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.

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

to get me to do things I won’t normally do,” he said, and I shook

I will never try to manipulate you. I will never try to use…” I said, and

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

take it easy on him?” He

but he is innocent,” I said, ready to tell him

at me,

was enraged. I knew I had crossed the invisible line

until my back was against

how it all happened. He

tell you?” He

command came with force and rage, and it made

didn’t fight your father and kill him. My father was just caught up…” I said, and he interrupted me. I looked at

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

Lycan were trying to usurp power. Leon was your Uncle, your father’s half-brother. He wanted to be king, but your father did not know. Your father

to let it go, but when they discovered they would move against your father, my father and Giles decided

to be a series of arrests turned into a fight, and Giles

that was the beginning of the

by poison. That made your father believe the werewolves were trying to isolate him and take over. Giles and all the werewolves working in the kitchen were killed. He didn’t

he had fervently kept away from Forest. Your father was the one that

their wolves. They were dying and sent letters to complain about their condition.

that wasn’t enough, your father planned to sign a

father to plead with him

only wanted to emancipate themselves from your father and settle

father did not respond, and when he finally did, he sent them a nasty letter threatening all sorts of things. The werewolves had it, so they decided to march together to the palace to

to fight him. Because he did not have a vast army, he decided he would attack

caused

I hoped I did not miss

father fought my father into the woods. My father got the upper hand but did

got the letters and wasn’t aware of

options, surrender and leave or die in battle; he chose the

rushed to him to pull out the sword. When the others came, they believed he had killed the king because he pulled out the sword, and it was

with him since that day. He still weeps for

I had nothing to