Damsel of Fire, Chapter 1: Flame Charm

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My name was Belle, but I was called Flame Charm. This is the story of my life, of me. The story of the greatest adventure to be had. The story of the Damsel of Fire.2

I opened my eyes. Warmth surrounded me, soft flames kissed my cheek as they danced by in a flickering jig. The merry crackling sounded like the sweetest song, it whispered gently in my ear, tickled my throat, teasing me as it tried to get me to sing along. I closed my mind, let all thoughts drift away on the cool of the breeze, and obliged to the fire's demand.3

"Turning flames dance before me, 4

Like sheets of gleaming heat, 5

touching, kissing my bare cheek, 6

I turn around and face my fear, 7

to the fire, so near, I reach into, 8

the crimson blaze, 9

the ruthless beauty that calls my name."10

I pulled my hand out of the fire, that charred the ends of my gold bangs but never marred the pale snow of my skin.11

It was odd, but fire did not burn me.12

It had no effect, besides a slight sizzle and a wisp of smoke when my hair was caught by the twirling flare.13

I understood fire, and it understood me. I was part of it, some how.14

And, quite frankly, I was glad.15

Born a normal human girl, I had never suspected my ability, until that dreadful night. 16

I had been home, in my bed in fact, when I first smelled the smoke. I woke up and found my house on fire, the cries of my parents reaching my ears. They were pleading, calling my name, yelling at someone to let them save me. I did not know who. I heard a voice, a mans, ring above the chuckles of the flames, "She can not be saved. She is lost."17

I was afraid. Fire swirled around me, I could feel the heat, the fingers of hot light tickling my face as I breathed smoke laden air. It was horrible. My mother's terrified screams reached me, my brothers weeping, the sound of my father fighting to get to the house, to me. I knew I was to die. And I accepted it.18

Maybe it was that thought that saved me. When I awoke the next morning, I was alive, no burns on me, the remnants of my house sprawled around me. I could hear the people searching for me, and I cried out. Everyone was amazed I had lived, but they came, my mother scoped me up and hugged me so close that I can still feel her heart beating joyfully. I was the survivor. That is how I came to be known by the name of Flame Charm. Because I could Charm the Flame.19