Page 43 of Up In Flames
“I know. I'm a truly heinous person.”
“No, you aren't. That wasn't you; it was the Corrupter. Death is the true evil behind this.” I laid my hand over his. “And I'm not leaving you behind. Whatever it takes, you are coming with me.”
Aranren's throat worked, and he blinked rapidly as he looked away, taking his hand with him. “Thank you for saying that. We will plan to leave together. But I know myself, Ember. Death has his claws deep in me. You, however, are freshly taken.” He looked back at me. “You have a greater chance of escape.”
“And you know him better, Ara,” I said. “We must do this together.”
Aranren stared at me for a few long, emotional heartbeats, then nodded. “Together.”
Chapter Twenty-One
The next morning, we had to go back to doing Death's bidding. I had promised to go out and hunt for new victims, and the horrible thing was that I didn't regret that promise once Death was back. I wanted to go. But Death hesitated.
“I don't think you're ready for that, Ember,” Death said as Ara and I looked through his spellbook.
“I am,” I assured him. “And we need to make some progress.”
“There are plenty of people here to experiment on, but I don't think that's necessary right now. I want you to study my book instead. Aranren will be your teacher. He will guide you through the spells and help you become the mage you are meant to be.”
Power. Yes, I liked that idea. “All right,” I said.
“Aranren, start with the basics,” Death said.
“Very well.” Aranren slid the book my way and opened it to one of the first pages. “Death is many things, but we must start with its simplest form.”
I looked down at the page and read, “Death. The spell is Death?”
“Yes. You can kill with magic. Although, it doesn't work on Wraith Lords. They are immune to Death Magic because of the Spirit Magic inside them.”
“If only that were different,” Death muttered.
“Yes, I know about Spirit Magic and its protective nature,” I said. “But I didn't know you could use Death to kill so easily.”
“It's not easy,” Aranren said. “It is for me now. But only because I've mastered it. At first, it was difficult.” His elegant hand reached up and pushed back my hair. “You will master it too. Probably faster than I. Death says you are an incredible student.”
Ara and I had decided to continue the ruse of our attraction since it was working so well. So, I leaned into his touch and smiled. And with my actions, I felt Death's pleasure.
“Wait. Are you feeling him touching me?” I asked Death.
“Yes. I live through the two of you. I can feel both his touch and the delight that touching you gives Aranren.”
I blinked, then looked at Ara. He blushed as he looked away.
“Why are you surprised?” Death asked me. “Surely you know he wants you?”
“Yes, of course.” I cleared my throat. “I just thought our relationship was new.”
“It is, but his desire for you is not. Aranren has wanted you for a very long time. And now, you want him in return.This is wonderful!” Death sounded like someone else, his elation lightening his voice.
But I knew the source of his pleasure. Death was excited that his slaves were on the verge of becoming even stronger, making him stronger.
“What shall I cast the spell upon?” I asked.
Death's pleasure grew. He didn't answer, but a knock came at the door.
“Enter,” Aranren called out.
One of the Corrupted stepped into the workroom, his stare locked straight ahead. I didn't recognize him, and a small part of me was grateful for that. But the larger part of me, the part controlled by Death, was eager to see what I could do.
