When the World Burned

I glanced at Blazewing, who was curled up tightly beside me.

Poor Blazewing. From the moment he hatched, he'd been trembling nonstop. He only calmed down a little when Raven said she wanted Snowviper instead.

I didn't bother wasting words on Snowviper or Raven. I just took Blazewing and headed out the door.

"Megan, are you sure you want me?"

I reached out, wanting to pat his head, but Blazewing flinched back instinctively. His wide, frightened eyes were locked on me.

"I didn't mean to upset you! Please don't hit me."

Even as he said it, his body trembled uncontrollably. He forced himself to lean his head toward me, as if he was bracing for punishment.

"What are you talking about? Why would I ever hit you?"

Then it clicked. Blazewing had also been reborn.

"Did Raven—"

"N-no, don't mention her!"

His whole body spasmed as if I'd stabbed him, and he curled into himself, eyes streaming blood.

Seeing him like that, I understood. Raven had tortured him in his past life.

I pulled Blazewing into my arms, holding him gently and stroking his wings. "It's okay. It's over now. You're safe."

Little by little, his shaking quieted down.

I spoke gently, "Let's go home. The thing is… I live far away, and there aren't any cars around here. I'm afraid we'll have to walk."

I gave him an apologetic look. Compared to Raven, I had almost nothing.

She had forced our parents to buy her a house and a car, while I was just renting a tiny apartment.

Blazewing blinked, then whispered nervously, "If you don't mind, I can take you home."

He bent down, lowering his body so I could climb on.

I hesitated, not sure if this was a good idea.

But he said warmly, "It's okay. Get on. I'll fly you back."

There was no way to refuse him, so I climbed onto his back.

"I'll tell you which way to go."

"No need. I already know where you live."

That startled me. I opened my mouth to ask how, but before I could, he spoke again, "We're here."

"What? Already?"

I blinked in shock. His speed was unbelievable. "You're faster than a plane!"

Blazewing lifted his chin proudly. "Please. A plane's nothing. I'm a phoenix."

For the first time, I really looked at him. He had such a pure, innocent face, like a boy still figuring out the world. He was totally different from Snowviper, whose dark eyes always brimmed with malice.

"Aren't you gonna compliment me?"

His eyes shone with quiet hope.

I sighed softly. "You're amazing. I don't know why she'd do that to you."

The words slipped out before I realized. His expression dimmed instantly.

"I'm sorry, Blaze," I hurriedly said. "I didn't mean to bring her up."

Blazewing gave a faint, bitter smile. "Blaze, huh? That's a nice name. But… do you think I'm just a useless phoenix?"

Before I could answer, he kept going.

"Raven used to say I was worthless, and all I did was make her hotter and more miserable, unlike Snowviper.

"She said I ruined her life. She plucked out my feathers one by one. She stabbed me with needles, snapped my beak with pliers, and broke my wings. Then she threw me outside to die. Am I really nothing compared to Snowviper? Why did you choose me? Why would you want a useless phoenix like me?"

I had suspected Raven mistreated him, but not like this. I hadn't imagined she'd been so cruel.

She was the one who chose Blazewing in the first place. The heatwave apocalypse wasn't his fault, as no one could have predicted it. Yet she blamed him for everything.

"No, Blaze. She was wrong. You're amazing. You're so much better than Snowviper ever was."

"I know you're just trying to make me feel better. But it's fine. I'll be okay."

He forced a shaky smile, as if he didn't want me to worry.

I looked at him, my gaze firm. "I'm not just saying that. You really are better than Snowviper. A thousand times better. And… I'll tell you a secret.

"I've been reborn, too."