Chapter 16: Building A New House With Magic!
The morning sun cast long shadows across what had once been my home, its golden rays doing little to warm the chill that had settled deep in my bones. I stood there, motionless, staring at the blackened skeleton of timber beams that jutted from the ground like the ribs of some great, fallen beast. The acrid smell of smoke still lingered in the air three days later.
My cottage—our cottage—had been reduced to nothing more than charcoal and ash. Where vibrant flower boxes once adorned the windowsills, only twisted metal frames remained.
And the person responsible for this devastation?
My beloved big sister, Rosaluna.
I closed my eyes, remembering that terrible night,. The way the flames had erupted from her sleeping form like a living creature, hungry and wild. How the wooden beams had groaned and cracked as the fire consumed them with supernatural speed. The terrified screams of our mother as I’d dragged her from the inferno, my own magic barely sufficient to create a protective barrier of water around us.
Rosaluna’s fire magic had been growing stronger by the day—stronger than anyone had anticipated. At fifteen, she should have been learning basic flame manipulation techniques at the local magic academy. Instead, her power had transcended normal boundaries, reaching what Isadora whispered was "realm-breaking strength." The kind of magic that legends spoke of, but that no one was prepared to handle in reality.
I unconsciously rubbed my forearms, feeling the raised, angry skin beneath my cotton sleeves. The burn scars were still tender, scars I had obtained when I’d wrapped my arms around Rosaluna’s unconscious form, using every ounce of my water magic to cool her blazing skin. The water had turned to steam instantly, scalding my flesh, but I hadn’t let go. I couldn’t let go.
The morning after the fire. I’d sent them away—both Mother and Rosaluna.
Someone needed to handle the aftermath, and more than that, I had a plan—one I couldn’t execute with them watching, worrying, trying to stop me. Rosaluna had barely spoken that morning, her usual vibrant pink eyes dulled with self-loathing after seeing the state of my arms.
Now, standing in the aftermath of their departure, I stared.
The earth walls I’d erected around the property rose twelve feet high, seamlessly smooth and imposing. I’d spent hours perfecting them, ensuring they were thick enough to muffle sound and tall enough to block prying eyes. Already, I could hear the whispers of curious neighbors gathered beyond my earthen barrier.
"What’s that boy doing in there?"