell Cain dislikes me. With Zephen, I’m never sure.

One second he tries to kill me and the next he seems concerned. I can’t tell if it’s just his sense of duty that keeps him with me or if he actually cares on some level.

I try not to be too hopeful.

“Kay.” He says, almost a question.

I stay stubbornly quiet. I know what’s coming, know he’s going to yell at me for running away.

Instead, he sighs. “You’re still angry.” This is not a question. Of course I am.

He waits. I don’t answer.

“What you did yesterday,” he says, his tone dropping into something like anger, but not quite, “was foolish. What if you couldn’t use magic? You would’ve been killed. If you wanted to leave,” he pauses sounding strained and oddly pained, “you could’ve just told me. I would have had someone else take care of you.”

The lecture falls on deaf ears. I don’t care anymore. I turn, turning my back to him. “I want to go home.”

“You can’t.”

I know that already.

“You’re home is here now.” Zephen says softly. “Whether you like that or not.”

I don’t like it. I’m not sure if I ever will.