Memories in the Moonlight

Chapter 17

After determining the coast was clear, the group made their way inside to a storage closet. All of them gathered in right, Kiran joining after a few minutes.

He and Ilyana shared a look before he addressed the rest of the group. "We have fifteen minutes before the guards return from their breaks. There's a party in the east ballroom. My father is with his harem at the bar."

Ilyana broke us off into smaller groups, putting Baz, Kiran and Harlow together. Their role was arguably the most important, at least according to the Witch. Kiran was meant to distract King Hollis while Baz got Harlow to the edge of the ballroom. From there she was supposed to light the numerous tapestries on fire, causing the party to fall into chaos while Ilyana grabbed the King.

As Baz slowly led Harlow towards the ballroom across the castle, she could feel the fire bubbling up in her core. She would not miss a chance to take Tioni Hollis down. Baz pressed her back into a wall and placed his forefinger over his lips to signal quiet. A drunken party guest sauntered by, humming to himself.

"Almost there." Baz whispered, his deep voice hushed. He pushed his long hair out of his face and motioned for Harlow to keep following.

Baz was a large Fae, bigger than most. He stood easily at over seven and a half feet tall, and was built well. Most were frightened of him, though he was a saint through and through. He was one of the few that were remotely kind to Harlow, and he seemed to be interested in what she had to say.

Harlow stopped at the edge of the party entrance, leaning her back against the cool stone. Her fire flicked through her veins at an alarming rate, almost begging to be released. Her fury pumped up as she peered around the corner and her eyes locked into King Hollis.
Harlow felt the small flame lick up into her hand as she stared into the ballroom. It built bigger when she moved her arm towards the nearest tapestry. It depicted a mother and two children sitting on a rock together. It looked like they were having a picnic, like they were happy. Like they didn't deserve to die.

All at once Harlow's mind stopped. The anger stopped. All of these Fae here, they didn't deserve to be burned, to be hurt by her fire. She couldn't control it, it wasn't safe. Her breathing started quickening, eyes wheeling to every individual in the room.

I can't do it, I can't hurt anyone.

She gripped the wall beside her tightly, hyperventilating. She knew Baz was speaking to her, but she couldn't make out what he was saying. The ballroom began to spin in front of her as her eyes darted before they landed on Kiran.

His eyes were locked on hers, brow furrowed in worry. He was standing across from his father, a drink in hand. Looking away from Harlow, he spoke quickly to his father before heading over to her.

Tears began to run down Harlow's cheeks as her knees buckled, forcing her to the floor. Kiran took the last steps toward her quickly before pulling her further off to the side and kneeling by her.

"What is it?" He asked, voice somewhere in between concern and annoyance. He kept his head on a swivel, looking for any danger.

It took a moment before Harlow could calm her breathing enough to speak. "I-I can't hurt anyone el-else." She stuttered out, choking over her own sobs.

Kiran let out a sigh. "We don't have time, Harlow. Light it up, now!" He spoke in a hushed shout, his hands on her shoulders.

"I can't." She choked out.

"Please, Low. This might be our only shot. I'll make sure no one is hurt." He pressed his palm against her cheek, gently rubbing his thumb back and forth.

She shook her head, but before she could speak again a sharp pain started in her abdomen. She hissed, immediately feeling her flames bubble up. Her eyes found the source of the pain, a dagger in her stomach, with Kiran's hand still holding it.

"What the fuck!" She seethed, allowing flame to build in her palm as she threw her hand against Kiran's chest. The rage bubbled up in her yet again, but before she could do anything else Kiran wrenched her arm upwards against the Tapestry.

"Be quiet." He snapped, holding her hand there until the fabric ignited. As the flame spread over the wall, he dropped her arm. Kiran stood and walked away without another word, leaving Baz and Harlow alone.

She stared up at the flames as they spread, fear shooting through her system yet again. Before she could get herself trapped in another spiral, Harlow yanked the dagger out of her abdomen and threw it aside, a hiss of pain escaping her lips.

Baz pulled Harlow to her feet quickly and ushered her through the halls. They stumbled in silence until they reached their exit, but stopped short before running out. Yet again Baz pulled Harlow into an alcove, planting a hand over her mouth to quiet her strained breathing. Standing before the exit was Soren.

Of course the King's right hand is the one thing stopping us. Of course it is.

He slowly walked through the area before stopping just before the alcove. Harlow's eyes widened and she willed herself to shrink back into the stone itself. Her fingertips shook as the fire bubbled inside of her yet again.

Soren stood there in silence for a moment before a shriek towards the ballroom rung out. His arm flew to his sword as he jogged back down the hallway.

As Baz released Harlow's mouth, she let out a shaky breath. "Let's go." She ground out, stumbling out of the servants entrance. She could feel her arms heating as she ran.

They had almost made it back to the wooded area when an elbow connected with Harlow's right temple and she fell like a stone.

• • •

I guess if I've been away for a while I can do a double upload!!

I hope everyone had a great day!

xoxo, Ari