January Embers Novels & Stories

Ember collapsed into one of the chairs, her head falling back as she let out a long breath. “Charming,” she muttered, her voice thick with exhaustion. I dropped my pack by the door, moving to the hearth. “It’ll do.” She didn’t respond, her eyes closed and her breathing shallow. The fire crackled softly, its warmth spreading through the small cabin. I leaned back against the wall, my blade resting across my knees. Ember had shifted to the floor, her back against the hearth. The firelight cast golden hues across her face, softening the sharp angles and highlighting the curve of her jaw.

When they arrived, the Heartfire flared softly, recognizing the rhythm in their steps. Arianne smiled. “You are the Children of Dawn,” she said. “Not because you were born in the light, but because you chose to walk out of the dark.” --- The Lesson of the Ember She led them to the base of the Heartfire, where its glow pooled like liquid gold on the stone. “Each of you holds an ember,” she said. “It is small, fragile, and eternal.” The apprentices knelt, cupping their lights between trembling hands. Arianne continued:

“The work shifts and the rogue skirmishes tend to build muscle whether you want it to or not.” Ember pulled back just an inch, her eyes bright with an excited, frantic energy as she looked between us. “I still can’t believe you’re actually here,” she stammered, her voice vibrating with pure excitement. “I thought the Council would extend the banishment. I thought father would have to fight them for another year to get the registry cleared.”

His eyes fully focused on me as he enunciated the last word. Chills emerged on my skin, as my hands trembled a little, luckily for me, it was hidden beneath the layers of bed sheets. I turned around to go out with James, when his voice came in again. " What's your name?", he questioned I stood still as my father's warning flashed into my head, " don't reveal your surname to anyone", he had warned. I took in a short breath as I turned around to face him. " I'm Ember" " You have a sweet name Ember", he said as a smile made its way to his face.

DERRICK* A week has passed since Emberly had the miscarriage. Christmas break has arrived, and our parents are due back at any time. The Christmas Holidays seem to be the only time of year; mom and dad make it a point to be home for the entire three weeks Emberly and I are out of school. Then once January fourth rolls around, they are gone again.

Rain's P.O.V. I entered Ember's mind quickly, I need to figure this out before it's too late. Why is it I can't seem to protect my children like I swore I would? Ember's so much like me, too much like me. Only she's so much stronger without even knowing it. I wish she could see herself the way I see her. My little spark, the one that ignited the fire inside us all. My little fire starter.

I told them. “I’m so sorry,” Isra said to Ember while she reached out across the table to touch Ember’s hand. Ember gave a small nod and you could see the look of hurt in her eyes still. She put her other hand over Isra’s as if to say thank you without voicing it. “So you really think that you can take him and his army out?” Blair asked Ember. She looked at him and nodded her head while saying, “if we get enough support in the next month, this war could be over by winter.”

She scrambled out of bed and frantically turned on the lampshade on her nightstand. “Oh, damn!” Ember winced as she inspected her palm which was almost charred. She remembered the explosion. She was almost hit by the flying debris from the fire. “What happened?” She asked herself. She was still breathing hard and her heart was beating crazy. “That wasn’t a dream.” Ember knew that fire was real and she was there. The creature was real. She looked outside the window and she couldn’t smell any smoke. There’s no fire but why was her palm burned? Where did she get it?

Sarreth added that I could not understand. Ah, we are now on our way to meet that mysterious goddess of mine and yes, Sam gave me a backpack. It’s just not a normal backpack because of a lot of stuff inside. Of course, I could feel the weight of the backpack Sam had given me. The backpack is black with no design. Only the silver zipper holder is the unique color that I liked. And locker? The fuck is locker, anyway? I stared at the black card I was holding. What is this card for? Why do I have a name here?

Emerald like eyes were shielded by thick lashes. “You misread us, if you think that we are interested in you.” The ill-tempered Donte rose to his feet. He left his throne, taking measured strides to the woman. “We have a Chimera in our ranks. I doubt that you would be as useful as she is.” His nostrils flared. “I am here to be your mate!” She raised her voice. “Not to join your bullshit clan.”