Forged in the Flames by Karima Sa'ad Usman

Nikolas raised an eyebrow waiting for me to speak. My mouth was dry, but I dared not drink water. I did not know if I should sit beside him or talk to him standing. I did not know what to do.

“What is the matter?” he asked me, sensing something was wrong.

“I..I..” I started and swallowed to compose myself properly. He put down his food and looked at me with a frown.

“I want to thank you for everything you have done for me and my people,” I started, and he frowned.

“I am grateful for your kindness and leniency,” I said, and he looked confused.

“Knowing who you are, I respect your kindness. I know you have every reason to be angry and hate us, especially my dad. I am grateful that you allowed us to live,” I said, and he frowned at me.

“What is the meaning of this, Aliana? Did my mother say something to you?” He asked, and I shook my head.

Even though I had a lengthy conversation with his mother, with her talking for the better part of the duration, her words weren’t why I was acting the way I was. I was afraid because of what I was about to tell him.

I shook my head and fought my tears. They were tears of uncertainty and fear of failure.

“No,” I said and swallowed, ensuring I did not cry.

“You are a strong and powerful man, and I can never take advantage of your kindness. I can never reach for what you are unwilling to give, and I will always be content with where you place me. I will never try to manipulate you for selfish reasons or take advantage of your love towards me,” I said, and he got up and advanced towards me.

He pulled me into his arms and held me.

“What is the matter, Aliana? Tell me because you are making me nervous,” He said, and I bowed my head, unwilling to look into his eyes. If I did, I would lose the courage to speak, and I needed all the courage I could get.

“It is about my father,” I said, and he pulled away from me. I did not look up to look at him. I had started speaking; I might as well spill.

“He isn’t doing well. He can’t continue to work. He will die,” I said, and he was silent.

“Please find something less strenuous for him to do. I know you hate him, but he is all I have left. Please. I swear he will not plot against you or do anything to hurt you,” I said and looked at him, and his face was expressionless.

I knew he was a bit annoyed, and I could feel it. “Did Qusack put you up to this?” He asked me, and I shook my head.

“I haven’t seen Beta Qusack today. I went out and noticed my father was around, so I went to check on him. He had received treatment and was sleeping,” I said, and he went to sit on his couch.

“And you somehow figured it was the mason’s work that made him sick,” He said, and I shook my head but dared not speak Israel’s name. It was already going wrong.

He sighed.

predicament out. Why do this now? Don’t you think I know he is suffering? Do you think I want to make life easy for him? He killed my father. My mother and I grew up in the woods because of his mutiny. It is a miracle that I am alive. It

this, Aliana. Do not try to use what is between us to get me to do things I won’t normally do,” he said, and

will never try to manipulate you. I will never try to use…”

call this, Aliana?” He asked me, and I was speechless. If he put it that way, it did seem so, but I did not

would you take it easy on him?” He asked, and

is innocent,” I said, ready to tell him what

at me, and I

I knew I had crossed the invisible line with my words, and there was no going

you dare, Aliana,” He said, and I stepped back until my back was against the wall. Were we back

how it all

tell you?” He commanded me,

command came with force and rage, and it made

My father was just caught up…” I said, and he interrupted me. I looked at him, and his eyes

me what the traitor told you,” he ordered through gritted teeth,

wanted to be king, but your father did not know. Your father loved him,” I said, fighting the

and Giles warned your father, but he wouldn’t have it. They tried to let it go, but when they discovered they would move against your father, my father and Giles decided to

turned

felt betrayed, and that

father did not kill Giles for the crime immediately, he wanted to investigate the matter, but all the officers implicated in the plot were killed by poison. That made your father believe the werewolves

sign the unity law. The law that he had fervently kept away from Forest. Your father was the one that sealed our fate by signing that law

Mathias stopped funding the werewolf Military and sent them to battle with nothing but their wolves. They

sign a slave trade deal. Your father planned

came to my father to plead with him

themselves from your father

when he finally did, he sent them a nasty letter

fight him. Because he did not have a vast army, he decided he would attack them mid -way with

caused

beating fast. I hoped I did not miss

hand but did

believed your father never got the letters and wasn’t aware

and leave or die in battle; he chose the

the sword. When the others came, they believed he had killed the king because

that day. He

I had nothing