4. THREE

THREE

T he week had passed rather briskly for Davina. Tonight was the night of Sadoc's birthday celebration. Dread weighed over her shoulders while she stood in front of Leilani's mirror.

Luscious leaves and branches framed the glass reflector, and Davina was certain that it was Leilani's doing.

She wore the dress her best friend had given her, which was covered with bright sparkles and different tones of her signature color. Deep shades of mauve mixed with lilac and lavender were embellished into the gown, layers of tulle lined themselves to her shins, and her shoulders were covered with sparkling mauve cloth.

Part of her enjoyed how the sparkling cloth blended well with her tawny beige skin. She did not enjoy parties, but she hoped today would be different, even if it was Sadoc's celebration.

Leilani had made a small braid on both sides of Davina's hair which she tied at the back. Her curls bounced once she twirled to examine her hair. If she did not enjoy herself at the party, she would at least have a good hair day.

The door clicked behind her.

She swirled and encountered Leilani, who had been wearing a beautiful white and green gown. The dress was so enchanting that it seemed like it was one that the noblewomen of Bellatorm would wear. The white was made of satin, while the green that traveled around her gown seemed to be made of real leaves. The leaves twirled from her skirt, around her torso, and to her shoulders. Her blonde hair was perfectly curled. Leilani was a true Basalan princess.

She smiled at Leilani.

Fire… what a useless gift to have. She breathed out without letting her grin waver.

Leilani lifted her chin. "What do you think?"

"You look divine," Davina exclaimed. She meant it. Her best friend was beautiful. Everything about her seemed to be perfect. Her gift, her hair, her skin, and her clothes.

"Thank you. I think Sadoc will truly notice me tonight," she claimed with sparkling eyes while setting her hands over her heart.

Davina slightly sighed before walking to Leilani and reaching for her hands.

"If you have to adorn yourself to get a man's attention, then he's no man at all," Davina claimed. "A real man will value your mind and your heart."

Leilani remained silent while avoiding Davina's gaze, a small frown over her lips before bouncing back immediately. Davina sighed.

"Let's go, it's getting late," Leilani chirped, pulling Davina's hand, and headed out her bedroom door. Davina struggled to keep up with Leilani, her excitement caused her to blaze on her feet.

As they walked out of the Dunbar house, she couldn't help but notice the difference between Auris and Basalt Island and recall the day she met Leilani.

Basalt was known for being an island with serenity and calmness, which was something Davina lacked completely that day.

Her parents had fought and made up in one day. Her body continued to tremble as she stepped off Basalt Bridge and neared the cherry blossom trees by the entrance.

The tremors would course through her body whenever they fought, and the trembling in her bones would only leave until the next day. But that day, she didn't want to deal with the fear that shook her being, she wanted peace and quiet. As much as she loved her siblings, they were not helping her tremors subdue.

So one day, she decided to head out to Basalt. Several Basalans saw her orange clothing and walked in the opposite direction. Others were shameless with their scornful looks. Davina ignored them and continued to search for a charming and quiet place to sit and meditate.

After much exploration, she found a beautiful lagoon near a valley. Davina walked through the thicket and foliage, careful with her steps. She looked around for a boulder or log to sit on so she could quietly stare at the beauty before her, only to find a blonde-haired girl standing near the edge of the water, skipping rocks.

Davina couldn't help but envy the way she seemed so calm and happy. The girl found comfort in her own home. Davina wasn't at peace in Auris, that's why she ran to Basalt.

The blonde-haired girl heard the rustling of the leaves below Davina's boots.

Davina froze. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bother you. I'll be heading—"

"An Aurisan in Basalt? Now that is wonderful!" the girl exclaimed. Her voice was inviting.

Davina turned back to face her. With a smile plastered on the girl's face, the blonde was approaching her.

"If you knew who I was, you wouldn't be approaching me right now." Davina cleared her throat, avoiding eye contact.

"I know who you are. I'm not scared," the girl said.

"You're not?" Davina asked.

A creaking noise pierced the air. Davina flinched at the incoming tree branch that was twisting closer and closer to her. Was the blonde girl about to kill her because of the family she belonged to?

"Relax," the blonde-haired girl laughed. "I was growing this for you."

The tree branch reached closer to the blonde-haired girl; a smile remained on her lips. Buds and petals grew from the branch, the bark screeched as it returned to its original form.

"I'm Leilani. Nice to meet you, Davina." Leilani extended the lemony freesia to Davina. She slowly clasped the flower from its stem with confusion. Its sweet fragrance engulfed her scent almost immediately.

"Thank you."

Leilani was the first person she'd met on Basalt Island who was nice to her. They instantly became best friends. Leilani became the companion she hadn't known she needed, which is why she searched to take care of her when it came to Sadoc, yet Leilani was stubborn and continued to pursue him.

Having no need to cross the other Bridges to travel through the islands, they arrived quickly at his manor. Beautifully carved gravel stones led their path to the entrance.

Davina turned and noticed the well-cut garden. Bushes filled with different sets of flowers filled the entrance of the mansion: roses, carnations, orchids, tulips, daisies, peonies, and lilies. Despite the garden belonging to Sadoc, she admitted to herself that it had been magnificent.

Auris was too burnt, too orange, too smokey to be considered beautiful in her opinion. She wondered whether others delved into the image of Auris and if someone else disagreed and loved Auris's dull atmosphere.

Two uniformed servants stood at the entrance of the dark brown door. Carved vines spread across the polished entrance. Both men scanned Davina and Leilani without a signal of emotion; Davina watched the servants with their blank stares.

Leilani handed the man to her left the invitation.

His blonde hair shuffled as he curved his head slightly to examine the card before nodding at the other man. There was a similarity in their haircut, but a difference in their hair color. One was blonde, while the other was brunette. Both men had identical marble blue-green eyes. Their eyes were wonderful. Davina cursed their Basalan traits.

Simultaneously, they grabbed the latch on the front door and pulled. Davina and Leilani were then welcomed into the foyer. Emerald covered the walls of the entire foyer and manor, and a rich tanned carpet covered the polished wooden floor. Leilani beamed immediately as she examined the pots with plants set near the walls. Davina remained with her face still as they walked past the flight of stairs into the entrance of the living room. Leilani elbowed Davina's ribcage. "Ow."

"Change your face."

"I can't change my face. Unless you want me to get fire surgery. I'm no expert but I can do that right now—" Davina held a hand out in front of her face, and Leilani slapped her arm away. Rubbing the red spot that appeared from Leilani's hit, Davina frowned.

"You know what I mean," Leilani muttered before sending a smile to a Neptulan woman nearby. The woman had a drink in her hand, her silver eyes examining them. Davina felt the woman's glare uncovering each little piece of her insecurities. She could see the judgment that passed through her mind by the look in her gaze, that was until the lady sent them a rather forced grin.

Probably wondering why Leilani would bring an Almenara to the celebration, Davina thought.

Davina spotted Snow, who was waiting by the end of the foyer holding two gold cups. Snow met eyes with Davina. The white-haired Neptulan wore a beautiful silver gown that meshed into a dark blue at the hem with different-shaped crystals serving as a belt around her waist. "Davina, I wasn't aware Leilani would bring you since parties aren't your thing. Want me to get you a drink as well?"

Davina's chest heaved as she bit down on her tongue. The Aurisan in purple felt holes piercing through her back. There was amusement in Snow's eyes as Davina struggled to keep her mouth shut. Her words were nice, but her tone was condescending.

The people here were already expecting an Almenara meltdown, and it seemed Snow wanted a show as well. She hated that they already expected the worst from her, that they always tried to provoke her into falling into their traps. But she wasn't about to prove to everyone that their awful thoughts of her were correct. She had to show that she was different, no matter how much of this angered her. Davina formed a slight smile.

"Don't worry, I'll get it myself. Go ahead, Lani, I'll catch up."

"Are you sure?" Leilani asked while putting her hand over Davina's arm.

"Yeah, go." She smiled, patting her friend's hand. Leilani nodded. Snow held a disdainful look in her eyes before locking arms with Leilani. They giggled as they walked past other guests of the party and deeper into the manor. Davina sighed.

She crossed her arms and headed to the nearest table that held the flavored waters from Neptulus's famous store, Phantomwaters. She served herself a cup of delicious strawberry beverage.

Leilani's laugh burst into the room. Davina was certain that it was a pleasant sound to the ears of all the guests. A man's laugh followed after hers. Davina was able to glimpse the way Snow held a pleased look on her face as Leilani and Sadoc conversed.

Davina drank from the gold cup. Wanting to avoid another encounter with Snow, she remained by the water table, keeping her cup close to her lips. She felt the eyes of the other party guests watching her.

After what felt like the longest ten minutes of her life, she realized that no other guests had visited the water table.

"Help me understand why a pretty girl like you is standing all alone by the water table?" a voice interrupted her thoughts.

Immediately, she pivoted to meet a tall familiar face. Ron.

A smile formed over her lips.

"Oh, nothing, I just… didn't want to come to this party."

"Why not? Are you not fond of Sadoc?" he asked with a raised brow.

"No—no, it's not that," she stuttered.

"It's all right to be sincere." Ron smirked.

She pursed her lips with reddened cheeks, feeling as if he could see right through her. Could he really? Hopefully not.

He uncrossed his arms and held his hand out for her. "Shall we go someplace else? I'm not a fan of Sadoc, either."

"Then why are you here?"

"He invited the entire Levina family. My mother pestered me into coming to this party. She kept saying how it would be a slap in the face to one of the most prominent men of Basalt, and how we needed to create connections with someone as important as Sadoc," Ron explained, his hand still extended to her. "I didn't want to come. But now that I know that you're here, I'm glad I came."

Davina looked at his hand and back up to his eyes. A small glint passed through them. She examined the creases in his cheek that formed because of his smirk. That was when she realized he had dimples. She'd never seen so clearly before.

Shameless flirt.

"I'll return you to your friend before the night ends," Ron promised.

Davina chuckled and slowly put her hand into his, setting the gold goblet over the table. His long fingers wrapped around hers. They were warm, a comfortable warmth. Like her fire, they felt familiar.

She looked at their interlocked hands, then back up at him. He had the same reaction.

"Come on." Ron tugged her arm.

He pulled her toward the hallways of the manor. The corridors were filled with frames of drawings of Sadoc. Davina scoffed at the number of images he owned of himself.

"Do you even know where we're going?"

"Just trust me, madam. No one knows more than I." He deepened his voice and pumped up his chest. "Did I do well at the impersonation?"

"Don't be mean, Ron. It's his birthday today," she laughed.

His laugh echoed through the halls, engulfing her like the waves hugged the shore.

They chuckled along with each other as they continued strolling through the hallways, holding hands.

The euphoria ended when the blonde servant, the one who examined Leilani's invitation at the entrance, passed by them. His eyes darted between the pair. Ron and Davina turned to each other before running down the hallway, hands interlocked, away from the blonde-haired twin. Davina covered her lips as she giggled, her hair covering most of her vision as she rushed alongside Ron through the passageways.

He yelled after them, "Come back here! Sir Sadoc will not be pleased that his guests are loitering around in his home."

Davina's hair bounced as she turned to see the distance between them and the servant who was running after them.

"Run faster, Vivi."

After taking several turns, they were able to lose sight of the servant. The yelling had become an echo throughout the halls. "Come back here!"

Davina and Ron rushed through the corridors until they were met with large dark green doors.

"Should we?" she asked.

"We've already made it this far." Ron shrugged. Echoes of the servant yelling began to resound even louder as they stood ahead of the grand doors, identical to the door at the entrance. Ron quickly unlatched the door.

Ahead of them lay an impressive balcony with rock built into the railings. The railings had the same design as the cups by the water table, except they were a gloomy gray. Davina and Ron stepped inside and examined the deck.

He carefully closed the door behind them, there was no way out. Davina fixed her gaze upward, to the roof.

"Do you think we should climb down?" he asked as he looked over the railing before turning to her. He followed her gaze.

"What is it?" he asked.

Her eyes never released from above. "We could hide on the roof."

Ron smirked. "I like your thinking. Do you need me to—?"

She did not let him finish his sentence as she jumped and set her foot over the railing, using it as support to push herself over the tiles that were used as a shade for the balcony. Her dress caused her to move at a slower speed than usual. She hoped he didn't notice.

She pushed herself off the shade of the balcony and onto the roof. Davina looked down at him, and his eyes were gleaming. "You are breathtaking."

Davina blushed before whispering. "What are you waiting for? Start climbing or they'll catch you."

He followed the same action as her. Davina was surprised at the sight of his agility. Then she remembered what Leilani had told her. Ron was basically born in Castellum, training since he was a child and preparing himself to be a warrior. Davina had been too shy to look his way whenever they were assigned to be in the same training room, so she had to depend solely on her imagination of his training.

She wondered whether he had ever actually had to use his training against anyone who could be a threat to the islands.

He comes from a Mistran family, but she heard rumors of him living in Auris. Last she recalled, his mother and father manifested air abilities.

Almost as fast as the blink of an eye, he was settling himself next to her on the brown tiled roof. The coldness of the bricks rushed to her legs. Davina shivered but reminded herself to focus on the warmth within her chest, allowing it to spill over the rest of her body.

Voices began to appear from beneath them, near the entrance of the deck. The doors burst open. Davina and Ron crouched backward, into each other's arms, before sharing a grin.

"There's no one here, you incompetent piece of garbage," Sadoc yelled.

Davina furrowed her brow at his aggressive tone, never having heard Sadoc's voice sound so rough and deep. Ron held the same confused look as she did.

"But, sir, I saw them go through this door," the twin stuttered. Davina could almost hear the servant cowering under Sadoc's tall figure.

"Get out of my face before I do something we both might regret."

The twin mumbled an apology as he scuttered off the balcony and back into the manor. Davina and Ron lifted their gaze toward the Sadoc, whose back was facing them. He held onto the railing as he stared off into the distance of the night, which was filled with the music of chirping crickets and the ringing of water flowing through the fountain. Davina could feel Ron holding his breath as Sadoc remained still.

This was the kind of person who held the luxury of his home, a prideful, rich man. He lacked nothing. His servants were many, his gold was prosperous, and his hunger was little. This was the man her best friend loved. Davina was almost sure that Leilani was not aware of this side of Sadoc.

After a few long moments, he left. The door's hinges rattled when Sadoc pulled on the latch.

They both sat up and exhaled.

"I think no other moment of tonight will compare to this one," Davina said.

"Glad that I was able to put on quite the show for you." Ron chuckled. Davina laughed with him.

Ron looked at her. She watched as he observed the form of her lips, the curl and foil of her brown hair. Davina wondered whether he could see right through the mask that she could feel was beginning to crack. It was as if she was an open book, no matter how much she forced herself to close off. It was in such a way that it felt like Ron was able to read all her flaws, her insecurities, and her worries. Like he understood her.

And that brought a sense of belonging as she sat before him. She couldn't bring herself to stop feeling for him, and a part of her hated this pleasant emotion.

This man before her was magnetic. She couldn't quite place the reason as to why she felt this insane pull toward him. She had to get to know him, he had to become a part of her life. Davina knew she would regret it for the rest of her life if she let him go. He was different. She could see it in the way he gazed at her because he looked at her differently. He didn't look at her with distaste or contempt, his eyes were filled with nothing but sincerity and goodness.

"You look radiant tonight," he said.

He was examining her with a grin, that smile; the smile that was beginning to enchant her more and more each day.

"Thanks," she uttered. "I think you look quite dashing yourself."

His eyes never left her gaze.

"I'm horrendous. You on the other hand, you're beautiful," Ron stated.

Perhaps maybe she was.

"You shouldn't doubt anything about yourself," Ron claimed.

It was said that eyes had a story of their own; to be able to understand a person, what would be necessary would be to read their eyes. This is what Davina was doing with Ron, looking into his eyes to be able to understand him, to perceive his thoughts, and his intentions.

"I always see you in Auris… but you're from Mistral, right?" she asked.

A small flash of hesitation passed through his expression. Davina questioned this small gesture of his. What could it mean? He nodded, breaking eye contact for the first time throughout the entire evening, which she noticed. Her lips parted as she saw how he was struggling to find his words.

"Yes, you are correct. I live in Auris but my parents and my two brothers share the same gift of controlling the air element," he confirmed, staring at the trees that danced from the small breeze that brushed through them.

She tried not to show her surprise.

There had been children being the product of two different Bellatormans, usually the child inherited one set of gifts. Never would the child bear more than one element, but Ron's parents both came from Mistral. He was the only one without the air gift.

"What power do you have?" she asked.

"Can I be honest?"

"Of course." Davina nodded.

"I have no idea," he sighed. He passed a hand over his temples. "I only know that when I get mad, I can burn things with my hands. The Aurisan and Mistran Leaders advised me to move to Auris so I could learn more about my abilities, although most of the time it's like my powers are not even there. Like I have no gift at all."

Davina furrowed her eyebrows, wondering whether he would want to talk about the sensitive topic that was his dormant gift. In all the history of Bellatorm, there had never been any record of a person being born with a different set of powers from the rest of their family.

In part, she understood him. The feeling of being left out, of being the weird one, the strange one. Her gift was strange too.

"I guess we can say that you are a true Aurisan," she joked. "It's okay. I'm sure you'll figure it out soon."

He chuckled as he shook his head and then nodded with a small smile.

"Let me see your power." He jerked his chin toward her hands.

"What?"

"Yeah, I want to see your power. I heard it was different from the usual Aurisan fire," he said.

"I don't know. That's not a wise question to ask," she said softly.

"Oh, come on. I told you the truth about me, let me see your truth," Ron begged.

"Fine," she uttered.

She looked at him, a strand of her hair escaped from behind her ear, partly covering her features. He watched her intently. She lifted her palm and allowed the warmth in her chest to travel to her wrist, down to her palm. The warmth turned into a pleasing heat above her skin. Bright mauve flashed before them, a slight tingle within her sockets. Her glowing purple eyes turned to him.

"I didn't know you could do that with your eyes."

The purple flame crackled over her palm.

"It's something new I've been doing."

"I have so many questions." He watched with wonder.

Davina let her fingers twirl and dance as a figure of a waltzing couple formed within the fire. Their bodies flared up from the flames, sparks flying and becoming little embers that floated into the night sky. Davina could feel Ron's stare as she controlled the fire couple that floated above her hand.

Davina curved her fingers inward, leaving little plum particles flying between them.

"It seems there is someone in the islands that does understand me," he crooned.

Davina smiled.

"I see the way you look at your Basalan friend whenever she presents her gifts," he pointed out.

Her smile dropped.

"And I've also noticed the way you seem to wish you could have the same gift as she."

Davina focused her gaze on the tulle that covered her legs, beginning to fidget with the rough feel of the cloth.

"Your gift was given to you for a reason. Embrace it, love it, enjoy it. Because if you don't, you'll live a long bitter life. Trust me when I say that it's not a pleasant way to live."

Davina slowly nodded and sent him a small smile. "I'll keep that in mind, thank you."

"Shall we head back? I'm beginning to feel rather famished," he said, putting a hand over his stomach.

"I thought I was the only one." She chuckled.

Davina watched as he carefully stood upright. Ron dusted himself off before extending his hand out for her. She interlocked hands with him, and he gracefully pulled her to her feet. She was quite capable of standing up on her own, but she had to admit that it felt nice to be able to have his help. He nodded once before they both jumped off the roof, onto the balcony.

Davina stumbled into his arms.

"Careful," he snickered.

They were both laughing as they fought to steady their footing. Davina was able to see that Ron had lost his balance just like her since he was trying to keep her from falling onto the stoned balcony.

As their rejoicing began to decrease, Davina was able to feel the heat of his body against hers. Her hands clasped around his forearms and his hands wrapped around her waist. He smelled like a blossoming field of flowers, despite not having a direct connection with Basalt. A rather unique yet wonderful mix. The moment between them was interrupted by the alarming realization that Ron was so physically close to her.

No one ever wanted to be this close to her before. Not her mother, not her father, not the people of Bellatorm. Only her siblings. Mostly Emmy and Genevieve. Micah was changing.

Davina gulped then released him from her grasp. A slight hurt flashed through his eyes. She didn't want to let go of him, but the feeling she was experiencing at that moment scared her.

"Shall we?" She cleared her throat.

"We shall," he muttered before opening the doors.

The servant that was chasing after them earlier, stood in front of them with a harsh scowl over his lips.