Lost in Her Depths, page 9
“I will find the one who did this, and I will make them pay. This I swear.”
Artur leaned her body back, his hand sliding to her waist at the same time. “Where is your belt? Why would a Nagaro need a Takaryn belt?” He paused, reached forward into the brush, and closed his hand around an object. “It didn’t need the belt. It wanted the invisibility device attached to it,” he said, pulling out Yema’s discarded belt.
“Artur, we’re here,” Ella said, shaking his shoulder.
Opening his eyes, Artur stretched. then lose to his feet. They stepped off the bus, and Ella immediately grabbed Cat’s arm. She pulled her away from the enormous vehicle, bringing her to a spot on the beach in front of the setting sun. He watched Ella pose in part of the beautiful backdrop before she switched places with Cat. A moment later, before he could voice a protest, he found himself sandwiched between both women. He forced a smile as another mortal took several photos of the three of them.
He nodded to the mortal who handed Cat’s phone back to her, then he turned and stared out across the water. The sky was alive with brilliant shades of pink, orange, and red. I miss Sundara’s stunning sunsets. The shades of blue, pink, and dark purple are the most beautiful in the universe. Nothing could ever top them except for Ella...
Artur sighed as they made their way through the crowds in order to find a place to sit. The ceremony began a short time later, and they amazed him with their rich culture of their people. The multitude of colors in their decorative costumes matched their intricate head dresses. He found himself transfixed on the Hawaiian women dancing and shaking their hips. Artur's mind figuratively blew when he saw the main dish of the night being pulled up from the ground fully cooked.
They enjoyed the delicious food and drink being offered to them, while sharing small talk among themselves and others sitting at their table. Ella had called it a picnic table when they sat down on the attached bench. What mortals called alcohol was nothing compared to kabak. Especially if it was Za’Kel who made the Kabak. It comprised mystic berries combined with other spices, and the smoothest fermented rasha. The rum in his drink tasted very similar to rasha.
“All right, ladies, the time has come for the last event of the night. For those of you who’d like to learn how to do the hula, please line up at the base of the stage.”
“Okay, Ella, it’s time for you to get up there,” Cat said, playfully pushing Ella off of the bench seat they shared.
“Only if you come with me, Cat. Or I won’t go,” Ella challenged, her words slurring slightly.
“I’ll be right behind you,” Cat replied, nudging Ella the rest of the way off the bench seat.
“Fine,” Ella said, making her way up to the stage.
He sat there mesmerized, watching Ella sway her hips in rhythm with the music. There were many ladies who struggled to get the basic steps of the dance. He realized the alcohol they had consumed had a bit to do with their lack of coordination. As the lesson ended, he noticed several men rise to their feet. Was there a male version of this dance? He rose to his feet, only for Cat to reach across the table and grab for his wrist.
“Artur, where are you going?”
“I see the men rising to their feet. Is it not our turn to learn this dance?”
Cat giggled as she shook her head. “No, it’s time for the men to kiss each woman up there.”
He frowned, glancing around at all the gathered men. “These men will kiss Ella?”
It took a millisecond for Cat’s laughter to stop. She cleared her throat and nodded. “Yes. Wait, are you still going up there?” Cat released her hold on his wrist.
“I am.” This is a strange mortal custom, but if this is my only opportunity to kiss Ella, I’m taking it. Artur stepped away from the bench and entered the line of men. These mortals reek of alcohol and the way they all look at Ella... The sight caused his blood to boil in his veins.
After the ladies finished performing their hula dance, the men began walking across the stage in order to show them their appreciation. He gave each lady a smile and a pat on the shoulder. By the time he’d passed a third of the ladies on stage, he turned, hearing Ella’s laughter. He continued down the line, presenting each lady with a pat on her shoulder.
When he’d finally reached Ella, he gave her a warm smile. She returned his smile and leaned forward, ready for his shoulder pat. Instead of patting her shoulder, he placed a tender kiss on her cheek. Taking a quick step backwards, he locked his eyes with hers. Artur reached forward, plucking the flower from behind Ella’s right ear. He brought it to his nose, inhaling its sweet scent, then placed it behind her left ear before he moved on to the next woman who stood beside her.
When he reached his seat, he cautiously sat down, seeing a look of pure shock and concern on Cat’s face. “Are you all right?”
“I am, but I won’t be if you start dicking around with Ella’s affections.”
“I don’t understand.”
“If you use Ella or break her heart, I will find a portal to Sundara, and I will castrate you. Do you understand, Artur?”
I don’t know what castrate is, but from the way Cat is holding her cutting utensil, I feel I wouldn’t like her performing it on me. Although I know she’d never reach Sundara from any portal she found. “Yes, I believe I understand what you are saying.”
“Good, because Ella has been through the ringer when it comes to guys. I have no intention of seeing her get hurt yet again. She won’t be going with you to Sundara when you leave, so don’t start something you can’t finish.”
He nodded before he tore his eyes away from her as Ella returned to the table. I would rather die than hurt Ella.
“Oh, my God, that was so much fun. Cat, you should have gone up there with me.”
“I probably should have,” Cat agreed. “I’ll do it next time.”
“Sounds good,” Ella said, turning her gaze on him. The happiness he saw, reflecting in her eyes, faded in an instant. It was replaced with a look of sheer terror.
“Ella, what’s wrong?”
“What is he doing here?” Ella bit her lip, ignoring his question.
“Who?” Artur glanced over his shoulder, spying several mortals sitting at a table.
“It doesn’t matter as long as he stays way over there,” Ella said, touching his arm.
Artur turned his gaze back to her. “Why are you so frightened?”
“I’m not. I’m terrified.”
“Ella, whoever this man is, he will not come near you. I won’t allow anyone to hurt you. Who is this creature that has you shaking right now?”
“If it’s who I think it is, his name is Vincent Alexander. His father Charles is a major land developer in Boston, where Cat and I are from. Vince always thought that because he came from a wealthy family, he could have whatever he wanted.”
“And the izalyx wanted you.” His blood boiled as his rage coursed through his veins.
“What does that mean?”
The tremble in Ella’s shoulders stopped, and her eyes focused on him. “He’s a vile creature. That is what izalyx means.”
“He’s worse than a vile creature. He’s a scumbag.”
“Then that is what izalyx now means. Did he ever hurt you?”
“No, but he saw my magic. I’m pretty sure he doesn’t remember because he was drunk off his ass. It happened at our graduation party my high school threw for the students. Vince and several of his rich friends snuck off and got plastered.”
“If you’re sure he doesn’t remember, why are you afraid of him?”
“What if he remembers Artur? With the money he has and his connection to the Witch Hunter Society, he could destroy my family by exposing me as a witch. I also embarrassed him that night in front of all of his friends.”
“You don’t fear the izalyx. You fear what it’ll do to your family.”
“Yes,” Ella said, nodding. “I can take care of myself as can my brothers, but my sisters are defenseless. There is only so much space on this island. I know I might run into him sometime over the next twenty-four hours.”
“I will keep him away from you.”
Ella smiled, reached her hand across the table, and squeezed his hand. “I appreciate your pledge, but you can’t be by my side at all hours of the day.”
“This is true, but I have a way to ensure that Vincent won’t continue to threaten you or your family.”
“No, Artur, I don’t want you to do anything to him or any of the Witch Hunter Society members. The less you draw attention to yourself, the better.”
“Ella, you continue to draw attention to yourself every day that you are helping me. Allow me the chance to help you in return.”
“No, just leave it alone, Artur.” Ella sighed and dropped her head. “Damn it,” she mumbled under her breath.
“Ella Masterson, I can’t believe my eyes.”
She glanced up and concentrated on keeping the tremble out of her voice. “Hello Vince, how are you?”
“I’ve been good. What brings you to Hawaii?”
“I’m here on vacation with my friends.” Ella gritted her teeth. “Artur, Cat, this is Vincent Alexander. Vince, this is my friends Artur and Cat.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you both,” Vince said, extending his hand.
You truly are an izalyx, aren’t you? Artur rose to his feet, taking pleasure in seeing the mortal man gulp as he towered over him. “It’s nice to meet you as well, Vincent.” He took the mortal’s hand and squeezed it hard.
Vincent winced, yanked his hand back, and laughed. “You have a firm grip there, Arthur.”
“My name is Artur, not Arthur.”
“Of course,” Vincent said, patting his arm while he kept his eyes locked on Ella. “So, what have you been up to, Ella?”
“I haven’t been doing much of anything, but spending time with my friends and going to college.”
“Oh, yeah,” Vincent said.. “Where are you going to college?”
“I’m attending Harvard Law,” Ella answered, sitting back from the table.
“That’s wonderful. I’m also attending Harvard.”
“Congratulations.” Ella forced a smile. “I hope you enjoy your stay in Hawaii.”
“Oh, I plan on it,” Vincent said, returning her smile with one of his own. “I’ll see you around, Ella.” He dipped his head toward Cat, then glanced at him as he passed. “Arthur.”
“Why do I feel like that was a threat?” Cat glanced at them as he sat back down at the table.
“Because it probably was one,” Ella said. “Which also means I was right. He remembers everything, and he’s going to hold the threat of reporting back to the Witch Hunter Society over my head for the rest of my life.”
“He has no claim on you, Ella. I kissed you and moved your flower to your left ear.”
“I’m not some prize for you or Vince to claim or possess.” Fire flashed in her eyes before she jumped to her feet and stormed off.
Seeing the other luau guests also rising to their feet, he followed suit. Cat was silent beside him, but all it took was a single glance to see she was concerned about what had just transpired between him and her best friend. He stepped away from her, following behind the other guests who were making their way back to the waiting buses. He was in no mood to be yelled at by her as well. Cat had other plans.
“Artur, I don’t know what relationships are like on Sundara, but here, if a guy is too possessive, that’s the reaction you’re going to get from a woman.” She shook her head before racing to catch up to Ella.
They boarded their bus a few minutes later. Artur made his way over to his seat, risking a glance at Ella and Cat as he sat down. Neither of them acknowledged him or spared him a glance. He shook his head and leaned back against the soft bus seat.
Mortal customs are so strange. I did nothing more than what Ella told me to do. I moved the flower from her right ear to her left, showing she was no longer single. Why is she so angry? He crossed his arms over his chest, stewing over his thoughts as the bus bounced down the highway, heading for the heart of Waikiki.
Cat sighed, drawing his gaze, and glanced over at him. “Ella’s out like a light. I’m going to need help to get her into our room, but this is not me saying you’re forgiven for what you did to her.” She rose to her feet, picking up her belongings from above her and Ella’s seat.
“All right,” he said, nudging Ella gently. “Ella, it’s time to wake up.”
She mumbled incoherently, then readjusted her position in her seat. He lifted the armrest, then stepped closer to her. He nudged her shoulder again, waking her from her sleep. Helping her off the bus, he picked her up as if she weighed nothing at all. He carried her all the way to their hotel room before he gently laid her on her and Cat’s bed. With a combined effort, it didn’t take long to get Ella settled under the warm covers.
“Thank you for your help, Artur." Cat sat down on her bed.
“Of course,” he said, turning toward the balcony door, opening it up.
He stepped outside, shutting the door behind himself. This mortal Vincent might be a, what was Ella’s word, scumbag, but I’m an even bigger one. All I’ve done is take and take since she’s met me. I’ve yet to give back to her. Helping me is exposing her more and more to this Witch Hunter Society, yet she keeps doing it. I know I can’t get rid of all the hunters, but I can at least get rid of Vincent.
Artur glanced up at the stars twinkling down at him. Artur knew that one of those bright balls of light was Sundara, and after averting this new crisis with Seraphina and Endak, he would return to Earth. Ella would never know of his return, of course, yet he’d make sure it improved her life. This Witch Hunter Society would not take another family member away from Ella.
Turning away from the stars, he entered the darkened hotel room. With both Ella and Cat sound asleep, he had no trouble taking a small vial from his belt and sneaking out with one of the small plastic cards in his other hard. He walked down the quiet street, looking around with each step he took. The soft glow of the lanterns provided enough light for him to see a full three hundred and sixty degrees.
“Are you looking for someone, Arthur?”
Artur smiled and turned toward the voice. “It’s Artur actually, and yes, I was looking for you, Vincent.”
“Really? That’s interesting, because I was looking for Ella.”
“Ella is not interested in you, Vincent. She is to be left alone. Do you understand?”
Vincent raised his eyebrows and nodded. “I see. Is that a threat?”
“No, it’s a promise. If I learn that you or your Hunter Society have hurt her, you will live to regret it.”
“That sounds like a threat to me, Arthur. Ella’s secret is safe... for now, but keep baiting me and it won’t be.”
“Yes, it will,” Artur said, reaching inside his pocket. Pulling out a small vial, he uncapped it while he kept his eyes on his target.
“Is that a potion? Are you a warlock, Arthur?” Vincent laughed and held up his weaponless hands. “I’m unarmed, warlock. If you kill me, the Society will never stop hunting for you.”
“No, they won’t, because you’ll never tell them about this,“ Artur said, tossing the blood red powder in Vincent’s face. He smiled, seeing the mortal’s eyes glaze over. “You will forget everything you’ve ever seen or heard about Ella Masterson. You’ve never met her or laid your eyes upon her.”
“Never...seen...Ella... Masterson. I’ve...never...heard...of...Ella...Masterson.”
“Very good,” Artur said, recapping the empty vial. “Return to your hotel room and forget this conversation ever took place.”
Vincent blinked once, then turned around and walked down the darkened streets. Artur slipped the vial back into his pants pocket and headed toward Ella’s hotel. Now that Vincent is no longer a problem for Ella, I can focus on solving her Witch Hunter Society issue for when I return to Earth. Stepping back into the hotel room, Artur settled himself in for the night.
Chapter Eleven: Ella
Ella sat at the small desk, sipping her coffee and listening to the birds sing. They were being so vocal it was a marvel to her they hadn’t woken Cat or Artur yet. Oh, I think I spoke a bit too soon. She whispered ‘good morning’ to Cat after she sat up in bed.
“What’s so good about it?” Cat grumbled, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. “How long have you been up?”
“Not long,” Ella said, picking up a second mug of steaming hot coffee. “Just long enough to make a small pot of strong coffee. I don’t know about you, but I feel like I drank too much last night.” She rose to her feet, stepped over to the bed, and handed Cat her cup of coffee.
“That’s not all that happened,” Cat said, blowing on the hot beverage before taking a small sips.
“What do you mean?” Ella frowned while she racked her brain.
“You don’t remember yelling at Artur?”
“No, I don’t. Why did I do that?” The thought of her being angry enough with Artur to yell at him concerned her. Especially since she couldn’t even remember the argument. The last thing she remembered was learning the hula, and Artur kissing her cheek. I think he even moved the flower I wore from one ear to the other.
“Some guy named Victor showed up and upset you. Artur got a title like Nate, and you went off on him.”
“Oh, no,” Ella said, dropping her head into her hands. “I’ll need to apologize once he wakes up,” she said, groaning
“Hey, you had every right to snap at him.”
Lifting her head, Ella bit her lip. “No, I didn’t. Did his words trigger me? Yes, I guess they did, but he’s not from Earth. He also doesn’t know about my past with Nate.”
“Yeah, I get that, but he’s not staying here, so why react like that in the first place?”
“It’s probably because we almost kissed the other night.” Ella felt the heat rise and burn her cheeks.
