3,156 Words

A fire warlock haunted by the witch he burned. A ritual that demands more than control. And an initiate whose name ignites him before he ever sees her face. Before the Burn is the prequel to Ashes of the Useless: Coven Heat Series – Book 1, told from Torren’s POV on the eve of the binding ritual that will change everything. This short story delivers the full Naughtie Scribe experience: dark intimacy, ritual heat, elemental hunger, and a warlock who fears the one thing he craves— a witch strong enough to survive him. ⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS • High-heat scenes • Trauma remembrance • Dub-con energy through magical compulsion • Ritual pain as arousal • Body heat, scarring, vivid sensory detail • Death of former lover (referenced, not on-page)