CHAPTER 14 THE OUTBURST
Zara’s POV.
“Ah! What the fuck!” I yelp in shock at the loud banging on my bedroom door.
“Zara! Zara! Please! Is Grisko with you?” Confused and groggy, I get out of my bed and pull a t-shirt on over my bra. Going to answer the door, I stumble over my clothes on the floor. I stripped and got into bed immediately last night. I do not understand why anyone would ask if Grisko is here because he lives at the emporium.
“No he is at the emporium-” I am interrupted when I open the door to Grisket. She is frantic.
“No! He isn't! And the shop was scorched from a magic fight! I am frightened, Zara. I do not know where he has been taken!”
“What? Fuck! Hold on, I will get Flame. We will find him, don't worry.” I grab my hoodie from the floor where I had tossed it last night and run from my room to Flame's door. I knock awkwardly as I am tangled in my hoodie from trying to put it on and run at the same time.
“Hello? Oh! Zara! What's up?” Flame looks me up and down. Reaching out he yanks the edge of my hoodie down so it is not trapping my arms anymore.
“Thank you. It's Grisko-” Griskets frantic talking cuts me off again.
“Please Lord Flame, He is missing. Our shop shows evidence of a struggle and magic.. Please find my brother.. He is all I have left..”
“Grisket, did they take the.. Parcels with them as well?” Flame's voice is eerily calm, yet his face shows worry and panic. Grisket shakes her head in response.
“No Lord Flame.. Both are safe..” Glaring at the floor she says “ My brother however isn't.” Her snap clearly surprises Flame. Turning, she storms away down the hall, crimson robes swishing behind her.
“Grisket! Come back!” Sighing when she doesn't, he calls out “Bruce!” Immediately a very large guard appears.
“Sir?” Bruce’s voice is deep and husky.
“Take a witch down to Grisket and Griskos emporium. Find out what happened to Grisko. Report back to me when you're done there.” Nodding Bruce leaves. I look up at Flame completely lost for words.
“We will find him. Now go put on a dress. I'd like to take you for a carriage ride and I want you to look like a true lady of the castle. It will be safer that way.” I nod at his words and turn to leave to get dressed. Stopping I take a breath, One word comes out on my exhale.
“Flame..” The word comes out so quietly I don’t think he hears me at first.
“What is it?” His voice is soft and gentle.
“I- just want to say.. I am sorry.” Taking a deep breath I continue. “I know my outbursts are hard to deal with. But please, Forgive me..”
“I have already forgiven you..” Flame reaches out, turning and pulling me close. As he does I deeply inhale his scent. “I do have a request for you..”
“What is it?”
“I want you to talk to me.. Communicate with me so outbursts are less likely to happen. Can you do that?” Tears fill my eyes as I nod my head against his chest.
“I will do my best..” He kisses the top of my head in response to my agreement.
“Now go get dressed. I have something to show you!” I frown. I am worried about Grisko..
“But what about Grisko?”
“Bruce will know where to find us. It will be fine.”
“But Flame-”
“Zara, There is nothing we can do until Bruce tells us what happened. Please trust me.” I nod at his words, Even though rage has filled me and go to get dressed.
When I shut the door to my room a minute later I am overtaken by rage. I don't even understand why. Flame is right.
“God’s dammit!” My scream comes with hot tears rushing down my face as I am overcome by my emotion. It is like looking through a TV screen.. I watch through my eyes as my hands destroy everything in my room. I watch as I destroy everything in every room, Running from my bathroom to my bedroom and into my closet. I can’t stop it. Throwing, smashing, ripping and punching things. I tear the long red curtains from my window, screaming in anger as the tears come hot and fast. Dropping to my knees I sob on the floor. Surrounded by my room's shrapnel.
“Zara!” Flame’s concerned voice is what brings me back. Shit what have I done? I looked around at my room. The curtains are on the floor, the art has holes in it and some of the paintings are on the floor as well. My mattress is slumped over half on half off the bed frame. My closet is destroyed.. My clothes and dresses litter the floor.
“Just a second!” I shout as calmly as I can muster. Jumping to my feet I rush into my closet. Grabbing an emerald green silk dress from the floor I hurry to get dressed.
My bathroom is a disaster. Makeup caddies turned upside down and dumped across the counter. Drawers are torn from the vanity, lipsticks and nail polishes litter the floor. I brush my hair quickly. Ignoring the intense shame and guilt I feel.
“Zara, if you do not open the door, I'm sending the guards in!”
“No! I'm fine! Hold on! I was desperate not to let him see what I had done.
“See! I'm okay! I said brightly. Opening the door a crack and sliding out trying to hide the disaster inside.
“Zara. I know you just had another outburst. Do not lie.” Tears fill my eyes.
“I don’t know what is wrong with me Flame. I ruined everything. I am so sorry..”
“Let me see..” My eyes go wide with fear.
“Please, Flame, I am ashamed..”
“I will have it fixed up.. Don’t worry about it. Come on.”