Fire. Everywhere. Licking and lashing at his flesh. A soothing yet agonizing sensation. So hot that he felt completely numb, so hot that his sun-kissed skin began to boil and bubble. How could something unable to be held or be solid be so excruciating?
The twine that bound him began to disintegrate, but he was still trapped. The flames grew, feasting on the piles of wood at his feet.
A familiar face grimaced behind the smoke, frustrated at the boy's rather slow demise. Her gritted teeth revealed a few gaps in her mouth, battle scars striped her muscular figure. The boy parted his lips, unsure whether to seek help or cry out in pain. But the former seemed unlikely. The woman crossed her brawny arms with impatience, not daring to dance with the others until the burning was complete.
That is, until a large hand reached through the flames, grabbing the lanky child by his Aqeeq beaded necklace.
Snow. Everywhere. A chill wind whipped at his scarred flesh. Yet he felt numb. So cold that his teeth chattered aggressively, so cold that his sun-kissed skin grew scabby and purple. The blisters that once dotted his fingers were beginning to deflate, but still leaking fluid. Strong arms sheltered the boy, whispering reassurances in a deep baritone.
Abruptly, howling sounded in the distance, causing the boy to flinch. Abruptly, he was pushed into a run, forced to leave his savior behind.
I cannot walk. Go without me.
Protesting was useless, as he wasn't going to change his mind. The boy sprinted as his body screamed in objection. The padding of pawsteps in close pursuit.
That is, until agonized screams were heard. Fear clutching his heart, the boy instinctively grasped his Aqeeq beaded necklace.
YOU ARE READING
Magic of Shadow and Secrets
FantasyMagic was originally gifted to women for healing and protecting their families during the dark times while the men were away. ...Until a boy emerged, able to preform the arts. Resenting the women for refusing to teach him, he decided to steal the k...
