Exile in the Water Kingdom (The Elemental Phases Book 3)

by Cassandra Gannon

  All signs of a panic attack.

  No, no, no.

  Ty struggled for control.

  This couldn’t happen. She had to fight the vortex of terror trying to suck her under and trap her in her memories. Ty squeezed her eyes shut and concentrated on her breathing.

  In and out.

  In and out.

  This had been a mistake. She should never have stood up to share at the meeting. She was too weak to speak in front of a crowd.

  Always too weak.

  Ty swallowed hard, preparing to choke out some faltering apology and slink back to her seat before she embarrassed herself any further.

  When she opened her eyes, though, her gaze instantly went to the back of the room and landed right on Gion.

  Parald’s right-hand-Phase stood with his shoulder against the wall, his black cape falling behind him like a shroud. Gion’s savagely beautiful face reflected nothing except polite interest, but Ty knew that it could turn to chilling disgust with very little provocation. Gion’s perpetual, sarcastic dissatisfaction could slice though a target like steel. And if that didn’t work, he also carried a really big sword.

  One dark eyebrow arched as Gion stared at her. Since Ty very much doubted that Gion was battling a drug problem, she could only assume that he was there to observe her like some live and in person reality show. To watch her fail. Gion had already seen her in the midst of a panic attack twice and Ty hoped it never happened again.

  In fact, he tapped into every defiant instinct she possessed.

  Ty’s spine got straighter. Her eyes cut away from Gion, but she started talking, again. “I come here --To this meeting-- because I’m looking for strength. I was… engaged to a man. And it was a mistake. Everything changed inside of me. I knew even when it was happening that it was wrong. I could feel it. But, I ignored my instincts and things got bad so quickly.” She slowly shook her head. “I don’t even know how it happened. I just lost myself.”

  More nods from the crowd.

  “My fiancée was angry when I finally left him. He said and did things that hurt too many people. So much of that was my fault, for not being stronger.” Ty glanced back at Gion and found him watching her intently. He didn’t look pleased by her words. In fact, he seemed seriously annoyed by what she’d just said.

  Too bad.

  “I hid myself in fear. And behind locked doors. And in the past. And I took useless pills, just because I was too weak not to.” Ty let out a shaking breath. The anxiety pills couldn’t help her. She needed to do this on her own. “Every day, I fight to be stronger and every day it’s hard.” Ty kept her eyes on Gion. “But, I won’t be weak forever. I’m committed to this and to being well. And I won’t hide anymore.”

  People applauded.

  Applauded for her.

  Ty knew it was silly to feel so proud of that, but she couldn’t help her small grin or the flush in her cheeks as she stepped away from the podium.

  She’d done it.

  Her triumphant gaze went to Gion and found him clapping in his own arrogant way. Ty blinked, shocked that he didn’t seem to be mocking her for once. Gion’s mouth curved upward as he took in her surprised expression. He inclined his head slightly.

  Ty had actually never been addicted to human drugs. But when Ty, her cousin Tharsis, and her Council appointed bodyguard Uriel were caught breaking into the hospital in Mayport Beach, Florida, the police just assumed they’d been after narcotics and arrested them.

  Really, being sentenced to drug counseling turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Since the Fall, Ty had been suffering from panic attacks and various symptoms of post-traumatic stress. Being with these human, who were also trying to free themselves from something horrible, helped Ty.

  Flushed with success at her sharing, she moved up the aisle towards Gion.

  Gion worked for her ex-Match and Ty knew that Parald was obsessed with getting her back. She no longer worried that Gion would kidnap her and take her to the Air Kingdom, though. If that was his end-game, he would have done it long ago. In fact, when Parald’s men had captured her last week, Gion was the one who let her go. He’d hacked the plastic manacles from her wrists and set her free.

  Gion had his own agenda, which meant that he sometimes crossed the fence and helped the good guys. Ty had dealt with Gion twice now and lived to tell the tale. She could do it, again.

  Probably.

  Stopping directly in front of him, she adjusted her cat’s eye glasses and endeavored not to notice how big he was. Like most Elementals, Gion stood tall and trim; a beautiful, elegant specimen of genetic superiority. Ty hated being small. It reinforced her sense of powerlessness.

  “If you’re here for the free coffee and donuts, they’re over there.” That was the mouthiest thing Ty had ever said to him. Hell, it was the mouthiest thing she’d said to anyone in a very long time.

  She was pleased with herself.

  Ty wasn’t sure what to expect, but it certainly wasn’t for Gion’s smile to stretch wider. Gion, of the Air House was not a Phase who spent a lot of time smiling, even if there was still something watchful lurking behind his icy blue eyes. “I may take you up on that, Tritone. Would you care to join me?” He made a gallant sweeping motion towards the folding table on the far side of the room.

  Ty crossed her arms over her chest, suspicious of his mood. “Why? Have you poisoned the crullers or are you up to something even worse?”

  “I’m sure there are a great many who would say that it’s far worse, actually.” He murmured. “I’d like to speak with you about it, if you have the time.”

  She hesitated, the glow of her public speaking triumph dimming and her usual apprehension of Gion returning. He made her uneasy, no matter why he’d come to visit.

  “This will only take a minute.” He assured her softly. “You’re in no danger.”

  Ty debated that for a second longer and then gave a regal sort of nod. “Alright.” She marched over to the refreshment table, conscious of Gion’s looming shape sweeping along next to her. The other members at the meeting were studying him curiously.

  It was the cape.

  Gion knew it looked out of place in the human realm. It looked out of place everywhere, as a matter of fact. But, still he kept wearing it. Worse, he always looked right in the silly thing. Anyone else would seem like a refugee from a Halloween party or like he was trying too hard. But, Gion looked… imperial. When Gion walked into a room, he automatically became the center of attention; the dark authority. Gion dominated everyplace he went. It was just something in his DNA.

  Ty busied herself pouring coffee into a foam cup. “Is this about the promise I owe you?”

  “It is.”

  When Ty’s cousin Nia had been abducted by the Reprisal, Ty had offered herself in exchange for Gion’s help. It was a straightforward deal: If he would save her cousin, she’d go with him to the Air Kingdom. Only, he’d turned her down. Instead, Gion joined the Nia Rescue Effort in trade for an unspecified promise from Ty. A blank check that he’d yet to cash in. Whatever he’d demand, it was a small price for Nia’s safety, so Ty still considered the deal a personal victory.

  Even if it did annoy her to remember Gion’s lousy, un-heroic attitude that day.

  Gion’s mouth twitched when Ty took a sip of the coffee without offering him any. When the Queen of the Water House had a lapse in manners, it was deliberate. “You look well, Tritione. New glasses and everything. Probation obviously agrees with you.”

  “I’m stronger.” Or at least she was trying to be. “These meetings help me.”

  “Yes, well, I did tell you those human anxiety pills were a waste of time, didn’t I?”

  Ty slanted him a frown. She should have known that he’d be an “I told ya so”-er.

  Gion ignored her irritation and fixed his own coffee. Ty had never considered what kind of coffee Gion might drink. If she had, Ty probably would have guessed that he took it black, though. That seemed like the way that all vil
lains would prefer their coffee. Instead, Gion dumped six sugar packets and three creamers into the cup, then he swirled it around with a little wooden stirrer. Apparently still unsatisfied, he added two more little containers of milk.

  Ty had absolutely no idea why, but she found that sort of charming.

  She scowled at the thought.

  Gion could drink his coffee with cute paper parasols in the mug and it wouldn’t make him any less her enemy. With a flick of his evil wrist, he could destroy her and then be home in time to practice his patronizing sneer. Whatever Gion wanted from her, it wouldn’t be good. Not that he was in a hurry to tell her about his undoubtedly terrible scheme, anyway. He just stood beside her, stirring his coffee and observing the world around him with utter indifference.

  Gion always enjoyed biding his time. It added to the drama. If he wasn’t a nefarious henchman, he’d have made a wonderful thespian.

  Ty tucked an errant curl behind her ear and glanced up at him. “Did I mention the meeting only lasts another half-an-hour?” She prompted.

  Gion’s eyes went to her pink Hello Kitty watch and then to the platinum Cartier timepiece that he had fastened to his own wrist. Ty expected some nasty comment. Instead, Gion surreptitiously shoved his hand into his pocket, so his antique watch was hidden from view.

  That subtle movement caused Ty’s jaw to drop. It was almost… unsure. Except, Gion never felt unsure. Why would he?

  Gion could do anything.

  He was one of the strongest Phases alive and he certainly didn’t give a damn what anyone else thought of him. The guy redefined the word “self-confidence” for the ages. So, why had he concealed the tasteful timepiece as if he didn’t want her to see that it was so much different than her own?

  He didn’t seem to notice her confusion, which was also weird. Gion usually noticed everything. Was he edgy about something?

  “What happened with Parald wasn’t you fault.” He gestured towards the front of the room where she’d spoken about her past. “Blaming yourself for not stopping the Fall is pointless. Parald’s never listened to anyone and he certainly wouldn’t have started with you. You aren’t his favorite person, his obsessive stalking of you notwithstanding.”

  “He released the Fall because I renounced him.”

  “He released the Fall because he’s a sociopath.” Gion retorted harshly.

  Ty met his intent gaze for a moment and then looked away. She concentrated on her coffee. “Why are you here?”

  A tense pause and then she heard him sigh. “As I said, I need that promise you gave me.”

  The liquid in her cup continued to spiral around in small whirlpool. Ty kept stirring it just to keep her hands busy. “Alright. Tell me, what do you want and I’ll arrange it.”

  Gion snorted as if that answer frustrated him. “My God, but you’re naive. Anyone with an ounce of self-preservation would tell me to fuck off.”

  Ty wasn’t sure how to respond to that. “I gave you my word that I’d…”

  “So what?” Gion interrupted. “So what if you promised? There’s nothing that will make you live up to it, is there? Think about it. Nia is safe. What can I possibly do if you decided to renege, at this point? Take her back to Chason?”

  “I honestly wouldn’t put anything past you.” Especially not if Gion felt that he’d been cheated. He wasn’t a man who played fair.

  Gion’s jaw ticked. He set his coffee cup down hard enough to send the liquid sloshing over the edge. “I have to go.”

  He turned and Ty realized that Gion really was about to leave. Whatever he wanted, he didn’t want to want it. That was obvious. Gion wasn’t someone who was used to asking for things. This wasn’t just him being his normal provoking self. He must genuinely need help.

  “Gion.” The word was out before Ty thought better of it.

  Ty had only called him by name a few times before. And, just as it had on those occasions, the sound of it caused Gion’s attention to instantly fix on her. He stopped short and looked back at Ty. “Yes?”

  She floundered for a beat, with no idea what to say. Ty usually had a difficult time maintaining eye contact with people, anyway. But, with Gion, it was flat out impossible to hold his gaze for more than a second. Icy blue eyes burned into hers, straight through to Ty’s soul, and she glanced away, again.

  Gion sighed.

  “Ty.” Ashley, Ty’s sponsor, came over, a huge grin on her face. Her honey colored hair was tied back in a ponytail and her t-shirt featured a sequined palm tree. “Sweetie, you were great up there.”

  Ashley was a warm and caring human, nine years and seven months sober from her addiction to cocaine. She liked mothering everyone in the group, which Ty found sort of endearing since Ashley was only forty-one. In Elemental terms, she was still a baby herself. “You were open and honest, and I know how hard that must have been.” Ashley moved forward as if she planned on sharing a hug.

  Ty experienced a surge of alarm. She didn’t like touching people. In fact, she shied away from all contact. Ashley wasn’t dangerous. Ty knew that, but she couldn’t help her automatic recoil. Ty instinctively stepped back to avoid the hug.

  And ran right into Gion.

  She hadn’t heard him come up behind her, but he was standing right there when Ty retreated. One of his graceful hands came down and caught hold of her arm, steadying her.

  Supporting her.

  Ty tiled her face back in surprise, even as she felt her energy tune towards his. Gion’s powers brushed against hers and Ty felt a spark deep inside of her. Her heart started pounding, again, and this time it had nothing to do with her fear of public speaking. A rush of heat and light moved through her and Ty found herself gasping in surprise.

  With Gion, Ty’s usual aversion to touching didn’t materialize. Instead, it seemed exciting and inexplicably pleasant. For some reason, Gion touching her didn’t feel… wrong. Ty didn’t have the panicked need to instantly jerk away.

  Which caused her to panic and instantly jerk away.

  It was insane.

  Gion released his hold on her, but not before his thumb stroked the inside of her elbow as if he just wanted to feel her skin under his fingers.

  He’d experienced it, too.

  Ty knew that she looked shocked. Gaia knew, she felt shocked. That energy had happened the last time she touched Gion, too, and it still shocked the bejesus out of her.

  Phases weren’t supposed to experience anything like that pulse of energy outside of a Match. Except, Ty never felt anything close to that with Parald. His powers always felt… dirty. Parald was her Match. Ty knew that. She’d never have another one. Truthfully, she didn’t even want another one.

  Unlike the rest of the Elemental realm, Ty remained unconvinced about the greatness of Phase-Matches. As far as she could tell, they just sucked independence from people and forced them into situations beyond their control. The human way of finding mates was so much better. They chose based on their own hearts.

  Freewill.

  For Ty, freewill always won out over blindly accepting whatever fate offered.

  Gion didn’t look nearly so rattled by their brief contact. He didn’t even step back out of her personal space bubble. Instead, he arched a brow at her. “Aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend, Tritone?”

  “Hi! I’m Ashley.” Ashley sent Ty an understanding smile about the hug-avoidance and held her palm out to Gion. “I’m Ty’s sponsor. Are you her boyfriend? I think that’s great. It’s really helpful to have the support of family and friends, ya know?”

  Ty shook her head emphatically and edged away from Gion. “No, he’s…”

  “I am Gion… Peterson.” He actually shook Ashley’s hand. “From Delaware.”

  Ty rolled her eyes and waited for lightening to strike him down. Why were Elementals always so terrible at interacting with humans?

  “Yeah? I drove through Dover a few years ago.” Ashley exclaimed as if that was an amazing coincidence. “Great cape.”
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br />   “I like it.” Gion smirked down at Ty. “Don’t you?”

  “Well, definitely it suits you.” She murmured.

  Jackass.

  Gion’s eyes gleamed as if he heard her mental name calling and found it amusing.

  “Super.” Ashley beamed at Ty. “Anyhow, I know that you don’t like getting the chips in front of the group and I didn’t want to push you anymore this evening. So here.” She held out an orange token. “Thirty days clean, sweetie. That’s quite an accomplishment.” She grinned at Gion. “You should be proud of her.”

  Ty stared down at her chip admiringly and, for no reason in the universe, glanced up at Gion for a reaction.

  “I’m always proud of Tritone.” He said seriously.

  Ty decided to ignore that and focused on her chip, again. “Thank you, Ashley.”

  “Sweetie, I didn’t do anything. It’s all you.” Ashley winked at her and headed back into the midst of the group.

  Ty rubbed her chip between her fingers, admiring the feel of it. “So, weren’t you leaving?” She prompted when Gion continued silently standing there.

  “I should. But, it turns out that I’m a selfish bastard.” He snorted. “I’m not surprised. There’s certainly ample evidence of it, isn’t there?” He changed positions so that he could face her. “I can’t walk away. I need that promise from you.”

  Ty studied him through length of her lashes. “Alright.”

  His jaw went tight. “I…” For the first time ever, Ty saw Gion struggle for what to say. Usually, he was one of the most articulate people she’d ever met. Now, he seemed nervous. He trailed off and then started over, again, as if he just couldn’t find the words. “The…” He blew out a frustrated breath. “Fine. Here.” He dug a folded piece of paper out of his back pocket and presented it to her.

  Ty had a real, visceral sense of déjà vu.

  Like she’d lived this moment before or had been waiting for it for a long time.

  Ty was a scientist and she absolutely didn’t believe in ESP or premonitions. Still, her hand shook slightly as she took the paper from Gion. It was the email that Job had sent out offering amnesty to the Air Phases.