“What’s happening?” June asked, her voice trembling with fear.

She watched the swirl of smoke snake around her arm, engulfing it like a sleeve. As fascinating as it was, June didn’t like to think what it meant. There was no pain but her warm continued to grow warmer.

“You need to focus your power to stem the heat and reduce the smoke.” The Tailor told her.

“But I can’t use my power,” June told him.

“It’s the only thing that will stop your arm from catching fire or worse being destroyed. You need to use it.”

June winced, “No one ever mentioned anything about catching fire. Why are you frightening me like this?”

“Deep breathes June. Focus your power on reducing the heat.”

“I can’t,” June said through rapid breathes, her heart palpitating.

“June, listen to me.” The Tailor grabbed Junes shoulders firmly, drawing her eyes to him. “Listen to my voice. Deep breathes.”

June took a deep breath through her mouth and let it out through her nose.

“Again.” The Tailor told her.

June closed her eyes and focused on her breathes.

“Is your arm in pain?” He asked.

June went to open her eyes but The Tailor told her, “Keep your eyes shut and focus on your breathing.”

June did as told.

“Any pain?” The Tailor asked again.

“No. It’s warm and getting warmer.”

“Keep breathing June.” The Tailor told her as his hands left her shoulders and he moved away. June heard the sound of a door opening and moments later an ice pack was wrapped around her wrist.

“You can use a little of you power, right?” he asked.

“A little, yes.”

“You need to focus all your energy on your wrist, wrap it in water. Use the ice to keep it cool. The colder you can make the barrier around your wrist, the better your chances.”

“Of not losing it?” June asked, her voice unsteady.

“Something like that.” The Tailor did not elaborate.

No other sound could be heard over June’s breathing.

“I’m going to take you hands. I want you to keep you eyes shut and listen to my instructions.”

June gave a nod.

“Slow your breathing.”

June breathed in deep and slowly let it out. She did this several times as The Tailor’s cool hand held hers.

“What do you feel?”

“Warmth. Fire.”

“Pain?”

“No. Discomfort, and…” June paused. She couldn’t explain it, it was as though her body didn’t exist.

“And what June?”

A sudden wave of exhaustion flooded her, followed by an immense amount of heat. But it was the anger and anguish deep in her heart that had June cry out before everything went black.

There were voices in the distance June could not recognise but it was the sound of waves that drew her attention. In her mind, the waves of cool sea water washed over her body, lying on the foreshore. The deserted beach with golden sands beneath her, the blue ocean washed over her as it ebb and flowed. The warm sun blessed her arms yet there became a sense of coolness engulfing her body. No sound disturbed her thoughts and the motion of the water washed away her fears. Surrounded by peace and tranquility, June has never know such contentment.

The sound of angry voices began to draw June from her place of peace. A male voice, bitter yet concerned brought back the memories. The Tailor had been there with her. He would have the answers but her thoughts were jumbled, her body heavy and weak. She made an attempt to move yet her eyes too heavy to open.

A head under her head, raised her slightly and the rim of a glass touched her lips. She hadn’t realised how dry her mouth until the cool liquid pasted her lips. Unable to see who helped her, when the glass was removed she was told, “Go back to sleep, June. All will be well soon.”

When she next woke she was back in her bed. The dream she woke from brought back the memories of what occurred. June never heard her but sensed Inferno’s presence. She looked around the room and found her sitting on the chair in the corner of the bedroom.

“Are you alright?” June asked.

Inferno’s laugh in reply was dry and hollow.

“Shouldn’t I be the one asking you that?”

“Maybe. Am I going to be all right?” June asked.

Inferno stood and came to the end of the bed. June watched her, noting Inferno’s features in the darkened room looked strained. Something had happened, June knew that much.

“You should rest for now.” She paused wanting to say more but instead looked away and said, “I’m sorry.”

“What happened?” June asked.

Inferno did not reply. Instead, she turned and left the room.

June wasn’t angry at Inferno. Something was going on, something June was not privy too. In irked her to be in the dark and vowed to change that when she was better. Upon realising she was still weak, June raised her arm. Covered in a bandage from wrist to elbow, June’s concerns grew. She now recalled the events that took place and grabbing at the bandage, began to tear it from her arm.

Immediately she saw the cause for the coverings. Her arm was not in any way burned or damaged, rather the intricate smokey pattern from the original bond towards her elbow now wrapped around her entire arm. Like a fine misty tattoo there was no doubt the markings were permanent and June cried.