Blood of the Flame

Tiara’s POV The house was crowded, and the music was too loud. “Alcohol?” I shook my head. The alcohol was too strong, and I had taken enough for the day. I knew I shouldn’t have come, but Sofia had begged, flashing her perfect smile and promising me a good time. “Let loose just this once; you need it”, Sofia whispered into my ears before disappearing into the crowd. I stood near the wall of Lucy’s house with a plastic cup in hand. I watched as people danced like they had no worries. Across the room, I heard Jeff’s laughter and tried to see what he was doing. Jeff slung his arm lazily around another girl’s shoulders, and my stomach twisted in jealousy. I tried to look away but failed. Jeff was my boyfriend, and we had an argument the week before, but I didn’t expect him to be with another woman so soon. We were still technically together—whatever that meant now—even if things had been off. I flinched when someone bumped my shoulder. “Sorry,” a voice said. Deep. Calm. I looked up and got caught in unfamiliar eyes. He was tall—a sharp jawline. “I’m sorry,” he repeated. I couldn’t find the words to reply and stared at his disheveled black hair. He wasn’t loud like the others and definitely not drunk. He smelt— I couldn’t place it. I wanted to run my hands over his black hoodie but wouldn’t dare. “I’m Nathan,” he said “Tiara,” I replied automatically. “You look bored,” he replied “I am,” I admitted, swallowing back a smile. His lips twitched. “You shouldn’t waste your time on people who don’t deserve it.” I felt my chest tighten. Something about how he spoke— gentle but direct— made me speechless. I nodded but said nothing. “Come on,” Nathan said, nodding toward the door. “Fresh air would help.” I hesitated. Jeff was around, and I knew he wouldn’t like to see me with another man. “Let’s go,” I agreed. Jeff couldn’t see Nathan with me. I knew it would cause a rift, and I didn’t want any of that. I could feel his eyes on me as I followed Nathan outside. The backyard was quieter than inside. I leaned on the porch railing and exhaled. Nathan stood beside me quietly. “Thanks,” I muttered softly. “For?” “Getting me out of there” Nathan shrugged. “You looked uncomfortable in there; I couldn’t help it.” Nathan's tone of voice showed that he wasn’t flirting or pushing. He saw me. I wasn’t sure if I had too much to drink or if I was thinking well. Footsteps. Loud. Jeff. I froze. I turned to Nathan to tell him to leave, but was too late. Jeff had seen us. “There you are,” he growled. “I have been looking for you.” Nathan’s body tensed beside me. I quickly explained, “I just stepped out to catch my breath,” hoping to pacify his anger. “With him?” Jeff snapped and took a step forward. Shit. “She’s allowed to breathe,” Nathan replied with a sharp voice. “Back off.” Jeff’s eyes left mine and turned on Nathan. “Who the hell do you think you are?” Silence. Nathan didn’t answer. He didn’t move either, but I could sense danger. Jeff must have sensed it, too, because after what felt like a long, silent pause, he spat on the ground and grabbed me, pulling me hard. I followed without a single struggle. “Let go!” I yelled, feeling pains in my arm. “Be quiet,” he hissed, dragging me to the other side of the house. I looked back, hoping to see Nathan, but was disappointed. Nathan was gone. I was all alone with Jeff. Disappointed, I turned to see Jeff's bloodshot eyes on me. I thought Nathan would stand up for me and help me get Jeff out. Jeff shoved me hard against the wall, and I winced in pain. I was between a row of trash bins but knew better than to scream. It would only make things worse, and I didn’t want that. I wanted it to end as fast as possible. “You embarrassed me just now.” “I’m sorry,” I muttered, pushing at his chest. I knew Jeff was going to hurt me, and my heart raced. Jeff looked around, and I closed my eyes, preparing for the blow. I could smell the alcohol in the heat of my breath. “You think I don’t know what you are doing? Acting all innocent of flirting with random guys “I wasn’t flirting— His hands closed around my throat, and I couldn’t breathe. “Slut!” A tear dropped from my eye. “You are mine! Do you understand?” Jeff growled. I nodded violently. My vision blurred. I kicked. Struggled. I managed to let out a scream. Then— Wind exploded through the alley. Jeff flew off me like he had been punched by a truck and slammed into the opposite wall. I dropped to my knees, coughing and trying to see what was happening. A shadow stood at the mouth of the alley. Tall. Broad. With glowing eyes like molten gold in the dark. Blink. He was gone. “Jeff?” No response. Shit. I dragged myself to the porch minutes later, breathless and with my heart racing hard. No sign of Nathan. No sign of Jeff. The music from the house was still loud, and people started coming out, oblivious to what had just happened. I clutched my chest in fear. Did I hallucinate, or was it real? “Tiara,” Sofia slurred, coming to me. I had a lot to drink and tried to squint my eyes. “Sofia?” I called Sofia held me tightly and pecked me softly. “I've been looking all over for you. Did you hook up with someone?” Sofia asked, seductively licking her lips. I was still struggling to catch my breath and ignored the question. “Water,” I mumbled ”Hey! Can we get water?”, Sofia yelled, and I immediately knew she was still drunk. It didn’t matter again. I needed to get Sofia out of here.