Fire Walker

The Stars Are Right

The fire blazed in the hearth. Sparks bounced off brick and sizzled on the rug. She didn’t notice the sweat streaming down her body. Her eyes were clamped tight, and all her will was focused on the words she chanted. The words she’d memorized from the book. If she were to ascend, it all had to be perfect, here at the witching hour with the designated planets and stars in their proper places. This alignment wouldn’t come to pass again for a millenia.

Finally, the ancient incantation complete, she stood and disrobed. Now was the culmination of all her study. She would be unburned and then receive her boon. She opened her eyes to the flame and stepped forward.

The pain was immediate. Fire ravaged her body, and she tripped and fell onto the grate, writhing. Flesh melted. Hair burned. Something went wrong. The incantation hadn’t worked.

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