I didn't ask for this.
I didn't want this.
But no one cares, do they?
------------------------------------------
Nadia Tales was just a senior in her high school when her life turned on it's end.
Athena Haeth didn't expect this mission. But no on...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
I froze. I felt numb, my skin turning black. It wasn't cold. It was fire, so hot that it became cold, searing my flesh.
I sank down, pulling the Ifrit down with me as I felt my legs giving out. Tears flowed freely, the heat becoming unbearable. Athena spun, rushing to my side.
She blasted light in the Ifrit's eyes, something that shouldn't have worked but did. She rushed over, her eyes frantic. 'The Elements, Nadia, are you okay?' she asked, her brow creased with worry.
I gave her a weak smile. 'I'm fine,' I said, not meaning it. Truth is, it's throbbing, and pain like white hot flames course through me.
Athena swore. 'Shit, I knew I should've kept a eye on you. Lily will kill me.' she said. I winced as she helped me up, the muscles in my neck stretching.
Athena froze. 'Nadia. Touch your neck.' she said in disbelief. I gingerly touched my neck, and my eyes widened. It was healing, the skin mending, and in a few seconds, it was gone, leaving only a faint scar.
'No. No earth Elemental should heal that fast. No one.' her eyes were wide with shock.
'Do other Earth Elementals have this- this ability?' I asked, pressing on the scar to see if it would hurt.
Athena glanced down the hallway. 'We have to go. There's only a few minutes left. ' she warned, hurrying forward. I trailed after her, wary of any other Ifrits. Sure the burn was healing but it hurt. A lot.
Athena dashed through the corridors, trusting that all the traps were already sprung. I followed her, more hesitant. I wasn't inclined to be fried again.
Athena sucked in a breath. The main hall was heavily guarded, with demons standing at guard, bristling with spears. This was going to be challenging.
Athena pulled me aside, out of earshot of the guards. 'This is going to be hard on my magic, keeping such a light film. They are on high alert for light magic, so do exactly as I say. Do not make any sudden movements. My magic will coat you, but any sprinting or fast moves will make it drop. The guards are on high alert.
It must've sent out a warning. So close to the Kings quarters, the whole palace is on high alert. Guards will patrol. There is no other way out, other than the few servant exits. I don't know the way there, so we have to use that door. Okay. So, walk very slowly. That floor is marble. Your shoes may muffle the sound, but I can't expend enough magic to. So be extremely careful, alright?'
Athena gave me a worried glance. Truth was, the chances of me not to mess up walking across the hall, with literally dozens of eyes on me, ready to shoot, is nerve-wracking. What had I gotten myself into?
Athena didn't tell me where we were going- earlier, she just handed me an envelope, containing all the information I needed if she got captured. I knew she wasn't kidding. I loved to read about adventures, the nerve wracking face off. It's not so fake now with my life on the line.
Another thought occurs to me. 'Athena, will you have enough Power to shield yourself too?' I asked, eyeing the guards. I figured they weren't paying too close attention, looking bored and slightly slouching.
I guessed the Ifrit officials loved to exaggerate. I sighed, leaning against the wall. What a mess. I should've just took my chances and gone home.
Athena's voice snaps me out of my thoughts. 'I'll have enough, but I won't be able to constantly shield Lily and Alyssa too when we sneak in later to give the cure.' she said, contemplating.
I nod, Athena casting a thin layer of light over me. I would be like a dark spot everyone ignored, a ripple in the air. Someone who was never there.
