Elemental's Heart

by Ciara Lake

  “I’ve had a humble start and hard lessons of life.”

  “Very true, and I’m so sorry.”

  “No need, I guess it molded me well.”

  “It did. We’re going to have to make the circle larger and move it out to the other meadow to have enough room for all the guests.”

  “That’s fine, if you don’t mind.” Terra picked up the tea service tray. “Was Clarise, the woman who served us, actually your parrot?”

  “Yes.” Genevieve chuckled. “She’s good in a pinch.”

  “It was surprising. She’s a great, old bird, and a good servant when one is needed.”

  “Yes, she is. I don’t mind having the Joining Circle at all. I’m thrilled to be hosting.” She smiled. “My grandfather was pleased with the marriage between you two. A royal marriage was the key to helping the reunion go much better, I think. Thank you.” She looked down. “I’m sorry I withheld things from you. If I could redo many of my decisions, I would.” She followed Terra into the kitchen.

  Terra set the tea service down on the countertop. She walked over to Genevieve and hugged her. “I understand, mostly. But no matter, I’m not upset. I’m happy to have found you and to learn who I truly am. I only hope there are no more surprises.” She kissed Genevieve on the cheek.

  “None that I know of.”

  “Good, let’s move forward with honesty. Shall we?” Terra picked up a cookie on the kitchen table and started to munch on it.

  “Absolutely. You’re nothing like Aife, and I’m grateful for that.”

  “I’m going to run up to my room and grab my purse and phone. I’ll be back. Are we still going to one of your homes?” She glanced at Aetius.

  “Yes, we’ll be back to help with the preparations in the morning, unless I get a lead on the Empusa or something else comes up.”

  “That would be good.” Terra sighed. “We can’t let other things make us forget to pursue Emaline.”

  “You’d never forget.” Aetius grinned.

  “True.” Terra leaned against a kitchen chair. “I guess I missed Donna’s funeral.” She frowned.

  “She doesn’t know,” Genevieve said. “Funerals are really only for the living.”

  “I know, and I never go to funerals anyway. But it’s still upsetting to know she’s gone for good.”

  “I understand.” Genevieve began clearing the tea service.

  “Let’s think better thoughts for now,” Aetius interrupted. “I want to show you one of my homes. If you want, we can spend the night in a different house for several months or more. I have a lot of houses.”

  “Hmm, I think I’d rather take my time in each house, to get a feel for the home.” A loud clash of thunder sounded. Terra jumped at the sudden noise. “Sorry, I’m jumpy.”

  He walked over to her and hugged her. “Don’t let the storm frighten you.”

  “It doesn’t, not really, I’m just on edge a bit.”

  “Don’t be, I’m here for you.” He kissed the side of her face. “And we’re going to catch the Empusa.”

  She kissed him back. “I hope so, and it would be good if we catch her soon. I don’t want any more murders.”

  “Hecate is good with her protection spells, but the elements talk to me, and it’s hard to hide from all the elements for very long.”

  “Yes, that’s true.” Terra nodded. “Okay, I’ll be back.” She started to go up the stairs. “Don’t leave without me.”

  “Not a chance, especially now that I’ve told your great-great-grandfather I’m to control you.”

  She paused on the steps. “We’ll see about that. We’ll see who controls who.” She laughed as she finished climbing the steps.

  * * * *

  “If that’s a challenge, you’re in trouble,” Aetius called out to Terra, He watched her finish going up the stairs, and then he walked further into the kitchen. He leaned against the counter, crossed his arms, and watched Genevieve work in the kitchen. “What are you going to do about Aife?”

  “What do you mean?” Genevieve didn’t look in his direction.

  “Aife’s nicely planted in your yard, next to the marigolds.”

  Genevieve dropped a tea cup in the sink, and it shattered into many pieces. “Damn.” She held her hand above the cup. It magically rebuilt itself in the palm of her hand.

  “Surely you knew I’d find out? The elements help me find what I’m looking for.”

  “I didn’t think that far ahead. She’s alive and well, just below ground to keep her out of my hair and out of trouble. I really don’t care if you know. Now, you can take her off my hands.” Genevieve filled the sink with water and suds.

  “What made you put her in your garden?”

  “She came here the other day, to put me in the birds’ gazing globe and assume my identity. In fact, she nearly managed to do it. I had to escape the gazing bowl.”

  “How? I bound her powers. She shouldn’t have been able to do anything to you, at least not magical.”

  “I guess Amuliana, Hecate, and her father, Heyerdel, gave her greater powers than she had. You know, I bound her powers considerably when she was a child.”

  “I didn’t know that. You mean all this time she has only had part of her powers?”

  “Yes, if I hadn’t bound them, she’d be a lot stronger. I had to bind her powers, she was an incorrigible child.”

  “I’m not surprised considering her ancestry.”

  “I knew she’d grow up to be dangerous. She definitely has my mother’s bad genes.”

  “That’s a shame. I think it’s a combination of your mother and Amuliana.”

  “That’s true.” Genevieve nodded. “I was stronger than she realized, and I got free from her trap for me. I imprisoned her in the ground. I didn’t want her to talk to Terra either. You understand?”

  “I do.” He nodded. “I’ll move her to my prison, so don’t worry about her ruining our celebrations.”

  “That’s good. Thanks. Aife said she was doing Hecate and Amuliana’s bidding. They were planning on getting even with you and Terra.”

  “Always the tricky, conniving bitches.”

  “Who?” Terra walked into the room.

  “Hecate and Amuliana.”

  “Absolutely correct. I’m ready to go when you are.” Terra sat her purse down on the table. “Are you going to be okay?” She moved close to Genevieve and touched her arm. “I really hope none of this has caused you too much stress.”

  “I’m going to be fine. You don’t have to worry about me, I’m resilient. I think everything happens for a reason. It was time I reunified with my grandfather and my family. I’m hoping my father will be at the celebration too. Let’s focus on the good things for now.” She kissed Terra on the cheek. “Go have a good evening with Aetius. I’ll see you tomorrow. You need to pick a dress, and we need to plan the details of the ceremony.”

  “That sounds exciting. I’m looking forward to all of it.” She gave Aetius her hand, and they vanished.

  * * * *

  The sound of the waves hitting the rocky shore was soothing and beautiful. Terra made her way to the door leading out onto the balcony. She stood by the banister and gazed out over the cliff. It was a considerable drop to the sea. The water was rough and unforgiving as it beat against the jagged rocks.

  “I’ve always wanted to see the ocean.” Terra glanced at him. Her face was alight with fascination. “And now I have.”

  She held her face into the wind. Aetius stood back and watched her admire the scenery. He appreciated how Terra was so young and innocent in the experiences the world had to offer.

  “It’s refreshing to watch you enjoy these new experiences for you,” he said.

  The moon was full in the sky. It glowed brightly over the ocean. “It’s wonderful. Where is this lovely place?”

  “Scotland, the place of my birth.” He gestured out across the ocean. “I was born in this magical land a very long time ago.”

  “Of course this is Scotl
and. It looks like the pictures I’ve seen.” She sighed. “It’s glorious.” She tilted her head back and gazed up at the sky. “The stars are beautiful here too.”

  “They’re always beautiful, like you.”

  “Aetius, you’re such the romantic. I love that. Do your parents live nearby?”

  “Not anymore. They live on another realm where many of the Seelie Fey live. I’ll take you there.”

  “I’d like that.”

  “For now, welcome to my modest cottage on the sea.” He stepped back into the house. He paused in front of the wide fireplace, and it roared to life. “It’ll be warmer in here soon.”

  Aetius glanced out the door at Terra. The salt air blew her hair. His heart swelled with romantic emotions as he watched her. She was eager to learn what the world was about. Her inner and outer beauty and engaging personality endeared her to him and prompted feelings he’d never experienced. Every moment he spent with her was delightful.

  “I don’t want to come in yet.” She spoke loudly to be heard over the ocean and the wind. “I’d sleep out here if I could. I love the feel and the sound of it all.” She was leaning against the stone banister.

  “The bedroom has a balcony too. The sun will be rising here in a couple of hours. We can lay in the bed and watch the sunrise.”

  “With the door open?”

  “Sure.” He smiled. “Anything you want.”

  “There’s a six-hour time difference between here and Tennessee, right?”

  “Yes, that’s right.” He walked to the small dining area and opened the liquor cabinet. He pulled out a bottle of Lagavulin whiskey and poured himself a glass.

  “I’d love to see the sun rise here.” She glanced over her shoulder.

  Aetius downed his whiskey and sat the empty glass on the counter. He strolled back out onto the balcony. He stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. “I’m glad it makes you happy to see the ocean.” He kissed the top of her head then gently stroked her breasts through her shirt.

  “Is this the Atlantic Ocean or the North Sea?”

  “It’s the North Sea. I love its cool and dangerous beauty.”

  “It’s like you—cool, dangerous, and beautiful.” She turned in his arms to look up at him.

  “Is there a compliment in there somewhere?” He kissed her.

  “Yes, certainly.” She smiled.

  “I’d prefer handsome to beautiful.” He chuckled.

  “Who lives in the mansion over there?” She pointed across the water at a large, stone house perched on the edge of the cliff.

  “My neighbors, the Campbells. They’re nice people. They know I’m a Fey. Their family has known me for generations. The first Campbell I knew was a Druid. Very wise and long lived. Druids are nearly immortal.”

  “It would be interesting to know a Druid. They sound fascinating.”

  “They are.” He nodded. “They keep the old ways and the old religions. He was my best friend for over a hundred years. He was killed by a highway man for a few pieces of gold.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “It’s not your fault, and it was over six hundred years ago. I was able to avenge his death.”

  He took her hand and guided her into the house. He led her into the adjoining room. It was the master suite with a balcony facing the east. Aetius picked up a plaid, wool blanket on the end of the bed. He carried it with him onto the balcony where there were two chairs and a table. He sat down in one of the chairs and pulled her onto his lap.

  He wrapped the blanket around her arms. “Are you comfortable?”

  “I couldn’t be better.” She hugged him around the neck and kissed him.

  “This is one of my favorite spots to sit and wait for morning. Let’s watch the sun rise together.” The salty wind rushed by them. “I love the way the wind blows off the ocean here.”

  “My beloved Master Elemental, I can see why you’d love this spot. It’s an excellent place to commune with the wind and water.”

  “Yes, it is.” He caressed the side of her thigh.

  Terra’s eyes looked like they were growing heavy. “I can taste the salt on my lips.” She smiled as she dozed off in his lap.

  Aetius held her for over an hour until it was nearly sunrise. She had fully relaxed against him, comfortable in his arms.

  “Terra, the sun’s rising,” he whispered in her ear. “Wake up.” He rubbed her back. “Wake up, my love, and see the gorgeous colors the sun is making in the sky.”

  Terra opened her eyes and yawned. She maneuvered on his lap to have a better view of the horizon. They sat in silence as the powerful ball of orange and yellow fire gradually lit the indigo sky. It looked as if the sun literally rose out of the sea itself. Variations of oranges and yellows mixed with blues, grays, and purples colored the sky.

  “So many colors. It’s truly a work of art,” she said. “Look at how the sky is turning purple on the horizon. Do you see it?”

  “Yes, it might be stormy today.”

  “I like the color. I think my joining gown should be purple. What do you think?”

  “I think you’ll be gorgeous in any color you select.” He hugged her snuggly. When the sun was fully in the sky, the ocean sparkled like diamonds were atop the waves.

  The wind whispered to Aetius as it caressed his face. It prompted him to move Terra off his lap and step over to the banister. He looked out over the cliff. For several minutes he stood silently as the wind blew by him. It hissed and whipped by them both as the waves below hit the rocks with more gusto.

  Terra moved to stand closer to him. She continued to look out over the sea and watch the dawn arrive in its full glory. She turned to face him, and he adjusted the wool blanket she still wore around her shoulders. Then he took it off and tossed it onto the chair.

  “We need to go to Acadia Parish in Louisiana. You won’t need the blanket there,” he said.

  “What for? Why?” Her expression exhibited her puzzlement.

  “It seems the Empusa has been hiding in a back bayou. But the stupid bitch got hungry. I guess, for her, once she started to eat souls again, it was too hard to stop. I told you she wasn’t going to be able to hide herself for long.”

  “The wind told you all of this?”

  “Yes.”

  “How do you know it’s the right Empusa? She does have sisters, and they probably eat people too.”

  “An Empusa hasn’t eaten a mortal for a while, from what has been reported. If they kill, it’s low profile. Emaline’s behavior was unexpected and foolishly bold for her. It’s hard to kill mortals now days without everyone knowing. Especially, a college employee and some affluent students. It’s like wearing a sign that says catch me, I’m stupid.”

  “But it’s possible.”

  “Sure, she’s stupid and thinks she can kill and stay hidden from me. But the wind blows in the bayou too.” He shrugged. “Let’s go and find out if it’s Emaline or not. Close your eyes.” He took her hand.

  * * * *

  Humid heat replaced the cool, salty, damp air. Terra opened her eyes, and she and Aetius were standing outside the Cat’s Meow bar. It was right beside a swamp with a small boat dock.

  A petite, red-haired woman was dragging a body toward the dark water—a headless body. Terra shivered. Glancing around, she saw the severed head, which was laying on the ground by the dumpster.

  “Don’t worry,” Aetius said close to Terra’s ear. “I have us cloaked. She can’t hear or see us, but I can sense she’s an immortal of some kind. When she’s paying more attention, she will sense us.”

  “She’s obviously too busy now.”

  “Yep.”

  “Look, there’s a sword by the door, and it’s covered in blood.” Terra gestured to the weapon. Aetius stepped toward the discarded head. Terra followed him. “Oh gods, it’s Emaline.” She put her hand over her mouth. “I’d recognize her ugly mug anywhere.”

  “It seems bad deeds have a way of catching up with a monster.” H
e grinned. “At least sometimes.”

  “Her death certainly simplifies things.” Terra surveyed the area. “There’s a man lying on the ground by that car.” She pointed to a car parked near the back door.

  Due to the awkwardness of the headless body, the woman struggled to toss Emaline into the swamp.

  Aetius examined the sword closely. “This sword belongs to a lykan, it has Lykoan’s symbol on it. She’s probably an old one to have such an ancient and valuable sword.”

  The woman turned to run back to where she’d left the head. Aetius stepped out of her way as she nearly bumped into him. She picked the head up and stopped. “Who’s there?” she asked into the darkness. She showed her sharp, canine teeth.

  Aetius appeared in front of her. “Be at ease, I’m Enforcer Aetius from Zeus’s Council.”

  “I’ve heard of you.” She dropped the head. “I’m innocent of any wrong doing here. I can explain.”

  “Okay,” Aetius said calmly. “Explain.”

  “This demon,” she said, motioning to the head, “was in my bar, I even gave her a job. I felt sorry for her, she seemed so down-and-out. She was sad and dejected.”

  “Yes, she can play that part well, I’m sure.”

  “Tonight, I was taking out the garbage and found her draining the life out of one of my loyal customers. She was draining him, but she wasn’t a vampire.”

  “She’s an Empusa.” Aetius crossed his arms. “She sucks the life force and the soul from mortals.”

  “Yes, I saw her. But I’d forgotten about Empusas. In fact, I haven’t seen or heard of one of those sick creatures for centuries.”

  “Thank goodness there aren’t that many. But they’re still around. And this one thought she could do what she wanted without consequences.”

  “Since she was an immortal I knew I had to lop her head off. That usually does it.”

  “It does, in most cases.” He nodded. “And now you’re feeding her to the alligators.” Aetius started toward the edge of the swamp.

  “Yes, the bayou has an excellent deposal system. I doubt she’ll come back from being a gator’s meal.” She tossed Emaline’s head into the water to join her lifeless body. “Ashes to ashes and so on, as they say.” She brushed her hands together as if knocking dirt off.