The Elemental Heiress

chapter 3

 Willow

           I woke up with a pounding headache. It was so bad that I tried to keep my eyes shut hoping to drift back to sleep. It was no use between the headache and whatever hard surface I was laying on. I knew hospital beds were uncomfortable, but I might as well be laying on the floor. I slowly opened my eyes expecting to see bright lights and clean white surfaces instead I was met with dark gray stone walls and flame-lit candles flickering on the chandelier attached to the high ceiling. I jerked up so fast that red and gold bedding tangled around my legs. I stared at the elaborately woven comforter and tried to retrace my steps. 

Before blacking out I was at my graduation ceremony and having the worst panic attack I'd ever had. I remembered the medication not working and my mom calling me, then nothing. A hospital would be the expected place to wake up in. Even a psych ward would be less surprising than a medieval dungeon with fancy bedding. Just when I thought I was confused enough the heavy wooden door on the far end of the room burst open.

           The girl that stormed in wore loose low hanging black pants and a formfitting chain link-covered top that exposed her midriff I had to do a double-take when she turned to face me. It wasn't the brutal jagged scar below her belly button or even the red birthmark splattered on her right cheek. Past the mark the piercings and scars, it was like looking in a mirror. As she got closer there was no doubt it was my face twisted in rage and hate that stared back at me. If it wasn't for the painful headache, I'd think I was still asleep. I looked down at my clothes and saw that I was still wearing my graduation gown over the blouse and faded jeans when I looked back at her the differences were more clear. 

The scar on her stomach was not the only one. Small white or pink marks peppered the exposed skin on her hands, arms, waist, and neck. I wouldn't doubt the trend continued to wear her clothing covered we both had the same black locks of hair but where hers were iron straight and short, mine we're long wavy strands that I preferred to keep up in a ponytail. She was still too far away to see if her eye color matched my light brown ones but I could clearly make out the harsh fire lit in them. Then there was the biggest difference the birthmark it was a deep red and took up the majority of her right cheek. She had one piercing in her lip and another on the other side of her birthmark with a chain attached connecting the two.

Without really thinking I asked, “did it hurt?” I gestured to her stomach not really thinking if I was being insensitive it just slipped out not that it mattered because her response was a huff while she rolled her eyes.

           “Now I know there must have been a mistake the goddess would never have picked a weakling like you who bulks at a little scar.” What she said only confused me more but before I could even think of a response she said “I gave you the benefit of the doubt in my earlier evaluation since most people look weak when sleeping”

“Wait you were watching me while I slept?” I asked, cutting her off. The expression on her face was so priceless that even with the confusing somewhat scary situation I was in I couldn't help but snicker. She was so taken aback that her glare was replaced with one of shock and her cheeks reddened with embarrassment 

“No, I evaluated you,” she said sternly. Obviously trying to get her composure back.

           “Sounds a lot like staring.” I had no idea where any of this was coming from. I should be demanding my release or at least asking where I was instead I was trying to tease my doppelganger. 

           “All good warriors study their enemies.” She straightened her back so she could look down on me.

           “Enemy? I've never even seen you before,” Except maybe in my reflection “I've done nothing to you.” Just like that the glare was back she was so close I could feel her hot breath in my face. Her eyes, apparently, were brown but a darker shade than mine. 

“You've taken everything from me.” Her lips were pulled back exposing her teeth. “While I may not be able to end your life to take back what's been stolen. Nothing is stopping me from bringing you to the brink of death take back my honor.”

Normally an encounter like this would leave me shaking. Sky calls me the biggest pushover because my only defense is to back down. Maybe it was the headache or perhaps I still didn't fully believe any of this was real, but I matched her challenging stare. With the most assertive voice, I've ever used I said “If nothing is stopping you then why what are you waiting for?” She didn't back up but her eyes softened slightly and took on a look that vaguely resembled respect.

“Maybe you aren't a complete loss.” I was still staring waiting for the pounce when the room's temperature rose and I could smell ash. The girl looked annoyed and then large arms wrapped around her pulling her back towards the door. I watched in shock as she thrashed back and forth unable to shake the grasp. “You don't have to drag me.”

“You can't listen to simple instructions per usual,” A deep voice said from behind her “Stop fighting Oak. Tallmer commanded her to be left alone,” he said her name like an insult which only seemed to make Oak fight harder.

“Then why are you here Tariq?” Was the last thing I heard her ask before they were out of the room and the door shut violently behind them. I stared at the door in wonder and probably would have stayed like that if it wasn't for the figure that cleared their throat on the other side of my bed. Everything about the man was thin: his legs, arms, and face. It looked like a moderate wind would blow him away it might have explained why I hadn't seen him earlier but then again I hadn't noticed Tariq until he grabbed oak.

           “Welcome to the family, I am Shi” I took note of his very pale skin and blue fingertips, hair and lips. “Well most call us a court but I prefer family.” As he talked, he exposed a blue tongue as well. Shi had a pair of cat-eye sunglasses to cover his eyes. They stood out from the medieval clothing and decor I had seen so far “I apologize for my daughter. I'm here to take you to meet everyone else” So this man was Oaks father, I struggled to find the resemblance. He seemed friendly enough so I got out of bed with wobbly legs and walked towards the door. “Not in that my dear. I'm afraid here that kind of apparel will stick out.” 

Once again, I looked down at my clothing then remembered I still hadn’t asked any questions I turned to him “where is here?” He smiled and motioned for me to walk behind the screen in the corner of the room.

“You are currently in the realm of Fatum. We are closely attached to the human realm.” the word realm hit me like a ton of bricks and I struggled to finish my walk to the screen. My first thought was that these people were crazy but the feeling of curiosity and the hope that by playing along I could find my way back had me changing into the garment thrown over the screen. “Talmer will explain everything.” 

I struggled to put on the heavy clothing, it reminded me of the bed beautiful but uncomfortable. It was a sleeveless gown that was tight around the torso and bellowed out at the hips it was still breathable but heavy with a layer of red silk peeking beneath the layer of chainmail. I walked out attempting not to let them down weigh me down too much.

“Outstanding the dress suits you just as I knew it would,” Shi said clapping his hands in satisfaction. “A few piercings perhaps a tattoo here or there and you'll look like a true dweller of Fatum.” Now that he mentioned it I noticed the gems dripping from his ears and the tattoo of red and blue flame covering his upper arm. My father made it very clear I wasn't to get any ink or metal put on my body till I turned eighteen. Till in his eyes I was able to make a mature decision. Apparently, he was right because here I am two weeks from my eighteenth birthday and following my likely kidnapper.