Burn Like a Beacon, page 8
“Can you do it again?” he begged her.
“Do what?” She leaned in. “Oh, yes. The trick with my abilities.”
He nodded, eager to see more as though he needed to convince his eyes about what he was really witnessing. She was the real deal for sure, but he just had to confirm it over and again. As Killian watched in awe, Claire lifted the water from the cup and made it dance in the air, creating intricate patterns that sparkled in the dim light of the prison cell. He certainly never expected to meet an Elemental in a place like this.
“How did you do that?” Killian asked, his eyes fixed on the swirling water.
“By getting a handle on my powers,” Claire replied, a hint of a smile on her lips. “I can manipulate water around me.”
From the legend, Killian had always thought of Elementals as being powerful and mysterious, but Claire seemed so gentle and unassuming. He couldn’t help but feel drawn to her, and he found himself wanting to know more about her.
“Can you show me some more?” he asked eagerly.
Claire nodded and continued to manipulate the water, creating a beautiful fountain that sprayed droplets in every direction. Killian laughed, delighted by the display.
“This is amazing,” he said, reaching out to touch one of the droplets as it landed on his hand.
Claire smiled at him, feeling a warmth spreading through her chest. She had always been self-conscious about her abilities, but seeing the look of wonder on Killian’s face made her feel proud of who she was.
“I’m glad you think so,” she said softly.
As they talked more, Killian learned that Claire was from the village of Havenswood, and that she was here to try and help him clear his name. “You’re very kind,” he said.
As time wore on, the two of them talked and laughed, lost in their own little world. For a moment, it was easy to forget that they were in a prison cell and that Killian’s future was uncertain. All that mattered was the connection that they were building, and the sense of hope that it brought them both.
Claire sat across from Killian, her expression softening as she spoke about her abilities as a Water Elemental. She explained how her abilities had set her apart from others in her village, and how she had felt so alone for so long until she met him.
“I’ve never met anyone like you,” Killian confessed, staring at her in amazement.
Claire looked down, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of her lips. “I’ve never met anyone like me either. That’s why it’s so special that we’ve met each other.”
Killian nodded slowly, still in awe of her abilities. “How did you discover that you were an Elemental?”
Claire took a deep breath and began to recount her earliest memories of manipulating water. She described the incident that happened to her as a child. From then on, she practiced and refined her abilities in secret, always afraid of what others might think if they found out.
Killian listened intently, his eyes never leaving hers. As she spoke, he realized just how brave and determined she was to hone her abilities despite the risks.
“You’re incredible,” he said, reaching out to take her hand.
Claire’s cheeks flushed at the touch of his hand, but she didn’t pull away. Instead, she smiled at him, her eyes shining with warmth and kindness.
“I really wish I could do something like that,” he said. Then he recoiled. “I don’t think I’ve gotten that much of a mastery of my abilities.”
“I can show you how,” she said, excitement building in her voice. “Maybe we can work on it together.”
With that, Killian felt a glimmer of hope in his heart. Despite his dire circumstances, he had found someone who not only believed in him but also shared a unique bond that he had never experienced before. He felt a newfound sense of purpose, knowing that with Claire’s help, he could clear his name.
Claire shared with Killian that she had always kept her abilities secret, even from her closest friends and family, for fear of being rejected or discriminated against. But when she heard that Killian was in chains, she knew she had to help him. Killian was touched by Claire’s story and the fact that she was willing to help him, a stranger, just because she believed he was innocent. He realized that she was not just a water Elemental, but also a kind and compassionate person who cared deeply about others.
She was one he could trust, and he saw that. In his life and world, he could hardly trust anyone. She considered his calloused hands when he touched her. Could it have been because of accidents while attempting to use his abilities? Or was it just his choices in the past? Now was not the time to learn any of that though.
He remained as innocent and untainted as he initially was in her eyes since it was in fact a prerequisite for her to secure his release. He might not have been an altogether innocent man, but this was not the way he deserved to go down at all. He was simply here for being an Elemental. And if they could prove that he wasn’t one, even though she believed he was and without proof so far, then they really might be close to securing his release from that cell.
Meanwhile, Louis was someplace outside trying to do what he could to see Killian’s release. Even though Claire had given him some vague explanation about Killian’s innocence in the whole affair that brought him down here, he still believed her anyway. The whole reason they were there was to save him after all. The quicker he could get done with this, the better his focus would be on the rest of his affairs in the capital.
Louis pulled some strings and managed to fast-track Killian’s testing by the Onyx Clan. He had been working on this and it was time to put his plan into action. Claire was ecstatic at the prospect of Killian being freed from prison, and the pair waited anxiously for the results.
The testing took place in a small, dimly lit room. Killian sat on a wooden chair; his hands clasped together as he waited for the Onyx Clan to test his abilities. Claire stood nervously by his side, her heart pounding in her chest. She prayed that Killian had managed to suppress his abilities, as they had practiced.
The Onyx Clan has a tradition of going through each Element when one is accused. Killian failed the water test because they set a small metal cup filled with water in front of him. He asked Killian to try and manipulate it. The Onyx Clan members tested Killian’s abilities with other elements, but each time, he was successful. Claire was overjoyed when they finally announced that they had found nothing in him and that he was free to go.
Killian and Claire hugged as they walked out of the testing room. Louis stood outside, beaming with pride. He had managed to secure Killian’s release from prison, and it was all thanks to his contacts in the capital. As they walked out of the prison’s premises, the trio was greeted by a beautiful sunset. The sky was painted in hues of pink and orange, and the air was crisp and refreshing. Claire and Killian walked hand in hand, their hearts filled with joy and relief.
Louis walked behind them; a wide smile plastered on his face. He had managed to save two lives today, and it was a feeling he would never forget. The trio walked towards the exit of the premises. Although Claire’s heart was heavy with worry for Killian. She knew he was not safe in the capital, with the Onyx Clan still never going to entirely cease the hunt for him. She could see the fear in his eyes, and she knew he needed to get away. But where could he go? It wouldn’t be safe for him wherever he must’ve come from either, not with the Onyx Clan’s influence reaching far and wide.
“Killian, you should come back with us to Havenswood,” Claire said softly. “It is not safe for you to stay here. We can help you hide from the Onyx Clan, at least until we figure out what to do next.”
Killian looked at her, his eyes filled with gratitude. “Are you sure?” he asked. “I don’t want to be a burden to you or your people.”
“You won’t be a burden,” Claire said firmly. “We’ll figure out a way to keep you safe.”
They packed their things and left the capital when Louis was done with his activities there, taking the back roads instead of the carriageway to avoid any unwanted attention. Claire could feel the tension in the air, the fear of being caught if the Onyx changed their mind about Killian any minute. But she also felt something else, something she couldn’t quite name. She looked over at Killian, walking beside her horse, and felt a warmth spread through her chest. She had only just met him, but she felt a connection to him that she couldn’t explain.
As they rode towards the port, Claire and Killian talked about their pasts, hopes and dreams. Claire shared more of her struggles with being an Elemental, and Killian listened with an understanding that she had never felt before. She realized that he was the first person she had truly opened to, the first person she had felt truly comfortable with.
It was going to be the start of a new era for her for sure. One where she didn’t have to feel so alone all the time. Her abilities had come to be such an intricate part of her, so woven into her identity and yet had to be hidden from everyone who’d misunderstand it. It was not their fault though, she sometimes told herself. But then she equally thought it still was because these people had the choice not to hate her kind but owing to generations of indoctrination by the Onyx Clan, they inevitably had to, not once stopping to think it through.
That was what she and Killian would be going up against. It was literally going to be them versus the world. She didn’t know what outcome would come of it. But at least she wasn’t as scared as before. Whatever came, whatever it took, they’d face it together. If they lost or won, they’d do it together. And more than anything, she was sure that, somehow, they were more powerful and perhaps even unstoppable together.
Chapter Ten
Killian had never been on a ship before, and he was fascinated by the vastness of the sea that stretched out before them. The wind whipped through his hair and the salt spray of the sea stung his cheeks, but he couldn’t help but grin from ear to ear. He stood at the rail, watching as the waves crested and fell beneath the ship, mesmerized by the hypnotic rhythm of the sea.
Claire watched Killian with a small smile, glad that he was enjoying the journey so far. She had been at sea a couple of times but seeing it through his eyes was like experiencing it for the first time again. She walked up beside him, leaning against the rail and gazing out at the endless expanse of water.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” she said, her voice soft and wistful.
Killian turned to her; his eyes bright with wonder. “It’s amazing. I’ve never seen anything like it before.”
Claire laughed lightly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “You get used to it after a while, but it never loses its magic. It’s a reminder of just how small we are in the grand scheme of things.”
Killian nodded, his gaze returning to the sea. “I can see why you love it so much. It’s like a whole other world out here.”
As they continued their journey, Claire showed Killian the ropes of living on a ship, teaching him how to tie knots, navigate by the stars, and even how to fish for their dinner. They spent their days exploring the ship, watching dolphins and whales, and enjoying each other’s company. At night, they each curled up on a blanket on the deck, watching the stars and sharing stories. Claire would tell Killian about growing up in Havenswood, about her Elemental abilities, and how she had always felt like an outcast. In turn, Killian would share tales of his own life before he was imprisoned, talking about the places he had visited and the people he had met.
As the ship grew ever nearer to Havenswood, Killian couldn’t help but feel a pang of anxiety. It would be the first time he had set foot on land in weeks, and he wasn’t sure what to expect. Claire, sensing his trepidation, took his hand and squeezed it reassuringly.
“It’s going to be okay,” she said. “I’ll be with you every step of the way.”
Her tone was assuring, and he smiled. She could understand things from his perspective as well. It would in no way be easy for him to fit in, to readily get absorbed into a new place. But it sure did beat hanging around the capital and waiting to be jailed again for some other fabricated offense. There will be no coming back from that this time, as the Onyx would have come at him or them with a raging vengeance.
At Havenswood, they had more than a fighting chance. It was her home ground. Though it didn’t stop her from worrying, nevertheless. There were problems to be had on either side of the sea, but at least Havenswood’s was something of the lesser evil. So many people there would not see her suffer or thrown in a pit and held unjustly, of that much she was certain. It was home, and she only needed to make it feel the same for Killian.
Claire watched as the sun slowly began to set over the ocean, painting the sky with shades of red and orange. She couldn’t help but feel a sense of uncertainty as she thought about her and Killian’s future in Havenswood. She knew that they would have to keep his abilities hidden, but the thought of living in secrecy still made her feel trapped as ever. As the ship rocked back and forth, Claire leaned against the railing and closed her eyes, taking deep breaths of the salty air. She could hear the waves crashing against the ship, the creaking of the wooden boards beneath her feet, and the distant chatter of the sailors.
Louis joined her by the railing, a concerned look on his face. “Are you okay, Claire?” he asked.
She sighed. “I just can’t shake this feeling of uncertainty. What if he’s caught? What if he’s never able to live openly?”
Louis placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “You are still thinking like he’s a fugitive. He’s not, Claire. We secured his release.”
“Yeah, I know. I get it. And I shall be eternally grateful for that. But—”
“You think the Onyx would make up more accusations against him and try to throw him in a cell once again? I don’t think so.”
She knew he was oblivious to the real concern on her mind, which she couldn’t share with him. But she couldn’t stop thinking about other possibilities. What if someone else to whom Killian had once entrusted his truth ratted him out and the Onyx eventually came after him? What if they later discovered that the test might’ve been flawed, and they wanted a redo, so they’d catch him back again?
“Look behind us, Claire. Do you see anyone else in these wide waters?”
She shook her head.
“Good. No one’s after us.”
Claire had a baffled look.
“I understand your worries, but I have faith in your person, the way you pulled through with everything. Plus, Killian seems like a strong and capable young man. Together, the two of you will be able to overcome any obstacles.”
Claire smiled weakly, appreciating Louis’ words of encouragement. She knew that he had always been a strong supporter of hers, and she was grateful for his unwavering faith in her. As the night sky enveloped them, Claire and Louis made their way back to their quarters. Claire couldn’t help but think about what lay ahead for her and Killian. The unknown future was daunting, but she knew that they had each other and that was enough to face whatever challenges came their way. Claire couldn’t wait to introduce Killian to her home in Havenswood, to show him the quaint village she grew up in, and to introduce him to her friends and family.
When they were about to dock, Claire’s excitement grew. She had been away for a long time, and she was eager to see her family and friends again. She talked about the things they would do once they arrived, taking Killian on a tour of the village, showing him her favorite spots, and introducing him to her family.
Killian was a bit nervous about meeting Claire’s family. He knew that they would be skeptical of him at first, considering his criminal record if it’d come to the fore. Claire was confident that they would come around once they got to know him. She assured him that her family was kind-hearted and understanding and that they would see how good of a person he truly was.
When they finally arrived in Havenswood, Claire’s family was waiting for her at the edge of the village. Her parents hugged her tightly, overjoyed to see their daughter again after such a long time. Abby was there holding Lemon and asking her about the city. George was once again nowhere in sight.
Claire introduced Killian to her family, explaining how they had met in the city, and how he had been falsely accused of a crime. Her family listened attentively, and while there was some initial skepticism, they soon warmed up to Killian. They could see how happy he made Claire, and they welcomed him with open arms.
Claire and Killian helped Louis unload while the rest of the family went back home. It wasn’t until dust that Louis let me them. Her mother made them a warm meal, and they sat around the fire, talking late into the night. George finally revealed himself when food presented itself.
As they lay down to sleep, Claire couldn’t help but feel grateful for Killian’s presence. She knew that he probably was still in danger, but having him here, with her, made her feel a little bit safer. She drifted off to sleep, feeling content for the first time in a long time.
Over the next few days, Claire showed Killian around the village, taking him to her favorite spots and introducing him to relevant places. They spent their days exploring the countryside, walking through the forests and fields, and enjoying each other’s company and the free air of Havenswood. She was also secretly searching for Alec… wondering how upset he’ll be that she left without saying a word.
Claire had later developed a plan for Killian. She wanted to help him start a new life in Havenswood, away from the city, and the dangers that lay there. He had told her that he had skills as a builder, and she thought she knew how best to put his skills to work. She had a perfect idea, connecting to one that she’d nursed for a long, long time. It was a plan finally coming to fruition, finally coming alive. Once again, Killian seemed like the perfect fit, the right piece of that puzzle, if she could call it that.
The last place she wanted to introduce him to be the land she had acquired on the outskirts of the village, with Alec’s help. The timing of Killian’s arrival couldn’t have been more perfect. The property needed further development, and he seemed to be the right man for the job with his skill. She knew he would work at it fervently as soon as she mentioned it to him. He had all these unbounded energies he needed to release into something. Working the land would serve as the best distraction to take his mind off the threat to their abilities for a while.
