BURNING BLOOD

TEARS AND NIGHTMARES

Someway after midnight,

I get

a little bit anxious

Fighting my inner self

that attempts to control me

And it has been like this

forever

Am I a puppet on strings?

Hurts that I remember

all...

Don't know how to get away!

Release me of this pain!

Can you see back past my time?

Can you rewind all my life?

I just want to run run run

away

from this scorching ache

in my chest!

I don't want to

lose myself...

Is there nothing else...

How can I stop this flame?!

It hurts always

can you understand?

All that has left

is my burning blood,

a bad dream

beginning the end!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Present time

I woke up crying, again; feeling heartbroken and depressed like I have lost the meaning to life, the love of my life, a piece of my heart.

I didn't understand why I had these dreams of people I don't know, of a love I don't have, of a life that wasn't mine.

Still, the dreams were haunting me all of my life.

The first time, I was six and dreamt of a beautiful girl with raven, curly hair and vibrant amethyst eyes. She was smiling.

I took a big breath and went to the shower to calm myself. Still shaken, I dress and went to the kitchen to eat something.

My two roommates were still sleeping, like usual, so I made us breakfast and coffee. This was our last week in this apartment and this town. I felt a little bit sad. After all, Padova was my home for the last seven years, and these two girls were my family.

My parents died eight years ago, in Egypt, when they were digging another relict. I thought of them to be like Lara Croft and Indiana Jones. I was eager to see all the stuff they found, learning old languages, reading different legends, finding new treasures.

The first attempt at their life was a few days before they succeeded in their plan; unfortunately, it marked me forever.

The explosion burnt more than eighty percent of my skin, leaving me in a coma for almost two years. They never found the killer.

My nonna (grandma) took me in and was by my side till a month ago when she died peacefully in her sleep.

After breakfast and a little chit-chat, the three of us went to our University to take the last exams.

In the afternoon, while we ate, I received a message from my granny's lawyer to inform me that the will is notarized and I can come to Trieste to sign the paperwork.

I stood there and sigh. Aria and Accalia wrap their arms around me trying to soothe my heart. I was very thankful for having them in my life. So I looked up and smiled at the girls, thinking how different we are.

Aria was 6"1, slender, with pale honey skin, big light blue eyes, and blonde hair, cut in a messy lob. She will master medicine and become a doctor like her mother.

Accalia (or Lia for friends) was 6"3, curvier, darker almond skin, with hazel eyes and chocolate, straight, long hair. The degree will allow her to work as a translator in the family business.

I was barely 5"5, with big boobs and ass, and tiny waist (like an hourglass), warm ivory skin, long wavy dark red (almost black) bloody hair, and eyes gray like fog. The scars now were a light red all over my back, my upper arms and thigs, neck, breasts, and abdomen; the one on the face were pinkish almost invisible, like the ones from my elbows to the hands and from the knees to the feet.

It was like I was whipped by fire.

I was already a historian but took two extra years in archeology. School was the only thing that I was great at, and even if I was in a long coma I skipped a few years.

So now, at 24 I was the awkward one in the trio, who loves more reading and cooking than going out and having fun at some random party.

I took my phone and call the University to let them know why I will be missing the next few days. I passed all my exams so it was just me being polite. They said that it wasn't a problem and to take care of myself.

I packed my bag, hugged my friends, and went to Trieste for the meeting.

Nonna had a small house in Trieste, but she bought an apartment in Padova when I was in the hospital for rehab after the coma.

She said that I needed a new start and new friends.

My childhood was good, always in the move, but after the death of my parents, I needed a place to call home.

She went back to Trieste on the first day of my university, saying that I need friends my age, leaving her room empty.

Aria and Lia were new in town, searching for an empty room till the end of their studies. We clicked instantly and they didn't mind sharing the bedroom.

They were always at some party, some opening, dancing, and dating boys (and a few girls) while I didn't like crowds and loud music (and my scars, made me believe I was ugly). Numerous times they would ask me to come, loosen up, and enjoy life. I tried, but I was not comfortable, so after a drink or two I excused myself and went to the city library or back in my room.

Asocial, strange, and awkward girl. That's me.

The lawyer was a short and round, old little man, with gray hair, beard, and mustaches. He was polite and kind. My nonna trusted him to take care of all my family finances and over the years he guarded my heritage well.

After we talked for a while, he gave me an envelope full of documents describing what I inherited other than a large sum of money. I asked him after the funeral to rent the house and the apartment because I was moving with the girls to their home in Asteria (a small country between Italy and Austria). Fortunately for me, everything was settled. Now nothing was keeping me here.

I packed a few things from nonna's house and donated some clothes while putting the small stuff full of memories in the attic. After tidying up, I took a nap on the sofa.

I woke up in a cold sweat after another nightmare, deciding at that moment to go right back to Padova with the first bus.

I took a swift shower, turn off all the lights and say goodbye to my past.

On the bus, I sent a message to the girls telling them that I was coming earlier. There was no reply, but it was in the middle of the night so I didn't mind.

I arrived at dawn, still in my thoughts, holding the envelope tightly with my left hand and the bag in the other.

I quietly unlocked the door so as not to wake up the girls.

Sliding in, I put the envelope on the kitchen table and start walking to my room to put the bag away.

I took off my headphones and turn off the music. At that moment I heard loud moans and looked on my right in the living room, at the steaming scene in front of me.

Lia was on all four on the couch with a guy trusting fast behind, tugging her hair in his left fist, unfazed at my presence.

Near her head, another guy was sitting with Aria's left breast in his mouth while she was bouncing up and down on his large member.

The girls stopped when they saw me. I rolled my eyes annoyed, then said loudly " burn the couch and throw it away!".

At that moment, another, very naked, guy came out from the bathroom. He winked at me. Turning my face back to the girl's exasperated I repeated " burn it!".

I was already moving towards my room when a deep, silky voice asked

"Do you want to join beautiful?". The man gave me a dirty look and smirked.

"No!!" was all I could tell before entering my room.

A knock on the door startled me. Lia was looking at me with a worried face. I smiled.

" We didn't know that you were coming.

I'm sorry. Are you ok??".

"Don't worry. It isn't the first time I caught you two in flagrant.".

"Yeah, you are right! Again I'm sorry!".

"Oh please. You are adults and you can do whatever you like... And they are very handsome, for a change... But, really, on my poor couch?! Sometimes you act like a b***h in heat".

There was a baritone laugh from the living room.

"Go! I will be ok.

I'll take a nap and later cook something. Just move the activity in your room, please".

"Ok. I'll put some music on," she said smiling.

(Aria)

I heard her pleads and moved us to the bedroom. The guys jumped on our big bed.

"Is she ok? Should I go too ?".

"No need. She is going to take a nap. She seems fine. Leave her to her thoughts... for now" Lia answered while putting on some music.

"Who is that girl?? I sensed a great power in her aura but she has no scent. It feels she is human, but not only that. Interesting.....".

"She is our friend, the owner of this apartment".

"She had a tough life. And above all her grandma died not long ago. We are her only family now".

"I see. Does she know what are you? And do you know what is she?".

"No. She doesn't know. For her, we are all humans.".

"Do you want to speak all day or can we f**k now? !".

"She was right - like a b***h in heat!!".

"Jerk!".

"Oooo someone needs a spanking!!"...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He was looking at the sky, her head resting in his lap. She was smiling with her eyes closed, enjoying the moment.

He bent down and kissed her eyelids then cheeks, forehead, and eventually, he joined his lips to hers. They looked at each other with so much tenderness.

The scene was so lovely, so peaceful.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(Issa)

At least, that wasn't a nightmare again.

I felt a little jealous. Will I ever feel that kind of love?? I never felt attracted to someone like that. Sadness, my heart was full of it.

I sight and went to take a quick shower hoping there is no one around.

I did myself a loose french braid and dressed in a blue thin shirt with long sleeves and black leggings not wanting to explain jet again my scars.

It was late in the morning so I start to prepare brunch instead of a normal easy-to-go breakfast.

After an hour I was done and called the girls.

The envelope was still untouched. Taking a breath I opened and found between the documents a letter. The handwriting was by my mother. I heard footsteps and decided to read it later.

(Lia)

"Issa it smells so gooood!"I screamed to my friend.

Aria smiled walking with the boys. She was giving me a plate full of food.

"Issa these are our friends:

Soran, Emrys, and Varunan.

Boys this is Issa our roommate and best friend".

"Nice to meet you, but please call me Echo as everybody does," said Varunan extending his hand to her. She handed him a plate nodding her head.

"Are you ok? Did you make food for them too??" she looked at me with a duh face, pouring coffee in my mug.

"Yes Lia, I made food even for loverboy, fuckboy, and toiletboy," she said rolling her eyes and going back to the counter.

" You know, you would be now in a better mood if you joined us this morning," said Soran, smirking, to Issa.

"Bite me!!".

"Is that an invitation?!".

"What?! No!!!" she replies fast and then froze looking at Emry's bareback.

"Of course. Did you put her in one of your trance?" Echo asked bitterly. "Are you stupid?! I was just looking for my shirt".

"Shhhh look at her" sad Aria to the two men arguing

"Her eyes.... what the f**k?!".

"From the Hells fire to the Divine Gates" Issa whispered, looking at the tattoo on Emrys' shoulder.

Her eyes were bright amber, the voice deeper.

Then she blinked, looking at us with gray eyes.

"You know how to read Aramaic??" asked Emrys.

"No. Why?" said Issa.

"Because you did it right now ". "What are you talking about??".

" My tattoo is in Aramaic".

"Can you read mine?" asked Echo lifting his sleeve.

"Umm... Dark depth?" Issa sad with amberish eyes.

"Is this Aramaic too?".

" No. It is Atlantean".

A weird look was plastered on all our faces.

She stood there stone-cold and then her eyes were again changing to amber.

" Three of four of thirteen to find; the Book calls me from the heart of the Star," she whispered with a voice that was and wasn't hers.

We all stood and stared blankly. Then she blinked twice.

"Why are you all looking at me like that? Have I grown a second head??".

"Noooo nothing like that.

But I think I know now why your sixth sense is so sharp.

You are the Seer.".

" The what?!

Am I in some twilight zone?!

Are you kidding??!" she said very, very pissed.

" In Asteria, we will explain everything. For now, trust me, it is nothing bad.".

" Che cazzo succede??

Leggo lingue che non esistono e non conosco. Parlo con una voce che non è mia. E poi mi dici di stare calma e aspettare per una spiegazione?! Sei matta?" {What the f**k is happening? I read languages that I don't know and don't exist anymore. I speak with a voice that isn't mine. And then you say to stay calm and wait for an explanation?! Are you crazy?"}she yelled, took an envelope from the counter, and stomped out.

(Echo)

" I think is time to call Alarik.

We will see you Saturday at the borders".

" What can we tell her?

She is so angry right now and maybe she will not want to leave with us" said Aria.

"Hmm. You know her better than anyone. Tell her something, but leave the supernatural stuff out, for now.".

"Aria call your mother and your coven. Let them know about Issa."

(Issa)

After a few hours, I felt calmer and went back to the apartment.

" Would you like to explain what is happening?" I asked looking at the two sitting on the floor while wrapping some stuff.

" Well, we start to pack. The moving van will be here tomorrow evening," replied Lia.

"Maybe is better for me to stay here. The job as a librarian keeper isn't mine jet, so moving to the unknown...."

I didn't finish when Aria said

"Oh, don't worry, the job is yours now! And I'm sure we will find out what is happening to you.

My mother said that maybe is a forgotten memory of something you saw with your parents, or you heard them talking, or...

well I think, a new start will make you good!".

"Ok, fine. I trust you. Let's pack girls".

Deep down, I knew that they were hiding something. I gathered the courage to go into the unknown again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THE LETTER

Mia principessa (my princess),

if you are reading this it means that me and your mother are gone. Stay strong, your nonna (grandma) will help you, and one day when you'll be old enough four knights will protect and lead you.

Never forget who you are.

Ti voglio bene. (I love you)

Papà (Dad)

Luce dei miei occhi (light of my eyes),

when you'll feel helpless go to Asteria. I know you can feel that something is missing. Go, find what was hidden from you.

Feel with your mind, see through the heart and be all that you are!

Ti mando tanti baci amore. (I send lots of kisses to you my love)

Mamma (Mom)