Zaphira's Flame's
chapter 7

After we finished eating, someone came in taking our tray, she didn’t say much, but I got the feeling that she’s human. How I used to be.

Alex left shortly after; saying he would be in the room next to mine.

Taking a closer look at my room, it’s nicely furnished.

A large four poster bed, the posts are old fashioned curving as if there dead trees, with a lovely shade of red sheer curtain going around the bed, and gathered at the head board, tied with a black cord on either side. The walls are painted red and white, with accents of orange going around the room. The room looks over the back yard. Everything is covered in a thin layer of snow, making everything sparkle.

Along with the table, and chairs there’s a small black leather couch, with red and orange throw pillows on it. In the corner of the room, there’s an antique rocking chair, a small book case, full of books. There’s a decent size closet and large cherry wardrobe, with two drawers underneath it. Opening it on the one side there are empty hangers and on the other side `there’s a drawer and a shelf with extra blankets folded neatly in a stack. Grabbing my bags, throwing them on the bed I unzipped them checking to see what Alex packed for me.

He packed a lot of stuff for me, he even went into my underwear drawer, creepy. Deciding it would be a good idea, I started to unpack, since I have no idea how long I’m going to be stuck here. Pulling out hangers, I hung most of it up, but I put things like socks in the drawer, except for what I’m going to be wearing.

Alex didn’t bring any of my personal stuff, going into the bathroom I started going through the cupboards. Pulling out a basket; and sitting inside is everything I need.

I got dressed and walked out of the bathroom I’m still alone, so I decided it’s time to do a little exploring while I can. I grabbed my cell and gun which is strangely enough sitting on the table by the bed, why wouldn’t the two be together? Shrugging it off I tucked it at the small of my back, and pulled on my runners Alex brought for me and walked out to the hall; closing the door behind me.

The house is huge, there’s a dozen rooms and most of them have their own bathroom. How can someone living on their own, have a house this big? Each room is decorated in a different style, but they all have different shades of red and orange. If it was him that decorated, he has good taste. Going down to the main level, each room is more beautiful than last. There’s an office, a den a living room, a huge dining room; and multiple washrooms.

Walking through the house I haven’t seen anyone, but I can smell something, but I don’t want to interrupt whatever’s happening, so I kept to myself, looking through the house.

Opening a door, I can’t help but gasp as I walked in; a huge library. There’s floor to ceiling bookshelves, stuffed with books. At every shelf there’s a wood ladder, there’s worn in spots from climbing up and down. What little wall space that doesn’t have books have paintings on the walls. Leather chairs and couches, each has a blanket of some description on the back.

There are lamps all over the room, and huge bay windows overlooking the yard, and there’s a huge fireplace. It’s not lit but I can change that. Kneeling down in front of it; I called my fire, nothing happened but then I felt it started to spread over my hand; until it’s covered in flames.

Setting my hand on the logs the logs they started to smoke, then the whole thing went up in flames; pulling out my hand I extinguished the flames and wiped off my hands.

Stepping up to the window it started to snow lightly; making everything sparkle with the sun peeking out through the clouds.

Stepping away from the window, I noticed in the back corner; there’s another baby grand piano. He has two pianos? Walking over a shelf; I started browsing the shelves looking for something to read while I wait for Alex and Raphe to start my training.

Curling up in a chair, covered in a blanket I started reading, relaxing against the warm leather.

“There you are. I was wondering where you got off to.” Looking up from my book, Raphe is standing in the doorway; he’s wearing a three piece suit, but his jacket is slung over his arm and his shirt sleeves are rolled up, exposing his for arms. He smiled as he walked up to me, sitting on the Coffey table in front of me. Which surprisingly didn’t break under his weight.

“Sorry I was looking around, and came across this room, and settled in.” Shaking his head.

“No it’s fine, you are welcome to anything you like. I also heard that you controlled your fire.” I nodded, looking over at the fireplace, which is still almost reduced to embers.

“You are becoming quite the little demon aren’t you?”

To show him what I can do I moved forward, set my book aside and moved my hand in front of him, and set it on fire, keeping it contained in my hand.

“That is impressive, but watch this.”

He stood moved back a few steps, setting his jacket down, and his whole body erupted into flames. “Oh my god! Will I be able to do that?” I asked. He nodded; as I walked up to him, and ran my hand over the flames without them burning me.

“You will have learned so much more; by the end of this.”

Just like that the flames vanished, and he’s back standing in front of me. You know this new life, might not be as bad as I might think it will be. Just then Alex popped in the room, walking up to us, he came to stand next to me. He smells like axe body products and fresh mint; and his hair is still damp from just showering.

He’s dressed in jeans and a blue T-shirt with an Eagle stitched to the top corner.

“So how is everyone this morning?” Looking at the clock it’s almost 11:00 I had no idea it was that late.

“How long have you been back Raphe?” “Not long. A few minutes. Let’s have something to eat; then we will get to work.”

Raphe led us down to the dining room, but he stopped at his office, telling us to go on ahead, that he will meet us there in a few minutes. Alex is walking beside me but he didn’t say anything.

Suddenly his hand is gripping mine; squeezing mine gently. His skin is cool, but not cold against mine.

I had heard that vampire’s skin is cold, but I really hadn’t experienced it a lot until now.

His arm brushed mine; sending goose bumps up and down my arms. I have no idea what’s happening to me, but it’s scaring the hell out of me. He stopped, as if sensing there’s something bothering me.

His eyes started to swirl with red. “I can smell there’s something wrong with you. What is it?” Shrugging. “It’s nothing. Everything is just getting so real for me. I just have to figure things out.” He nodded. “I know how you feel. After I was turned, I had no one; and had to figure everything out for myself. But look at me now; I’m the leader of the nest.” I nodded, and he’s right; everything will work itself out; I just will get through it.

“Thank you.” He gave me a look. “For what?” Setting my hand on his. “For being here, telling me I can get through this. For everything.” He squeezed my hand; smiling.

“You are very welcome. Now come I need something to eat.” He pulled me along; leading me along to the dining room; never letting go of my hand, the whole way.