All Chapters of Fire: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

I lay in bed for exactly two minutes as I watched the shadows in the room lighten as the sun rose. A sense of trepidation filled me and I had the insane urge to get this whole cutting out my liver episode over with.I was nervous about the future, not mine, Kai’s. For the first time in my life I began to understand Malachi’s actions, the times it felt like he hovered and especially the times I thought he was overprotective.I was a father now too and the only thing I kept thinking of was to protect Kai from whatever forces were after him. I had agreed to do the Norns bidding, they wanted me to harvest Karani’s magic and save my daughter.The previous night I’d taken pictures of the instructions in Karani’s book and sent them to Jessica. She would complete the first steps of the spell in preparation for Thursday’s ceremony while I ate the root that Karani had left for me.Jessica’s expression gave nothing away as she stared at me like I was special and not the good kind of special. I w

“Kiran!” Christian’s voice was loud and filled with excitement as I turned towards him and he jumped into my arms.“Hey, little man, were you painting the town red with Robert?”Christian frowned and I smiled at the confused look on his face. “No, we were at the hotel. But you’re much better with punches and kicks.” He had meant to whisper that last part and even cupped his hand over my ear but had said it out loud.Robert laughed. “Thanks, Christian, good thing I’m not sensitive.”I put Christian down and sat down at the table as James handed Kai back to Adara. Malachi’s eyes glinted and I heard a car’s door outside. Malachi stood up and I caught Jessica’s scent. I didn’t even want to picture the greeting because it took ten minutes for them to come inside.“Hi, everyone.” Malachi introduced her to Robert and Malika who smiled and lowered her head briefly.James shook his head as he looked at Malachi and Jessica holding hands. I knew exactly what he was thinking. “James, Malachi can

The concoction worked fast. I could feel the fog entering my mind and I felt dizzy. Malachi physically helped me up the stairs as Adara walked outside and I could feel her anguish and her nerves. She was afraid for me.I was in bed shivering as the cold fever took me. Malachi placed another blanket over me as I closed my eyes. I felt so tired. I managed to make it to 2 p.m. before I vomited the first time. They took turns to sit with me in the bathroom as it just kept coming. Adara only left me when Kai needed her and at other times Malachi would tend to Kai so she could tend to me.At 4 p.m. she opened the faucet in the shower and Malachi helped me inside as I sat with my legs pulled up against my chest under the hot water. After five minutes she turned the water off and helped me undress and get into clean pajamas. I felt slightly better and got back into bed. My head started pounding and she had to close the curtains because the light hurt my eyes.It was strange to feel so sick wh

I had no essence of how long I’d been unconscious. I was still on the rack when I opened my eyes. The chains and rope were gone and I touched my ribcage tentatively. There was nothing there, no cut and no open wound.I sat upright as James turned around and gripped my shoulder with a smile. Malachi and Jessica stood to one side and spoke softly to each other. He had his arms around her and her face was pressed against his chest.“It was magnificent, Kiran! You passed out and then suddenly this green flame engulfed you and you just healed. You were still bleeding one moment and the next, nothing, not even a mark.” I saw awe in his eyes.I swung my legs over the rack and got up just as Malachi and Jessica reached me. “Well, I guess it was a success since I’m still here.”Jessica had a hand on her chest as she snorted. “Dude, I didn’t even know about the green fire. I nearly had a heart attack!”Malachi grabbed me into a bear hug and then he looked me over. “How do you feel?”“My mouth t

“Always envision the outcome of your spell, you have to see it, believe it for the magic to work its best.”I put Karani’s book down and looked at the beginner spell in front of me. Could it really be that easy, imagine it, say the words, and just like that it works? I laughed out loud at myself and rubbed my eyes.“Your talisman or amulet makes your magic stronger. I already made one for you, it will find you when you’re ready. Don’t overthink your magic. Be your magic. Become one with it and see it in everything around you. You should always keep your talisman with you, it will empower you and your senses, so that you’re never caught unawares.” I turned the page and there was nothing there, just blank pages. I closed my eyes briefly and reread the last paragraph.“If you have come this far then you have succeeded in harnessing my powers, be careful how you apply it, I will teach you what you need to know to survive the future that I saw. But fate can always be changed sometimes as