Elemental's Heart

by Ciara Lake

  Elemental’s Heart

  by

  Ciara Lake

  Elemental’s Heart

  Copyright © 2018, Ciara Lake

  ISBN: 9781949300147

  Publisher: Beachwalk Press, Inc.

  Electronic Publication: October 2018

  Editor: Pamela Tyner

  Cover: Fantasia Frog Designs

  eBooks are not transferable. No part of this book may be used or reproduced without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations in articles and reviews.

  This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.

  Back Cover Copy

  The most powerful magic is love.

  Terra’s connection to plants is magical...literally. It replaces her lack of meaningful connections with people. Terra’s mother gave her up as a baby, and the betrayal has troubled Terra her entire life. Despite her difficult childhood, she becomes a college professor and a practicing Wiccan.

  At a local Wiccan meeting Terra meets Aetius, a Master Elemental and the Enforcer of the gods. Unknown to her, he’s come there specifically to meet her. They also encounter Emaline, an Empusa who is there to eat mortal souls. Aetius and Terra work together as they try to stop Emaline from devastating her college community.

  To Aetius’s surprise, he becomes smitten with Terra. As they spend time together, they begin to discover pieces of her heritage. As Terra learns about her unusual family, she falls in love with the Master Elemental.

  However, Aetius has a secret which might destroy her trust and love for him. He struggles with how and when to tell her. Will she think him a monster? Despite everything, will she still love him?

  Aetius learns that one may be powerful, but the strongest magic is love. But will that love be enough to help them overcome their past and the enemies they encounter on their journey—enemies who want nothing more than to destroy both of them?

  Content Warning: contains sexual content and some violence

  Dedication

  To my friend, Elise Whyles. This is a fantastic journey through our world of the Forsaken.

  Chapter 1

  Magic hung in the air, and the rich smell of earth surrounded her. Terra inhaled deeply as she walked through the greenhouse. The air was healthy and good, and it made her feel more alive.

  As she passed one of the mango trees, a branch brushed her arm. Terra stopped and touched its leaves. “Hello, precious tree. You’re looking well. You want my attention?” She smiled as the branch pushed at her and several leaves wrapped around her hand and fingers. She caressed the soft, green leaves. “My students will be coming soon. I’ll talk to you later when the students are gone.” She picked up a spray bottle and spritzed the tree with moisture. “How’s that?”

  The leaves on the tree made a fluttering motion, indicating its satisfaction.

  Terra sat the spray bottle down and headed to where the herbs were. As soon as they felt her presence they perked up and leaned their little bodies toward her. “Are you sweet plants waiting to be transplanted into a new home?”

  Rosemary, basil, chives, cilantro, and dill were lined up in front of the garden box, waiting to be planted. Bags of topsoil and compost were stacked on the floor near where she was going to plant the herbs.

  “Wonderful, you all are looking good.” She leaned down and picked two of the plants up. “I’m going to put you into nice, moist soil. You’ll be able to spread your roots and grow.”

  Terra sat the plants down to pick up a watering can and gave them a quick drink. She opened one of the bags of soil, picked it up, and poured it into the garden box, smoothing it out just right.

  When Terra was with the plants she was truly in her element. In fact, she would rather be with her plants than people. She’d learned at a young age that the one thing she could always count on were her plants. They never disappointed like people did, and she had a gift for caring for them. They surged to life from being near her. Terra could bring an ailing plant back from the brink of death with a mere touch.

  She had a magical connection to the plants. It was a talent she kept to herself as it was mysterious and truly supernatural. It scared the mortals to see her interaction with the plants. On several occasions, when she was a child, she had allowed mortals to witness her amazing power over nature. Every time, it had been a mistake. When she was young she didn’t understand some people were mortals and some people were magical. Therefore, she wasn’t aware she needed to hide her powers from the mortals. There had been no one to instruct her that mortals wouldn’t tolerate anyone different.

  When the mortals who fostered her and claimed they loved her learned of her differences, they rejected her out of fear. They’d called children services and a caseworker would come and take her away. One of her foster mothers had called Terra an evil abomination.

  Terra quickly learned not to allow mortals to see the special connection she shared with the plants. Despite the rejection she had from the humans, she was never lonely. She always had her plants, and they were everywhere. They spoke to her, and she understood. They didn’t use words, it was a deeper communication. She innately knew what they were telling her. As a result, Terra had very few friends and spent an inordinate amount of time in the greenhouse, the gardens, and the wooded areas around her home.

  As a young adult Terra focused on her studies and accomplished much. Now, she oversaw several large greenhouses and the gardens at Collinston College in southern Ohio. She was an associate professor of botany and microbiology and an author of two books. She had achieved a lot by age twenty-eight. She loved her job, especially when she didn’t have to deal with disinterested students who only took her class for the science credit.

  With enthusiasm, Terra dug her hands into the topsoil, appreciating the feel of the moist soil. Her hands tingled when she touched the dark, rich dirt. The sensation was another part of her unusual gift. It was a transferring of energy to the earth. It happened without any effort on her part. The earth took from her and gave her something back in return. Terra had discovered if she had a sore, injury, or a sickness, the transference of energy would cure her immediately. Even make her feel rested when tired and fulfilled when hungry.

  She made appropriate-sized openings in the soil for her rosemary plants. Then she picked up one of the plants and examined it closely. It was healthy and would prosper.

  “You’re going to love this moist, nutrient-rich soil,” she whispered to the plant as she buried the roots. “I have a retractable shade for you all too. I know you don’t like too much direct sunlight.” She patted the dirt after she covered the roots. The plant turned more vibrant green when she touched and breathed on it. “Grow well.”

  She prepared another hole and did the same thing to the next plant. Within a few minutes she had planted six rosemary plants in one garden box. Carefully, she watered them then stood back to look over what she’d accomplished. She could see the plants were adapting to their new environment.

  The greenhouse door opened, and a gust of wind blew Terra’s hair. “Come in quickly or you’ll mess up the perfect temperature in here.”

  The door slammed, making Terra jump.

  “Damn, someone is coming in to interrupt my peace with my plants. And I know who it is,” she spoke softly to the plants.

  A young woman with purple hair entered, and she headed right for Terra. This student was a particular irritant. She was one of those who took the class for the credit only and had no real interest.

  “Professor Broderick, is this where your afternoon class is going to be held?” The girl was out of breath when she reached
Terra.

  “Yes, Carla, it looks like it. You’re early.” Terra looked up through the greenhouse glass roof at the sky as if searching for an escape from the girl. “We have a half an hour before class starts.”

  “Great.” Carla sighed. “I was trying to beat the rain. I really hate this rain.”

  “Since you’re here early, put your books down and help me spread some topsoil, please.” Terra pointed to the bag a few feet from her. “I’m going to add some more to these four boxes.” She gestured toward the boxes on the bench in front of them.

  “Okay.” Carla frowned and hesitated. “It’s so humid in here, I can’t stand it. I really don’t want to work.” She held a piece of paper in front of her face and waved it.

  “Very well, I’ll do it without your help. We’re going to study some homeopathic remedies today. So I’m starting an herb garden.” Terra spread the soil in the next garden box.

  “Sounds so...exciting.” Carla glanced up and looked away with disinterest.

  Suddenly, what little sun was out disappeared behind the clouds, and a steady stream of raindrops hit the greenhouse’s roof. Terra paused and closed her eyes to listen to the melodic sound of the rain. The music the raindrops made blocked out the negative emotions Carla had brought with her.

  “Wow, I can’t believe this is another awful rainy day.” Carla again interfered with Terra’s pleasant moment. “I guess it’s never gonna stop.” Carla exhaled. “It’s always gloomy in Ohio.” She was loud, trying to speak over the rain hitting the glass roof.

  Terra shook her head. “It’s spring. The rain’s wonderful and good for the plants. It makes things green and beautiful. It makes the plants happy.”

  “Plants don’t feel emotion.” Carla made a silly face. “They’re dumb plants.”

  “They know and feel things. You have to know how to read them or understand what they’re telling you. It’s important for humans to pay attention to what the plants and trees have to say and how they feel.”

  “Why? Are they going to warn us about our coming doom?” Carla rolled her eyes.

  “Yes.” Terra’s eyes met Carla’s. “That’s right. We need to listen before it’s too late.”

  “I’m sorry, professor, that’s crap. You sound like a hippie.” Carla made a meaningless motion with her hand. “They’re stupid plants, end of story.”

  “Believe what you want. I can only tell you what I think to be true. Anyway, the other students are arriving. I’m going to start class soon.” Terra looked in the direction of the greenhouse door. A group of students were running for the door to get out of the rain.

  When the students were all seated in the center aisle of the greenhouse, Terra moved to stand in front of them. She smiled at several of her well-liked students. “Great, let’s get started. It’s Friday, and I want to get out of here and start my weekend,” Terra told her students.

  Carla sat down in front of a bench where a row of rose bushes were planted. The bushes were at her head level. Annoyed with the silly girl, Terra imagined her being snagged up by the rose’s branches and thorns. It would serve her right to get her hair entangled. Then it would be icing on the cake to drench her with the watering can. Terra resisted laughing at suggestions she made to the roses. I’m shameful. She tried not to look at Carla.

  “Hello, class. We’re going to learn about herb gardening today.”

  “Damn it,” Carla yelled, diverting the attention of the class. She struggled to free herself from the rose’s branches. They really had her good. As she fought to free her hair, another bush grabbed her long, purple strands.

  “Carla, be still and let me help you.” The student next to her tried to help.

  “You’re making it worse.” Carla swatted her hands away. She was too upset to cooperate. The more distraught she became, the further caught up in the branches she became. Then the water can was knocked over and spilled over her clothes and notebook. Carla was a spectacle of panic, yelping when the thorns bit into her flesh. “Help me, I’m being attacked by these awful roses.”

  “Carla.” Terra approached her. “They’re not attacking you. They’re dumb plants, remember?”

  “Get them off me,” Carla yelled. “I hate this class.”

  “Be still,” Terra spoke loudly to get the panicking girl’s attention. “Let me assist you.”

  Terra tried to untangle Carla’s hair from the bushes. Quickly, she freed her. Of course, Terra had the assistance of the rose bushes.

  Once Carla was freed she grabbed her bag and books. “I’m out of here. I won’t be coming back. I’m dropping this damn class. I’d rather be in the air conditioning anyway.” She rushed to the greenhouse’s door.

  “If you decide not to drop the class, I’ll see you Monday,” Terra called after her.

  “Whatever.” Carla slammed the door and was gone.

  After Carla had made her grand exit the class continued smoothly. Terra released the class early after the remaining students had helped her plant the rest of the herbs. Everyone was excited to start their weekend. The weather was getting stormier, but Terra elected to stay longer to get some more work done.

  The greenhouse door opened, letting in the damp evening air. “Terra, are you still here? I saw your light on.” Donna came in and walked toward her. “You spend way too much time in here.”

  “What time is it?” Terra asked as she washed her hands.

  “It’s almost six-thirty.” Donna crossed her arms and leaned against a pole.

  “Why are you still here this late on a Friday night? I’m not the only guilty one.” Terra smiled.

  “I know, but I was talking to Julie, and I needed to finish some typing.” Donna examined the newly planted herbs. “I’m an old married woman. My husband’s away on a business trip. I have nothing better to do. You’re young, you need to have a date. You don’t have enough fun. You need a boyfriend to take you places.”

  “Nah, I’m fine. I have things to keep me busy at home. I have to answer my Ask Terra questions on my website. Plus, where would I go? I never go anywhere.”

  “Terra, I know I sound like a mother, but I care about you. Don’t miss having some fun while you’re young. Socialize, you’re only twenty-eight. Go on a vacation this spring break. Spread your wings and see the world. Find love somewhere out there.”

  “You’re a romantic.” Terra shrugged. “I am having fun. I have a meeting with a group of plant lovers tomorrow. I’m giving a talk to them about gardening, then I get to have lunch.” Terra dried her hands on a towel and walked closer to Donna. “See, I have an exciting weekend planned.”

  “Okay.” Donna shook her head. “It sounds like work to me. I hope it goes well and you enjoy yourself. I’ll see you Monday.”

  “Sure thing. Have a peaceful weekend.”

  “Be careful walking to your car.” Donna turned to leave.

  “I walked to work.”

  Donna stopped and glanced back at Terra. “Let me drop you at your house.”

  “No, I’ll be fine.” Terra shook her head. “I walk all the time. I enjoy walking through the park in spring. And this is a safe town.”

  “It’s raining, and no place is really safe.”

  “I know.” Terra smiled. “You’re always so careful.”

  “Yes, I try to be. I don’t want to be a victim.”

  “Really, I’ll be fine, Donna. You don’t need to worry about me.”

  “Okay, if you’re sure.” Donna headed to the door and opened it. Another gust of wind blew in. It messed Terra’s hair. She pushed it back from her face. “Goodnight,” Donna yelled as the door closed.

  As soon as Donna left Terra gathered her things. “Okay, my little green friends, I’ll try to come check on you this weekend. If not, the gardening crew will be here for you. I left them detailed instructions for your care. Have a good night and grow strong.” She grabbed her keys and put on her hooded raincoat.

  There was a loud fluttering sound as the plants moved their
leaves in unison.

  “You too,” Terra said as she opened the door and left. Quickly, she locked up and headed home in the rain.

  It was nearly dark outside. The cloud cover was thick, and it was getting late. Terra lived about a mile from the college. She enjoyed walking through the park to get home to the old Victorian house she rented. As she entered the wooded area she saw a group of young men. They were gathered under a park shelter, talking, smoking, and laughing.

  “Hey, Terra!” The tallest man waved to her. “How ya doing?”

  Terra walked over to where the men waited. All of them nodded to her. She was familiar with several of them. “Hi, Jackson.” She stopped next to him. “I’m doing good.”

  “Glad to hear that. You mind if I stop by later and visit with you?” Jackson towered over her five-foot-five frame. He was a dark-haired, rough-looking man in his early thirties, handsome in a truly modern, urban way. Jackson had tattoos and piercings all over his body, making him seem frightening to some.

  “Not at all. I’d like that. Give me an hour to get settled, then stop by.”

  Terra had met him at a wiccan meeting when she’d moved into the neighborhood two years ago. He wasn’t a true believer, he was a mortal man who simply came to the meetings to socialize with the women who attended. The unmated or unmarried wiccan women often sought uncomplicated sex to reenergize their auroras and to honor Dionysus.

  There was no romance between them, only occasional sex. They were friends, nothing more. With her uniqueness, a boyfriend was too complicated. Plus, she was tired of being betrayed and hurt by people close to her. Mortals were fickle and easily frightened. Terra knew even Donna would run from her if she knew about her powers.

  “Okay, baby. I’ll be there in a bit.” He took another drag on his cigarette.

  When she got to her house, she picked up her mail, grabbed the paper off the porch, and opened her front door.