A Girl from Flames
Gravel flew into the air as the cloaked figure made a sharp turn around a corner, pursuers still hot on their trail. Dodging through the idle and bundled-up street dwellers, the figure quickly gained distance. After turning another corner, the cloaked figure quickly threw their satchel down the right-most path and sprinted down the other. The scorching pain in their lungs became too much. Bending over with their hands on their knees, the escaping air turned into mist. Warmth. Shelter. Looking around the desolate alley, the figure spotted a door. They limped over and pulled on the handle. It didn't budge. "Fuck." the cloaked figure muttered. They pulled harder, causing the top of the door to move slightly. With one final pull, they opened the door and rushed inside. With labored breath they slammed the wooden door behind them, nearly sending it off its rusted hinges. The hit the floor with a thud and leaned against the wall.
Finally regaining their breath, the figure uttered "Father never learns, does he." The cloak previously worn fell to the floor as they stood up, revealing a young woman in noble attire. Her long white hair fell laid against her back, matching her light grey eyes that mirrored the cold outdoors. Her face held an indifferent look as she examined her surroundings. The overall appearance of her gave off unwelcoming air, but what betrayed that was a piece of hair that stuck up like an antenna on the top of her head. The curtains that covered the windows had slight tears, giving her enough light to avoid running into the front desk and observe some of the objects behind it. She understood that this location wouldn't be safe forever, but she needed warmth in the meantime. Looking on each self for a candle or lamp, she rifled through oddities that made her question what the purpose of this store originally was. A sudden crash sent her flying behind cover. After a pause, she sighed and noticed what she had broken. Just an ornament. As she was about to step over the broken glass, a slight glow caught her eye. Kneeling down she saw nothing out of the ordinary but was able to find an oil lantern.
The thin streams of light that illuminated the shop steadily dimmed, leaving the girl in darkness. Cursing to herself, she started to feel around the lantern for the glass cover and prayed there was a wick inside. Her fingers brushed over the top of the lantern and she opened it. As she was about to look down the lantern's top, a spire of flames erupted. She dropped the lantern and hit the floor, landing on her backside. The room rumbled and the shelves shook with fury as the lantern began to float, following the rising tower of flame. The fire seemed to dance mid-air, circling and looping around. Mouth agape, the girl watched powerlessly as it made its way in the air. Once its fun was over, the fire began to intensify and form a large red sphere above the lantern. The white-haired girl came back to her senses and scooted back, holding up her arms and braced for the inevitable explosion. After waiting a few seconds for the burn, the girl opened her eyes. Beyond her feet, a glowing girl laid crumpled.
Another moment passed. The cold-looking girl stared in bewilderment. What the hell just happened? Where did this girl come from? Why is she- The other girl quickly jumped to her feet and cowered. "I-I swear I won't hurt you! I'm sorry for the flames!" The girl yelled, hiding her face behind her arms. The white-haired girl could make out her distinguished red hair, which was partially held back with a headband and had a ponytail in the back. Realizing that the white-haired girl wasn't responding, she panicked. "Are you ok? I'm so sorry! Please forgive me!" The red-haired girl cried out, bowing her head. No response. "I-I-I em... I'm Suletta! The great genie, here to grant you 4 wishes!" Suletta tried to pose with confidence, holding a hand against her chest with her chin up. When again, there was no response, she panicked and started pacing. "Oh god I killed her! Suletta you idiot!" The white-haired girl's eyes were wide and communicated a thousand emotions at once. Mainly confused.
Once her thoughts returned to her, she stood up and faced Suletta. A look of resolve passed over her and she held out her hand to the red-haired girl who grew more terrified by the moment. Suletta stopped in her tracks and meekly turned her head towards the white-haired girl, confused.
The girl spoke firmly. "I am Miorine. Miorine Rembran." Suletta's eyes filled with tears and she turned to face her.
Her tears poured, many falling and hitting the floor. Someone had finally freed her from her lantern.