His face suddenly changed and became somber. “I guess I should start from the beginning.” He sat back on the bed next to Eghan. “I lost what was left of my family the night the Romans attacked Anglesey. My wife included.”
I gasped placing my hand on my chest. “Oh, Ronan. That is terrible. I’m so sorry.”
“Thank you.”
Eghan's hand closed over Ronan's, and I could instantly see the relief the simple act brought him.
“You were married before?”
He nodded, and a small smile touched his lips. "For ten years. Maible was sweet as honey." The smile faded. "That night, I took her and my parents out of the hut as soon as the attack began. Cynwrig had crafted a plan of escape, in case we would need it. Everyone was to head to the beach on the far side of the island. It was hidden, so it was unlikely that the Romans would see us there. We would be able to board our boats and sail out of harm. There were so many soldiers in our village that night. If Cynwrig had not decided to break Druid practice and use his powers to defend us, none of us would be alive today." He took a settling breath, as though he needed the strength and closed his hand tight around Eghan's, intertwining their fingers. "I was a mere counselor, but I knew how to use a mace, and I knew the others needed help. I decided to send my wife ahead to the beach with my parents. Get them out of the madness, and went into the battle. A group of Romans intercepted them before they were able to get to safety, and my family was slaughtered while I was back at the village trying to help the others."
Ronan raised his gaze, and focused on me.
"I became a Warrior afterwards, and like many of us, I closed myself to life. The pain was too great to do anything else. Then, I made a new friend. Jarvis and his wife were not part of our Druid family, but Art and his clan had rescued them from a group of Romans while they left the mother village. After we settled here, Jarvis became a Warrior and a very good friend to me. When he and his wife were able to move past the hurt, and welcomed a beautiful baby boy into their family, the whole village rejoiced. New life is always a reason to celebrate." He looked straight into Eghan's eyes and smiled. "I watched Eghan grow up and become a man. I watched him receive his clan medallion, and take his Warrior vow. The day Eisha assigned me to him as his sparring partner, to help him learn, and watch over him I was honored. He was the son of my good friend, so I accepted the responsibility graciously. Then everything changed. The more time I spent with Eghan, the more this unnerving feeling inside me grew. It confused me to no end, and I found myself wanting more. Suddenly, there were not enough hours in the day. Not enough training sessions. There was a need inside me, to see him, to talk to him, to make sure he was safe. He was constantly on my mind."
"I knew the second I saw him in the training grounds, with his Warrior suit on, that my heart was his.” Eghan said, interrupting the story. "I had known him my entire life, yet, it was as though I was seeing him for the very first time. Ever since I was a child I understood I was different, and as Ronan and I began to spend more time together, the certainty in me grew. I knew I was meant to spend my life with him."
"Who is telling the story?" Ronan asked, and we chuckled. He gave Eghan a small kiss and looked at me again. "The moment I realized what the feelings inside me signified I was shocked. I could not comprehend. I had been married to a woman before. I had held Eghan in my arms when he was but a baby, and seen him take his first steps. I could not possibly have those feelings for him. It was outrageous. He was my good friend's son." He shook his head and regret filled his eyes. "Needless to say, I fought it with every ounce of will in me. I requested not to be his partner anymore. I ceased going to the trainings, until it became so unbearable that I did not leave my home for a week."
“Oh, Ronan. I can’t even imagine how difficult that must have been.”
He nodded. “Trying to stay away from Eghan, and denying what I felt for him was the most difficult trial I have ever had to endure.”
My heart squeezed. Ronan and Eghan were so beautiful together now, that I would never have imagined they went through so much.
"Every second I was without him ripped a part of my soul away," Eghan added. "I knew why he had left, but I also knew that he loved me."
"So what happened?" I was dying to know more. Also, I needed popcorn.
They looked at each other and Ronan smiled. “You can tell her.”
“I went to look for him at his home, and demanded that he opened the door, or I was knocking it down.”
I laughed. “Oh my god, I love it!”
Ronan chuckled, and his eyes sparkled so brightly. "When I opened the door Eghan kissed me."
I gasped. "Go Eghan!" I high fived him and he laughed. "And then?" I asked ready for the grand finale.
Ronan blushed. He actually blushed, he was so endearing. "I realized the pain of not being with him was stronger than anything I had felt before. I loved him, and I could not deny it anymore. He opened up the part of me that had been closed off for so long. His kiss turned into a caress, and that turned into making love, which transformed into an eternal life together." He stroked Eghan's cheek tenderly. "I loved Maible dearly, but Eghan is the other half of my soul."
I wiped the tears from my cheeks, as they shared a kiss filled with love so powerful, I could feel it where I sat. I wanted what they had.
I cleared my throat. “Ok, no making out in front of the kids, please.” They chuckled, pulling away. It was inspiring to see that even after all this time, they loved each other this way.
"Love is the only thing worth fighting for," Eghan said looking into my eyes. "If you love Art, do not settle for being with Cathair. You might enjoy, or even heal each other now, but it will not bring you the happiness you both deserve." Eghan held my hands in his, demanding my full attention. "True love comes only once. If you love Art, and he is the one who completes your soul, then fight for him. No matter whom he is with."
I laid on the bed still, looking at the moon through the far window as Eghan’s words resounded in my ears.
“Fight for him…”
There was one difference between their story and mine though. Eghan had known that Ronan loved him. Yet, Art didn't love me. It was the middle of the night, and he wasn't here. Seima was the one in his arms.
The portal suddenly opened, and I closed my eyes, pretending once again to be asleep. The sound of Art’s steps reached me, and I felt the bed dip as he sat beside me. His fingers caressed my skin, removing a strand of hair that had fallen over my face and fixed the bed sheet until I was fully covered once again. My heartbeat accelerated as it always did when he was so affectionate. Art’s lips briefly touched my cheek, and then he was gone.
A few minutes had passed when my gaze settled over him. Art was laying on the sofa in his pajama pants, his right arm laid across his face. He moved, and I realized he wasn't asleep. His hands rubbed his face, and he turned his back to me. He was restless. A second later, he laid on his back again and took a deep breath. He stared at the ceiling.
“I miss you,” I whispered, before I was able to stop myself.
His body tensed when he realized I was awake, but he didn’t look at me. He didn’t answer.
My eyes teared up with his silence, and I turned away from him, fighting the tear splitting my heart. I shut my eyes tightly, and took small breaths, praying I wouldn't fall apart in front of him. The next second, the mattress dipped behind me, and Art got under the sheets. My heart stopped when his hand cradled my cheek and lifted it, making me look into his eyes.
Art's eyes filled with pain. "I miss you too."
I rolled my body towards Art, giving in, and let him pull me to him until I was resting against him like he had done so many times before. He wrapped his arms around me so tightly. His hand guided my head to his chest, and the second my cheek rested on his skin he let out a sigh of relief. A tear escaped me, but Art gently wiped it off my cheek. His body instantly relaxed under mine.
"I can't sleep if you are not in my arm
s," the words were barely a whisper. I raised my gaze to him, but his eyes were closed. He seemed to have fallen asleep. For a moment, I wondered if I had imagined them.
I hid my face in the curve of his neck, and a smile slightly curved my lips as his baby scent reached me.
"I love you," I whispered in return, falling asleep in his arms.
CHAPTER 11. GOODBYES
LIA
* * *
Day 17 of total insanity…
Damn it, Lia! Focus.
I took a deep breath and concentrated, opening myself to my ability for the hundredth time. The colors appeared in front of me like a rainbow as I looked at the people all around us.
Bri was finally engaged to Cyn, which made us scream and jump like crazy women all morning, aka every time we saw the ring. Cathair had made it for her, following the careful instructions Cyn had given him. It was the most beautiful, and masterfully crafted piece of jewelry I had ever seen. It was so simple and unique, just like Bri. Cyn had nailed it with the flower design he created, and the rough diamond on top was to die for. Also, totally in fashion right now. In other words, her engagement ring freaking rocked.
Art had organized a full on party for them the second he found out, and the whole village had come together. Each family had taken out their tables and chairs and prepared something for the occasion. The smell of sweets and delicious food reign in the air, as did the overwhelming feeling of happiness.
A man walked past me and stood a few feet away. Once again I concentrated on his Aura. Orange and Yellow appeared in his inner Aura before my gaze. I chuckled as I realized what it meant. He was fun, spontaneous and a little impatient. I tried to see past the colors, but it didn't help when I wasn't even sure what I was supposed to see. If I were presumably a Fiosaiche Fàil, a Seer or Destiny or whatever it was called, wouldn’t I see more than just this?
When Seima had found out that I could see Auras she had acted as though it was a huge deal. I had always seen it as something cool, but never thought it could be as important as she made it seem. Apparently, to the Druids it was. She had explained that the person who possessed this gift was unique because their spiritual eye was open to the essence, or soul of everyone else. They could see it all, yet I only saw people's colors. Maybe I couldn't see anything because I wasn't one of them. A Druid, or Irish or anything remotely close. I sighed, giving up on my endeavor and planted my butt on the chair behind me. My fingers began to rub my temples in a circular motion, trying to relieve the pressure. I was giving myself a major headache, but this was important to me. I recognized it was a Hail Mary, but if I could see someone's fate, then I wouldn't have to leave. I could stay close to Bri… and Art. My eyes watered but I looked up, blowing into them to dry the treacherous tears, and crossed my arms defiantly. I wasn't going to cry, damn it. I just needed to find a way to make this work.
I thought about what else I had learned since then. I was supposed to see right through the Aura and know someone's destiny, determine what they would become, and read their fate. What the heck did that mean? But more importantly, how in the world did I do that? All I could see were colored layers. Beautiful, untraditional, a full rainbow spectrum everywhere I looked, but that was it. Grandma used to say our Auras could tell our future. I guess that is what she meant. I had never been the kind of person that gave up, but sometimes in life, there was no option. There was no future for me here. I was in love with a man I couldn't have. The quirky girl that had become my best friend, now had a destiny bigger than all of us to fulfill.
The truth was, I was only in the way.
I had to go. I looked all around me as the party blossomed. It was a shame I had to leave today. This was a beautiful place, and I had fallen absolutely, head over heels in love with it, as well as its people.
I was going to miss it all.
Taking a deep breath and filling myself with courage, I stood and began to walk towards Bri. I needed to see her one last time and find a way to distract her while I left. Once I had done that, I could find Cathair and say goodbye, then force him to take me home.
“You cannot leave!” Cathair said, exasperated. “You are a Fiosaiche Fàil. We need you here.”
“No, I'm not. I can't help you. I don't know how to do it, and no one can teach me. I don't have the powers your father had, and no matter how desperate I am to have them, the truth is all I have is a carnival trick. That's all. I have to go, Cathair. If you can't take me, then I'll find another Warrior who will.”
I pulled away from him, and stood from the bed where he had just made love to me, but I didn't get very far. His arms enveloped me, and he held me so tightly my eyes teared up. I didn't want to go.
“That is not necessary. If you desire to leave us, then there is nothing I can do. I shall take you.”
I shook my head as a tear fell. “That's not what I mean, Cathair.”
I turned to face him and my eyes roamed his face. I could see the defeat in him. I cupped his cheeks and pulled him down, kissing him. When the kiss ended, he rested his forehead against mine. His fingers caressed my neck, gliding down my skin towards my chest. He held the stone necklace he had given me. The crystal rested between my breasts.
“If you want it back, I understand,” I said, reaching for the chain. He held my hands, stopping me.
“No. I have given it to you. I know you are not able to see it now. Nevertheless, the fact remains you are a Fiosaiche Fàil. It will give you strength, and keep your essence nourished. It is yours.” I nodded. His lips found mine again, and this time the kiss was soft and languid. His lips moved against mine as if he was trying to memorize them.
“I had hoped to get a chance to be happy… with you,” he whispered.
“Me too,” I answered, breathless, and he claimed my lips again.
Cathair’s hands slid down my spine, and he pressed me to him. A million sensations exploded in me. I wrapped my arms around his neck as he lifted me from the floor and pushed my back against the wall. My legs wound around him, while his mouth moved along my jaw and kissed my neck. His hips began to move into me, and he loved me for the last time.
* * *
“I’m sorry, Cathair, but it's time for me to go." I picked up the dress Bri had lent me from the floor, and slipped it back on. "I need to leave before Bri realizes I'm not around, or it will be too late. I won't be strong enough to leave if she asks me to stay."
He took a deep breath and walked towards me. His hand cupped my cheek.
"Are you certain this is what you must do?"
Art's face crossed my mind, and I nodded. "I don't belong here."
He nodded. “Very well.” He put on his pants and the shirt he was wearing before and kissed me one last time.
“Thank you,” I whispered against his lips. “You have been the most delicious treat.”
The sensual smile I now knew so well, curved his lips. "So have you."
He kissed me again, and I almost pushed him back onto the bed. I blinked clearing the sexual haze this man always created.
"Holy guacamole. You are dangerous."
He chuckled. “You have no idea.”
I took a deep breath, reality returning. “I still need to get a few things from Art’s hut before we go.”
“All right. I will make sure the others are still occupied, and meet you in his home. We can open the portal from there.”
“Thanks.”
* * *
I entered Art's hut, and rushed to get the suitcase from under his bed. I had packed everything last night before he got back. I rushed to the vanity and took my brush, the small bag where I kept all my toiletries, and I placed them inside my luggage. Lowering the zipper of the dress, I stepped out of it and threw it on the bed, putting on the jeans and red blouse I had left under the pillow this morning.
“What the fuck do you think you are doing?” Art roared entering the hut.
"Shit!" I gasped and jumped as the door slammed against the wall. My eyes widened.
<
br /> “You are not going anywhere, Lia!”
I looked behind him and caught a glimpse of Cathair closing the door. "Dirty little whistle," I mumbled shocked. Had he rally just ratted me out to Art?? He wasn't going to be so happy I stayed, after I strangled him to death.
"I would like to know what the fuck is going through your head right now, Lia! Fucking leaving behind my back? Without saying anything to Cyn, to Bri?? What in the actual fuck?!”
I cringed. Art rarely cursed that much which meant he was really pissed. I was seriously going to hurt Cathair for this. "I have to go, Art. I don't belong here."
“Try again! That excuse is not going to cut it.”
I opened my mouth, but there was nothing I could say. I couldn't tell him the truth.
“It is not safe out there, Lia. Here, we can protect you. I can protect you.”
“Oh, it’s dangerous out there? That’s nice coming from the one that goes out into the ‘real world’ every time it pleases him.”
“It is not the same thing.”
I crossed my arms over my chest. “Really? That sounds like a double standard to me. Why the hell not?”
"You know why! When I go out there, I don't go to indulge myself in the marvels of the world. I don't go to have sex, or party and get drunk, or whatever else everyone does. I have never known that kind of freedom, and I don't crave it now. I go there to learn and use that knowledge to find ways to help my people. I work to try and design a better way for us to live. To help us achieve a better quality of life within our culture." He dragged his hand through his hair, frustrated. "No one knows that except you. I'm looking for a way to provide for my people and prove myself to them!"
My chest constricted. He was right, and I knew that. Art had trusted me with his secret. The life he had outside this village mattered, and he hadn't done it for himself.
“I’m sorry. I don’t want to fight with you, Chewie, but I still need to go.”
Worthy of Magic (The Ancient Magic Series Book 4) Page 19