2.52 The First Ones

“Say it again,” his voice came in an enticing hum.

“S-say what?”

My back was pressed against the wall, but my muscles still contracted as I tried to impossibly move back further. Every step he took closer to me, the more the heat buzzing at my center pulsed and expanded. The fiery magic was igniting my veins, pumping through me with every violent beating of my heart.

“My name,” he husked, tossing his head back, so his dark eyes were staring down at me. “Too many millennia have passed since I’ve heard you say it.”

The pounding in my head drummed loudly behind my ears. Cortina. She was snarling, using the fire inside of me to give her that final push through.

“I don’t know what sick delusion you have been feeding yourself, but I am not this old hag you’re thinking of.”

He chuckled darkly. “You are wrong, Chloé.” He reached his hand out to touch me. “Let me show you.”

His hand touched the candle holder planted like a weapon between us, and the metal dissolved into liquid, dripping to the