After the day we’ve had, it’s no wonder I’m the way I am.

War, blood, and ash.

My brothers walk ahead of me as we make our trek back to the House of Elements, and while I lagged behind, my flames felt deminished, my outlet completely empty and my mind lost as the day replays in my head. My brothers, the only ones that I can call family in this fucked up world.

A world that I just sent into war, and over what? For a woman. Not just any woman, but one that is on the opposing side fighting us in this war. A woman who just handed me and my brothers our ass with every main element and an insurmountable amount of power and control.

“Hey man, you okay back there?” Devyn called back, causing my brothers to pause.

I stare back at the three of them. Saym, Tyrin, and Devyn are Earth, Water, and Air elements who all rank the highest in our class at the Academy. An Academy that almost fell to pieces today because I can’t control my temper when it comes to this mystery woman.

I feel them move closer, Saym whimpering as he places his hand on my shoulder and immediately removing. Even though I don’t feel it, I’m sure I am burning up. My skin always on fire after prolonged use of my power. Fire.

“Fuck. No man, this whole thing is fucking with my head.” I sigh, fucking sighed, and as I expelled the breath, my lungs burned and the memories flashed to her. The mystery girl who I am sure will be the death of me.