Elemental's Heart

by Ciara Lake

  “You feel so good.” He moaned as he kissed her face, down to her neck. “Think of me while I’m gone.”

  “I will.” She sighed.

  “I won’t be gone very long.”

  “You better not be.” She caressed his shoulders.

  “Stay here, and stay safe. The Empusa could try to hurt you directly to get back at me. She really wants to punish me.”

  “I’ll be fine.”

  “If you need me, for any reason, call my name into the wind. Tell the wind or any of the elements you want me. They’ll cooperate with you.”

  “I feel like I’m Ms. Elemental.” She laughed.

  “It seems you are.” He nodded.

  She kissed him deeply again. “Think of the heat we make together.”

  “I will for sure.” He stepped away from her. “If I don’t let you go now, I’ll never leave. And I must.”

  She hooked her arm in his and walked with him over to the window. “I’m going to love this place. It’s a gorgeous piece of land. If we’re able to stop the Empusa, the Beltane Festival will be wonderful here. I really think the celebration will not be as good if the Empusa still lives.”

  “I agree. Go ahead and work with Genevieve. You’ll love working with her and getting to know her. A Beltane Festival will be excellent here.”

  “All right. Regardless of what happens, I guess summer is destined to arrive.” She shrugged. “We need to rejoice in the miracles of the earth. Working and planning the festival will at least take my mind off worrying.”

  “Absolutely,” Aetius agreed. “I’m going to talk to Genevieve now.”

  He hugged Terra, and the next thing she knew, he was standing outside with Genevieve.

  * * * *

  “Aetius, let’s take a walk in the woods.” Genevieve started toward the path leading into the woods. Aetius accompanied her. The wind picked up as they strolled down the forest path. “So, did Terra pass your test? Is she good enough for you?”

  “Yes, she’s fabulous. I’m in love with her.”

  Genevieve stopped to look at him. “I know she’s a beauty, but love so quickly?”

  “Yes. I’m old, and with my age, I know my heart and my mind. I’ve waited a long time to fall in love.”

  “I can understand the wisdom of age.” She nodded.

  “It would seem Terra’s my other half. Even the elements recognize Terra as mine. They allow her to command them. I hope I have your blessing too?” He watched her to gauge her reaction.

  “You do.” Genevieve hugged him. “What about Aife? Are you going to release her?”

  “I promised you I would. I’ll need to punish her in another way.”

  “I understand.” She crossed her arms in front of her and started to walk again.

  “I’m going to bind her powers. I hope it’s not a mistake to set her free. She could find a way to get her powers back.”

  “I do too.” Genevieve looked down at her feet. “But she’s my daughter. What should I do?” She glanced up at him. Her eyes were glazed with tears.

  The wind picked up around them. “Keep Terra safe, and don’t ever let her know about the deal we made before she was born. It would hurt her, and I don’t want her to be hurt anymore. She had a hard childhood.”

  Genevieve started to walk again. “She still turned out to be a very good woman.” She smiled. Aetius could see the pride in her expression. “And I agree with you, I don’t want Terra to be hurt anymore. You have the ability to bind Aife’s powers?”

  “Yes, as an Enforcer of the gods I’m strong enough to bind powers of certain immortals.”

  “Gods, you’re much more powerful than I realized. I’m glad you’re not after me anymore.”

  “You’re off the hook.” He grinned. “Genevieve, there’s one more thing Terra is going to tell you about.”

  “What?” She stopped to look at him. “What more can there be to worry about?”

  “Crexan isn’t Terra’s father.”

  She tilted her head to the side. “How do you know that?”

  “Goddess Gaia is your granddaughter’s other parent, not Crexan.”

  “How’s that possible?”

  “Crexan and Aife’s baby died the last time Aife siphoned power from the earth. It was too much for the fetus. Goddess Gaia replaced his child with the genetic makeup of her own child. So, the goddess is Terra’s other parent.”

  “Blessed be! Terra’s a demi-goddess and her parent is a wonderful goddess?”

  “Yes.” He nodded.

  Genevieve clapped her hands together. “I’m happy Crexan’s evil genes aren’t part of my beautiful granddaughter. No wonder she’s extraordinary.”

  “So true.”

  “Go with the gods’ speed and quickly return.” She stepped closer to him and kissed him on the cheek. “I know we haven’t always been on the same page, but I like you, Aetius, and I’m happy you and Terra have found each other. I offer you blessings from God Cernunnos and Goddess Diana.”

  “Thank you, Genevieve. I appreciate your blessings. I’ll be back.” He vanished.

  Chapter 8

  Genevieve and Terra strung lights around the perimeter of the backyard. They had worked hard on planting more flowers in pots and in long planters to line the deck and patio area. The backyard was coming together wonderfully. Terra had a decorator’s finesse.

  They had been in touch with the local coven, which at least had some members who were truly immortal witches. They were taking care of the music and some of the foods. A high priestess was scheduled to be at the festival too. She was coming from Mystic, Maine and she came highly recommended by several of the other witches as a powerful and good enchantress.

  “I really love these white lights at night. It makes the place look so magical,” Terra said. “I hope we’re not putting them up too soon. Beltane is over three weeks away.”

  Genevieve laughed. “Electric lights are your magic? No, it’s not too soon. We need to put them up now, so it’ll be done.”

  “True. These lights are nice. They give the yard a romantic glow. It’s a great place to have a ceremony.”

  “It sure is.” Genevieve smiled to herself. I know a Master Elemental who would have a ceremony with you.

  “I’ve enjoyed our evening talks, and the lights will make it more enjoyable out here.”

  “Yes, it will. I’m going to run into town and pick up some fish and salad.”

  “That sounds delicious.” Terra touched her stomach. “It’ll be dinner time soon.”

  “How has the university been about you missing work?”

  “They’re fine.” Terra shrugged. “They know how close I was to Donna. But I’ve been off a few days now. I don’t have much time left for bereavement leave. Fortunately, next week is spring break, and it’s two weeks long.”

  “Maybe you can hold off until after break?”

  “I’m hoping so. I thought Aetius would be back by now. I sure miss him.”

  “I know you do.” Genevieve winked. “You two are sweet lovebirds.” She chuckled as she tied off the last line of lights. She stood back to appreciate her handiwork. “The lights do look great.”

  “It’s happened too fast.” Terra shook her head. “It’s seems unreal to me. But I know how I feel. I’m afraid to say it aloud.” She turned around to look at the entire area. “The lights do look marvelous. I do miss him. It’s like I’ve never not known him.”

  “He’ll be back soon. It takes time to get an audience with the council. The gods move under their own time line.” Genevieve picked up the tools they’d been using and put them back in the toolbox.

  “Then you have to wait for the appointed time to present the case?”

  “Yes. Red tape exists in all places, even among the gods. Maybe it started with them.” Genevieve grinned.

  “Government is government, no matter what type, I guess.” Terra shrugged. “But I pray Emaline doesn’t kill anyone else while we wait for permission to stop her. Pl
us, we must catch her. I’ve been on pins and needles with worry.”

  “Let’s get these lights up, and then we should go back to the house and work on the festival’s menu selections. The best part of the celebration is the food, and I plan on having tons of it.” Genevieve licked her lips. “Try not to worry. I’m so glad I’m having the Beltane Festival. This is a great opportunity to work together. To create a bond between us.”

  “Yeah, I like preparing for the festival. I’ll try not to worry.” She picked up the zip ties they used on the lights. “And I am happy we’re bonding too. I’ll see you at the house. I’m going to go check my messages from work. I’ve been putting it off all day.” She sighed.

  “Okay, my lovely child.” Genevieve waved. “I’m going to water our flower pots and gardens.”

  She watched Terra walk back to the house. Her long, brown hair blew back from her face. The wind caressed her as she walked away. No doubt the wind was watching her for the Master Elemental.

  * * * *

  Genevieve was on her knees pulling weeds. It gave her great pleasure to work with the plants and the earth. That was one of the many things Terra had in common with her. It came to them both naturally. I wish my daughter could have been like you. Tears fell from Genevieve’s eyes into the soil. The nearby plants surged with new growth.

  “Mother, I see you’re working hard as usual. Getting ready to have a celebration?”

  Genevieve looked up from her weeding. Aife folded her arms as she regarded her mother.

  “Aife, it’s good to see you.” Genevieve sat back on her heels.

  “I doubt it, Mother.” Aife walked around the garden plot. She walked over many of the plants, smashing them into the dirt. “Is that young woman my daughter?” She gestured toward the house.

  “Yes.” Genevieve nodded. “That’s Terra.”

  “Hmm, she’s pretty enough.” Aife rolled her eyes. “Looks like you’re going all out for this Beltane festival. You’re celebrating finding your long-lost granddaughter. How sweet.” She tapped her fingers on her arm.

  “I’m having a Beltane celebration like is typical for a witch to do at this time of year.”

  “Right.” Aife put her finger on her chin. “You’ve never had one I remember before. Was I invited?”

  “No.”

  “Oh, I see. I guess you’re embarrassed I’m your daughter?”

  “Not embarrassed, I’m disappointed. But we’ve had this conversation before. Haven’t we? What do you want?”

  “I’m only visiting. This used to be my home.” Aife shrugged. “Am I allowed to visit?”

  “I guess. Don’t cause any trouble.” Genevieve frowned.

  “As always, you’re so welcoming.” Sarcasm dripped from her words. “You had the Enforcer bind my powers. That wasn’t very nice of you.”

  “Would you rather be in the Enforcer’s prison? And I’m not responsible for you losing your powers. Your own actions caused that.”

  “All of this is bullcrap and so are you. I don’t want to be in prison or lose my powers. I want to be left alone to do what I please.” She put her heel down on a marigold. “Why can’t I be left alone?”

  “Your choices have caused what has happened to you. You won’t be left alone as long as you’re destructive and dangerous. There are consequences to your actions.”

  “Blah, blah, blah, blah.” Aife made a face. “Do you know how it feels to lose your powers?” She stomped the ground. The earth shook, and all the birds quieted. Even the deer who were hidden behind the tree line ran.

  Genevieve stood up. “It doesn’t seem like your powers are gone to me.”

  “No, because I have powerful friends.”

  “Really? I’m surprised you have any friends besides Crexan.”

  “Shut up, Mother. I have friends, like my long-lost father. By the way, he introduced himself to me. He gave me back my powers and more.” She held her chin up. “I bet that surprises you. You withheld who my father was from me for all of these years.”

  “Your father?” Genevieve took a step closer to Aife. “What do you know of your father?”

  “Oh, I know who my father is.”

  “You do? Do you really? Knowing who he is, isn’t knowing much about him.”

  “I know enough. He is Heyerdel Synvera, the Goddess Amuliana’s son. He’s a very naughty boy, and I guess you were very naughty with him once.” She laughed. “Who would have thought you had it in you to play around with someone like him?”

  “It seems you’ve had quite a conversation with him.”

  “Yes, I enjoyed it. He was very informative.”

  “I’m glad you feel satisfied.”

  “Yes, I am content. I’ve gotten to know his mother, my grandmother. It seems I have the blood of the gods.”

  “Really?” Genevieve moved to where Aife stood. “How did your talk go with Amuliana?”

  “Great. Grandmother Amuliana is wonderful.” Aife kicked at a few more flowers.

  “Stop destroying my garden. Amuliana’s wonderful as long as she can use you. She has dozens of grandchildren, even hundreds. You’re a drop in the bucket, nothing special to her.”

  “You don’t know what you’re talking about. She may have a lot of children and grandchildren, but I’m important to her.”

  “You fool yourself.”

  “Did you think you could keep who my father was from me forever?”

  “No, forever is a long time. I tried not to think about it.” Genevieve shrugged.

  “I see. Like you did as a parent. You tried not to think of parenting.”

  “Please, Aife, don’t lecture me on being a parent. It’s ludicrous. I tried to be a good parent to you. You were resistant to anything good or respectful.” Genevieve put the back of her hand over her mouth to muffle her laugh. “I just have to laugh at you trying to shame me about my parenting. You gave your child up for your freedom.”

  “I couldn’t have had her while imprisoned anyway. You stupid bitch. I bet you failed to tell your friend the Enforcer that I’m Amuliana’s grandchild. I understand she’s someone he doesn’t like much. He’s ruthless when he’s mad.”

  “Aife, you’re not that smart sometimes.”

  “Well, shit, I said that about you.”

  Genevieve shook her head. “You should be grateful I didn’t tell Aetius. He would’ve been harder on you, not me.”

  “You do everything for yourself. And think of only yourself. You’ve never considered me.” She glared at her mother.

  “That’s not true.” Genevieve shook her head. “I’ve done a lot of things I shouldn’t have for you, like let others raise your child when I wanted to keep her. But you made that impossible with your behavior.”

  Aife rolled her eyes. “Really? Ha! I hear she’s fine now. Better than fine.” She glared in the direction of the house.

  “She is.” Genevieve looked toward the house too.

  “I’m told my grandfather is a warlock. It seems he would make Crexan look like a boy scout. I have some powerful relatives.” Aife cackled.

  “I don’t know anything about Heyerdel’s father or his family. I don’t know that much about Amuliana either. I just fucked him and conceived you, I didn’t take down his biography. It really didn’t concern me.” Genevieve glanced toward the house.

  “It figures.” Aife shrugged. “Oh, stop worrying about her.”

  “Who?”

  “Terra. She’s busy on her phone. It seems more of her friends have been killed by the Empusa.” Aife smirked. “At least that’s what Hecate tells me. If they told her, she’s probably crying right now. She’s so soft for everyone.”

  “Aife, do you look for evil and nasty, or does it find you?” Genevieve took her gloves off.

  Aife laughed hysterically. “I am evil. I resent the title nasty though. You’re the nasty one.”

  “You’re wasting my time. Now go away before Terra sees you. No need upsetting her with the reality of how stupid and awful her
biological mother is.”

  “Mother, you make me sick.”

  “I feel the same about you, and I feel sick whenever I think about all the times I came to your rescue and you repeated the same stupid, evil actions.”

  “Mother, I have a plan for you.” Aife lifted her hand, and Genevieve fell to the ground. “I don’t need or want you around anymore. I’m tired of your existence. And I want to take all you have and make it mine. The problem with immortal parents is they never die, at least not usually. So, I’ve decided that I’m going to take your place. It’ll be fun. I’m going to hide in plain sight from the Enforcer.”

  A magical force pressed Genevieve face-down into the dirt. Her hands were pulled behind her back. “What are you doing?” Genevieve moaned as she struggled to get free. “Aife, you need to stop this.”

  “I don’t think so, Mother.”

  “Yes, you do. I’m going to get really mad, and you’ve never seen me mad at you.”

  “Right. I’m always making you mad, but I couldn’t care less. You’re a weak witch, and you’ve always been worthless. Your being mad means nothing.” Aife grinned. “I’m going to have to update your appearance. You look so dowdy.” She pushed her hair back behind her ear as she examined her mother from head to toe. “You could start with better clothes. Anyway, I’m following my goddesses’ orders, Goddess Amuliana and Goddess Hecate. They’ll reward me well for doing their bidding.”

  “I wouldn’t count on it.” Genevieve grunted. “You’re being a fool again. So easily corrupted by evil.” She shook her head.

  “They think you’ve gotten too cozy with the Enforcer. So, you’re on their shit list too. He’s not one of their favorite people, you know. You’re guilty by association.” She crossed her arms as she watched her mother.

  Genevieve turned her head to get a better look at Aife. “Like I said, they won’t reward you. They have loyalty to none. I know, I have relatives like Amuliana.”

  “Are you talking about yourself, Mother? You’ve never talked about our relatives before. As far as I know, you come from…I don’t know, the dirt.” She stomped on the ground.