Lost in Her Depths, page 10
“Wait, you what?” Cat raised her eyebrows and her jaw dropped. “When?”
“It was the night of the sunset cruise, when you went on the other side of the boat.“
“Wow, it looks like this is getting serious.”
“It’s like you said, though. He’s leaving at the first sign of a portal. So, what’s the point of falling for him?”
“Speaking of portals, I have a theory of how I can find one,“ Cat said, glancing over at Artur. After a few seconds, she continued. “I wanted to make sure he was still asleep. I didn’t want to give him false hope if my theory is wrong.”
“What is your theory?”
“Have you heard about ley lines?”
“Yeah, supposedly they’re these imaginary lines that circle the Earth, and they power Earth’s inner magic.”
“That’s right. My theory is they can create a portal at points where these lines intersect.”
“If you’re right, I know the first place we should go to test the theory,“ Ella said, feeling her excitement build.
“Where?”
“Maui. There’s many people who believe the Earth’s heart is there.”
“Okay, we’ll check it out once I hear from Steph.”
“Sounds good,” Ella said, glancing over at Artur, who was stirring in his bed.
The heat from the sun warmed her skin while she looked through the summer dresses hanging outside a shop. Ella picked up an ocean blue dress and held it up against her body. On the outside, it appeared the dress would fit, but she knew better than to judge clothing like that. She glanced around through the windows for a dressing room. Not seeing one, she turned back around and froze. Standing across the street was a tall young man with short, dark brown hair and eyes.
“Hey, Ella, did you find anything you like here?”
Ella turned her head away from the young man’s intense stare and cleared her throat. “Yeah, maybe,” she said, holding up the dress.
“That’s pretty, but useless for traveling or hiking,“ Cat said, sliding her cell phone back into her packet.
“Steph just called?” Ella placed the dress back on the rack and glanced over her shoulder. Where did my peeping Tom go?
“She did, and according to her measurements, I was right about the ley lines.”
“I guess that means we’re missing our flight home and instead are heading back to Maui,” she said, stepping up to Cat and Artur.
“Why are we going back to Maui?” Artur frowned, looking from her to Cat and back again.
“That’s where we might find your portal, or at least remnants of one,” Cat said.
“Which means we’ll be taking the ferry again,” Ella said, feeling the hairs on the back of her neck rise.
“What’s wrong, Ella?”
Ella glanced behind her again and sighed. Her peeping Tom wasn’t there. Feeling Cat’s fingers touch her shoulder, Ella turned back toward her. “Nothing, I’m fine. Let’s get going.” The sooner we get on that ferry the sooner I can leave my peeping Tom behind.
Chapter Twelve: Artur
Artur glanced over Ella’s shoulder, narrowing his eyes. He could sense her fear, but he’d already broken her trust once. The only way for him to earn it back was to learn from his mistake. He didn’t see any danger to her or Cat, but that fact meant nothing.
“I don’t understand. I heard no Siren song when we were on Maui before.”
“Maui is bigger than that single beach we were all on.” Cat threw him a smile over her shoulder.
“Why do you believe there’s a portal somewhere on Maui?” Artur increased his pace until he was walking beside Ella and Cat instead of behind them.
“It’s because of the ley lines,” Cat said.
“The what?” I’ve heard no Takaryn Elder speak about how the portals on this planet works.
“Ley lines... Basically, they are how Earth’s magic flows across the entire planet. My theory is where they crisscross is a potential spot for a portal,” Cat explained.
“And we’re going to Maui because...”
“Because many people believe Earth’s heart lives there,“ Ella said, glancing up at him.
Artur nodded as they approached the docks. “It does,” he confirmed.
“How?” Cat turned and faced him after they entered the ticket line for the ferry.
“When I first woke up on that beach, I was disorientated. I did not know where I was or where Ella was, but I felt Kelaryn, or more accurately, I felt her magic running through your ley line,” he said, smiling at Cat.
“I know you said before that you swam to Maui, but humans can’t swim that fast. How did you? Especially carrying dead weight,” Cat said, pointing at him. “No offense,” she added.
“None taken,“ he replied.
“You’re right. We can’t. I told you I used magic, and I did. What I didn’t tell you is I used my magic to transform my legs into a mermaid tail. That’s how I could swim faster than a normal human.” Ella bit her lip and took a step forward with the line.
“You can do...” Cat glanced around at the strange glances coming their way, and lowered her voice. “You can turn into a mermaid? Why didn’t you do that yesterday?”
“Because I didn’t want to freak you out, I promise the next time we go swimming in the ocean I’ll show you my tail,” Ella said.
“Deal,” Cat said, turning toward the cashier and pulling out her wallet.
Cat gathered the tickets and the moment they set foot on the ferry, Ella’s body relaxed. What or who frightened her back in that marketplace? He noticed most of the mortals who walked on the ferry headed toward the bow. They followed behind the other mortals until they found a spot to stand. Ella leaned up against the railing, lifting her gaze toward the top deck. He frowned, seeing her body tremble once again. “Ella, what’s wrong?”
Ella jumped and shook her head. “There’s nothing wrong,” she said, dropping her gaze to the ferry’s deck below their feet.
“You’re lying, Ella. I can see you trembling. What’s wrong?” Cat rubbed Ella’s arm. Concern for her friend clearly was washing over her.
“You’re right, Cat. I am lying,” Ella said, lifting her head. “I didn’t want to say anything before, because it wasn’t anything more than a gut feeling.”
“And now,” Cat said, prompting her.
“Now, I’m sure. When we were walking around the various shops waiting on Steph’s call, I felt like I was being watched or followed. I was right. I thought I’d left him behind when we boarded the ferry.”
“We didn’t.“ Artur clenched his jaw, causing the muscle in his cheek to twitch.
“No, we didn’t,” Ella confirmed. “I just saw him on the top deck.”
“What does he look like?”
“No, Artur, I’m not going to tell you.”
“Why not?” Why is she protecting this mortal who is following her?
“Because... Because I’m afraid he’s a member of the Witch Hunter Society. I want nothing to happen to either of you.”
“Ella...”
“I’m serious, Artur. This society has no morals. They have no problem ripping people apart. I don’t want them to dissect you like a bug.”
He chuckled at the funny comment and shook his head. He pulled her into a tight hug, rubbing her back. “All right, Ella, I’ll leave this mortal alone... for now. But if you see him again, you need to tell me. I can’t protect you or Cat with one hand tied behind my back.”
“Okay,” Ella said, nodding. “Let’s see if we can find a seat somewhere. I don’t want to stand for this entire ride if we can help it.”
“Lead the way,” Artur said, glancing up at the top deck. I know he’s still up there watching Ella, and I’m honored that she wants to protect me. I refuse to stand by and simply allow this mortal to have Ella. If it’s the last thing I can do for her, I won’t rest until this mortal is no longer a threat to her.
Chapter Thirteen: Ella
Ella glanced around the dock, half expecting her peeping Tom to jump out of the crowd and grab her. Why is this guy following me around? What is he hoping to gain by doing that? Where the hell is he?
“I’ll go rent the car,” dat offered. “You guys stay here.”
“Thank you, Cat.” Ella reached out her hand, clasped Cat’s hand, and squeezed it gently.
“It’s no problem. There isn’t anyone looking for me, and the fewer things with your name on it the better.”
“It will make it harder for this Society to track Ella if her name isn’t on the rental car?”
“That’s right, Artur. Until they figure out Cat’s with me, then they’ll start tracking her movements,“ Ella said.
“By the time they make the connection, we’ll be a long way away from Hawaii,” Cat said, squeezing her hand.
“Okay, you need to go, Cat. We’ll be here when you get back.“ Ella released her hold on Cat and took a step backwards.
She waited until Cat was out of earshot before she turned toward Artur. “I owe you an apology, Artur. I’m sorry I got angry with you last night at the end of the luau.”
“No, Ella, you have nothing to apologize for. I abused your trust.”
“That’s just it, Artur. You didn’t. The way you moved my flower from one ear to the other is exactly what I hoped you would do. You didn’t know about the abuse I suffered or that the words you said would trigger me. It also didn’t help that I had a bit too much to drink.’’
“Cat mentioned a mortal named Nate. What did he do to you?”
Ella’s heart skipped a beat, and her hands became cold and clammy. “She told you about Nate?”
“No, she only mentioned his name after you got angry with me. She said he was too possessive. Did he hurt you?”
“Not at first,” Ella said, taking a deep, calming breath. “Nate was the perfect gentleman when we met. He changed the moment I moved in with him my freshman year of college.”
“Is it common for your elders to allow such a thing to happen?”
“No, it’s not,” Ella admitted. “I lied to my parents. I told them Cat and I were sharing a dorm room. After I moved in, Nate started telling me who I could be friends with, or when I could hang out with them. He was always with me whenever I went out.”
“When did he start striking you?” Artur’s jaw clenched and his hands curled into tight fists.
“It happened a year later. I’d gone to a party and didn’t tell him. When I got home, he was furious. He accused me of cheating on him, and when I denied it, he slapped me. I tried to leave, except he wouldn’t let me go. He threatened to kill me if I ever attempted to leave him.”
“How did you escape him?”
“I got my brothers involved, and with the use of all our abilities, they got me out. But this only unveiled a new danger.”
“The Witch Hunter Society,” Artur said, nodding and saying something she didn’t understand under his breath.
“Yeah, Nate’s family are descendants of one of the founding members. I did not know when we met. I believe as revenge for escaping his hell, Nate exposed us to the Society. Less than six months later, my parents died in their supposed car accident.”
“Now this Society is coming after you again.”
“They’ll never stop coming after me until I’m dead,” Ella said. And that’s the reason I shouldn’t have told either of them about my magic.
“They will stop, Ella. I will make sure of it,” Artur pledged.
“Please don’t make promises you can’t keep.” I should have left him after I saved his life. I know it would’ve taken him longer to find a portal back home, but at least he would have been safe from the people hunting me.
“I...”
“Hello,” Ella said, answering her ringing phone and cutting him off. “Okay,“ she said, hanging up. “Cat has the car. She’s just around the corner.”
“Ella...”
“I can’t do this right now.” She looked up at him with tear filled eyes.
Artur closed his mouth with a sigh. She knew what he was trying to do, and as thankful as she was, she didn’t want him or Cat anywhere near the danger. It was already hard enough, knowing she would never see him again once he returned home. She turned on her heels and headed for the rental car parking lot.
Ella smiled, stepping up to the running maroon Toyota Rav 4. “I love these cars,” she said, opening the passenger door.
“I know. Why do you think I rented this one?” Cat’s smile slipped, and her eyebrows scrunched together. “Is everything alright?”
“Yeah,” Ella said, nodding while she climbed into the vehicle.
“Okay,” Cat said, shaking her head. “How are you doing back there, Artur?”
“I’m doing well,” Artur answered, settling in the back seat.
“Good.” Cat pulled out her cell phone and punched a few buttons on the screen. “I think we should head for Haleakala National Park,” she said, putting the Rav into gear.
“That’s where the heart is, isn’t it?”
“It looks like it,” Cat confirmed.
“I think we need to make a pit stop to get some supplies before we head that way,” Ella said, glancing down at her watch.
The sun was beginning its downward descent by the time they reached the campgrounds for Haleakala. Stepping out of the Rav, Ella’s eyes drifted shut. She could feel her magic stirring deep within her. This place truly is the heart of Mother Nature.
“You okay, Ella?”
“I’m great, Cat,” Ella opened her eyes, giving her friend a bright smile. “Do you feel Kelaryn here, Artur?”
“Yes.”
Ella bit her lip, hearing his curt reply. It’s going to be a very stressful night. She stepped around to the back and opened the hatch. They each pulled out a large bundle and stepped to the center of the campsite.
Working as a team, it took little time to set up the two tents they’d bought. They had a bite to eat, then they drove the remaining distance to Haleakala’s Summit. Even with arriving so late in the afternoon, Cat easily found a parking spot.
“I fully expected not to find a parking spot up here,” Ella said.
“I didn’t either, but I guess we got lucky,” Cat said, opening her door. “Artur, do you mind picking out our seats for sunset?”
“Not at all,” Artur said, stepping past them both.
“Thank you,” Cat said,
Shit, here it comes. “Cat...”
“Don’t Cat me, Ella! What the hell is going on between the two of you? It feels more like the North Pole around here instead of Hawaii.”
“I know.”
“You know? That’s all you’re going to say? You’ve been giving him the cold shoulder since we left the Maui docks,” Cat snapped.
“I’m trying to not fall for him, okay! I know the moment we find a portal, I’m going to lose him.”
“You’re trying to protect your heart.”
“Yes, but I’m doing a piss-poor job of it. He wants to get rid of or take care of the Witch Hunter Society, but I don’t want him anywhere near them. I told him not to make a promise he can’t keep.”
“How do you know he won’t keep it?”
“Because... once he gets back home, he’ll forget all about me.”
“You don’t know that, Ella.”
“You’re right. I don’t, but it’s easier to believe that than hold on to hope.”
“I get it. I do, but you can’t keep closing yourself off from love, Ella.”
“What about you?”
“What about me? Daniel’s still out there, and I’m going to find him.”
“I’m sorry, Cat. I don’t want to fight with you. My heart says you’re right about Daniel, but my gut says otherwise. I hope my heart is right.”
Cat sighed and pulled her into a tight hug. “I don’t want to fight either. I know all the evidence is pointing to Daniel being dead, but I still have hope I’ll find him. In the meantime, you have a Takaryn you need to kiss and make up with.”
Pulling out of the hug, Ella raised her eyebrows. “Kiss and make up...”
Cat smiled, releasing her hold. “You know it’s the best after a fight.”
“Wow, you are too much,” Ella teased.
“I know, and you love me for it.”
“Yeah, I do,” Ella said, sliding her arm around Cat’s waist.
They made their way up the paved path toward the spectators sitting on the ground and in chairs. Spotting Artur stretched out on a blanket, Ella pulled away from Cat and walked up to him. He glanced up at her, but said nothing as she sat down beside him. She turned her head and took in the gorgeous views.
She’d never been above the clouds except when she flew on an airplane. The fluffy white globs resembled slightly melted marshmallows. They swirled around the summit, giving the illusion there was solid ground beneath them. It was easy to forget just how high up they truly were. As the sun dipped below the clouds, the sky exploded in colors of yellows, reds, and vibrant oranges. The sight took her breath away and touched her heart.
“That was amazing,” Ella said, glancing over at Cat and Artur.
“I agree. It was exquisite,” Artie said, looking down at her.
“The stars should come out soon, and it’s going to be awhile for this area to clear out. Do you guys want to stay for a bit and watch the stars?”
“Yeah, that sounds good to me.”
“I’m not opposed to the idea,” Artur said.
“Good, because I’ve heard this is one of the best places to see the Milky Way,” Cat said, smiling.
Darkness soon fell over the area, passing the spotlight off to the tiny specks of light scattered across the sky. Ella marveled at them all, spotting several constellations from Orion to the dippers. She tapped Artur on the shoulder, smiled, and pointed up at the Milky way. Each sparkle above their heads was a stark reminder that their minor planet was insignificant in the grand scheme of things.
“I don’t know about you guys, but I’m getting chilly. I think it’s time for a small fire back at the campsite,” Cat said, rubbing her hands over her arms.
