Gabriel combed his fingers through her hair and she raised her head to look up at him. He smiled down at her and she lost herself in his incredible eyes, hot blue and bottomless. She pressed closer to him and he lowered his head toward hers. She swore she felt the electric heat sizzle and spark between them. She closed her eyes, waiting, anticipating like a schoolgirl with a crush. Her heart hammered against her ribcage, enough, she was sure, that he felt it too.
"Well, now, I haven't seen an Elemental in this realm for well over four hundred years."
Autumn jolted at the unexpected voice, and Gabriel's arms tightened around her protectively. They both looked over to see an old, cloaked crone appear from the darkness of the trees just beyond. She reminded Autumn of the witch in Snow White, and she retreated farther into Gabriel's steady hold.
"You know of Elementals?” Gabriel questioned warily.
The crone let out a shrieking cackle. “Of course I do, young man.” She pulled her hood down to reveal frizzy, matted hair of green and white. Her eyes were just as unnerving, one green and one white. “I'm half, you see,” she croaked. “My father was one of the wandering people, the vagabonds. So I only ever managed earth and wind.” She arched an equally as frizzy eyebrow and shuffled closer to Gabriel. “The Elementals left this realm about ... oh, four hundred years ago."
"And you're still alive?” Autumn shrieked, unable to stop the outburst.
The old woman turned her critical gaze on her. “I am half Algorian. Algorians live for thousands of years. You, human. What business have you here?"
Gabriel positioned himself in between Autumn and the crone. “She's here with me and none of your concern."
The crone let out another cackle and shook her mane of bizarre hair. “An Elemental and a human ... how ironic,” she said in a singsong voice. “We always want what is impossible."
Autumn frowned, but Gabriel spoke before she could ask what the woman meant.
"I have been a statue for five hundred years,” he said, calm, poised, and firm. “I seek my people. Do you know where they are?"
"Oh yes, I just choose not to live there. I always fancied this realm above the other."
"You say they went to a different realm?"
She nodded. “Were forced to because of the wolves. The Elementals reside in Derynia now."
"Where is that?” Gabriel prodded.
"Beyond the red moon. There is only one doorway, and only two creatures have the ability to transport there. The Elemental chieftain, their leader, or the Great Dragon."
Autumn raised her eyebrows and glanced up at Gabriel. “Did she say dragon?” she squeaked.
"Yes, he is the king of all dragons and has the ability to travel between all realms. He resides on the Isle of Burkayall just south of the trader's village.” She gave Gabriel a toothless sneer. “But be warned, young master, you must first best him in combat before he will take you anywhere. He only serves those who can beat him. And he has never lost."
Autumn swallowed hard and a tremor of apprehension ran along her spine. “Never?” She gripped Gabriel's upper arm.
The crone shook her head slowly, and a strange, satisfied grin twisted her wrinkled lips. “Many have tried. All have failed. But for you"—she stabbed her finger into Gabriel's chest—"it is the only way to get home again. The chieftain only comes to Algoria once a century, and he was just here fifty years ago. You're more than welcome to wait another fifty, but you might turn to stone again in that amount of time.” She waved her hand airily and cackled again as she continued into the trees.
Autumn didn't realize she was digging her fingers into Gabriel's arm until he turned to face her and gently removed her hand, taking it in between both of his. She looked up at him with fear she couldn't conceal. “You have to fight a dragon?” she cried.
He smiled softly and pressed his lips to her knuckles. His eyes looked troubled, even though it was more than apparent that he fought to conceal it from her. “Forget the dragon for now,” he said. “Let's go find the trader's village she spoke of. Maybe we can find something to eat."
She followed Gabriel as he started through the trees in the direction the woman had come from, but something wasn't setting right in her stomach. It was more than just the fact that, in order for Gabriel to find out anything about himself or his people, he had to fight the king of the freaking dragons. That was bad enough, but something the old crone had said kept ringing through her mind and it made her feel ill.
"An Elemental and a human ... how ironic. We always want what is impossible."
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Chapter Six
Uncle Sal had taken Autumn to several renaissance faires when she had been a girl, and that's exactly what the traders’ village reminded her of. It was nestled among the trees, a gypsy-like encampment of tents where musicians played lively tunes in the square and jugglers and fire dancers entertained. Most of the people Autumn saw looked human enough, even though they were probably something altogether different, and the two of them managed to find a clothier's shop. It took a bit of work to find Gabriel adequate garb considering no one had had to provide an Elemental with clothing for four hundred years, but a helpful tailor had managed to do some alterations to a shirt while Autumn found something for herself.
In all reality, she was extremely happy to get out of her sheep pajamas and black hoodie. She looked completely out of place, and they were getting enough stares because Gabriel was such an oddity. She didn't need to make it any worse. She opted for a simple, one-piece, medieval-styled maroon dress. It probably wasn't the most practical thing, and she knew she should have chosen more masculine clothing for more mobility, but there was something about the village and the atmosphere. She was caught up in the magic of it, and she was caught up in the magic of Gabriel. She didn't want to look like some tomboy wannabe warrior. She wanted to look ... well ... she wanted to look pretty. It may have been shallow, and it may have been stupid, but it was true all the same. And as long as she was stuck in Algoria, she figured she may as well fit in as best as she could.
She slipped the dress on, combed out her hair to the best of her ability, and left it down instead of putting it back up in the haphazard ponytail it had been in thus far.
Dusk had descended when she left the tent and several torches had been lit around the village. They cast a warm glow and the people seemed to be in full revelry. The music was boisterous, and people were dancing and laughing and talking. Autumn smiled and wove her way through the trees, taking it all in. She made her way into a small clearing where fireflies periodically glowed among the trees. It was slightly separate from all of the festivities and she took a deep breath, closing her eyes and letting the peace of the forest steal through her.
"You look beautiful in that."
She spun and drew in a soft breath as her gaze fell on Gabriel. He was dressed in a pair of black pants and a white shirt with brown trim around the V-shaped opening across his chest. It laced up with a black strap. He had black boots, and at his hip was a sheathed blade of considerable size.
He chuckled as her eyes strayed to the weapon. “I figured I might need this."
He approached her quietly and she looked back up at him, amazed at how such a beautiful man could be even more beautiful in his natural environment. She smiled. “How did they get the shirt to fit?"
He grinned and turned so that she could see where the tailor had slit two openings for his wings, then sliced the shirt up the back and laced it back together in the same fashion as the front.
"You look very dashing.” She had said it in good humor, but the way he turned and looked at her robbed her of breath.
"You look radiant,” he murmured, taking a step closer. “Like you have always lived in this realm."
She giggled self-consciously and tucked her hair behind her ears in a nervous gesture. She shrugged. “I just wish Uncle Sal could see it. He would be in heaven."
"I'm glad it was you to bring me,” he sa
id softly. “Not that I wouldn't have enjoyed meeting your uncle, but ... I'm happy it was you."
She held his gaze for several seconds before her heart made an uncomfortable flop and she had to look away. “Poor Curtis probably had a heart attack by now,” she said. “He probably thinks we've been killed by something, and no doubt, he is extremely disappointed."
Gabriel chuckled. “He'll live, I'm sure. There will be other adventures for him. This one is ours."
The way he spoke made shivers work along her spine, and she gave a breathy laugh. “Yeah, fighting a dragon! What an adventure! Are you ready for that?"
His flirtatious smile faded and he sobered, his brow creasing just slightly. “I'm not sure I want to do it."
Autumn frowned. “Why not? It's the only way you can get home."
He met her eyes and stared at her for a long moment. “I don't know if I want to go home. I've been gone for five hundred years, Autumn, and I don't remember much from before I was separated from my people. I don't actually have a home. Why should I return to something that I've never really known?"
Narrowing her eyes in thought, she saw and understood his reasoning and his apprehension. Truth be told, she didn't want to see him go back either. Once he returned home, she would have to do the same. What did she have to go back to? An empty castle full of memories that would make her sad? A life of drudgery and isolation? It was one thing to live that life when it was all you knew. But how could she go back now? Now that she knew statues could come to life and worlds existed beyond her own? How could she go back to what she had thought was normal when she had been forced to see the world through Uncle Sal's eyes?
She looked up at Gabriel and sighed. But...?
She placed her hand on his chest lightly. “You have to go home, Gabriel,” she murmured, the words sticking in her throat. “If you don't, you'll always wonder who you are.” Something flashed in the depths of his eyes, which let her know he understood that truth.
It was quiet for a few moments, the only sounds being the distant merrymaking of the village and that of the night birds and insects of the forest. Gabriel turned his attention into the trees and Autumn studied his profile. His jawline was so strong, so defined. She fought the urge to reach up and run her fingers along it.
Suddenly, he heaved a sigh and turned to face her with a completely wicked grin. She raised her eyebrows and took a step back.
"Would you like to taste honey wine?"
She frowned and he held up an ale horn that she hadn't even noticed he'd been carrying. She smiled. “Okay."
He stepped closer, making up for the step she'd retreated. “Close your eyes,” he whispered.
She gave him a questioning look and he feathered his fingers across her cheek.
"Don't you trust me?” he teased.
She was sure her expression was completely bland, but she obeyed and closed her eyes. For several heartbeats, she felt nothing, only the cool night air. Then, she felt his warm, supple lips press very softly to hers. She gasped in surprise and he used it to his advantage, slipping his tongue in between her parted lips. Erotic sweetness filled her mouth, the taste of the drink he had sipped still clinging to his tongue. Fire raced throughout her, and she went pliant against him, kissing him back with a groan of bliss.
He cradled her face in one hand while he slipped his other arm around her waist, exploring her mouth in the most unhurried, deliberate manner. Autumn's head spun. She'd kissed men many times before, but this was nothing like anything she had ever experienced. This was passion, gentle seduction, and encompassing eroticism all rolled into one.
When he pulled away, she was leaning against his chest, her body pressed full up against his, and she had to keep her eyes closed and concentrate on dragging air into her lungs so she wouldn't pass out. He smoothed her hair with his fingers and pressed soft kisses to her forehead and face.
She sighed in contentment. “I think I like honey wine,” she said, finally opening her eyes to look at him.
He chuckled, and his eyes twinkled with merriment. “Well, that's good. I was afraid you might hit me for that one."
She felt her cheeks flush, but she shook her head. “Hardly."
With a playful grin, he handed the ale horn to her. She took it with a bewildered frown, and he held up one finger as he took several steps back. Squatting down and peering at the moss-covered forest floor, he examined the ground. He smiled, then closed his eyes, and held his hands out over the earth. His coloring changed to the green and brown tones, and he moved his fingers as if he was scattering seeds.
Autumn watched in enraptured silence as he then changed to the blues of water. He spread his hands in much the same fashion, only this time, tiny droplets of water cascaded from his fingers. In another second, he shifted back to fire, and he spread his hands a third time, producing a warm, gentle glow over the same patch of ground.
He stood, gave her a mischievous smirk, and changed back to earth. He drew his hands in an upward motion, as if he was dangling puppets on a string. Slowly, seedlings began to sprout from the soil and grow. They took shape, grew taller, and he directed them into a complex, weaving pattern that created nothing short of a canopy. Fat, gorgeous red roses budded and bloomed along the twining vines.
Autumn gasped in wonder and stared at his creation in fascination before she turned her attention back to him.
He looked extremely pleased with himself, and he reached above his head to pluck one of the lovely roses. He pulled it down and handed it out to her, his eyes reflecting gentle light.
She reached out to take it in her free hand and gazed up into his eyes. “Gabriel,” she breathed, a smile tugging at her lips. “You're extraordinary."
His smile was soft and he morphed into the color of air, then turned in a semicircle while lightly blowing across one of his palms. The vines shivered and rained rose petals down around them until the ground was blanketed.
Autumn stared in silent awe as she watched them fall, graceful, elegant, beautiful. It was more romantic than anything she could have thought up in a fantasy. It was like a fairy tale, with dragons, old crones, and all.
Gabriel's fingers brushing against her cheek brought her attention back to him, and she smiled.
"This is for you,” he murmured. “For your kindness, for your care. For all you have done and for all that you are. You're special, Autumn. I knew it from the moment I caught sight of you as you slept. I was so cold when I awoke, cold like I had been before I fell into my slumber. When I looked at you, when I touched you, that terrible, numbing cold abated."
He settled his palm against her throat, his fingers curving around the column of her neck. She closed her eyes, knowing he had to be able to feel her pounding pulse.
"You brought me back, Autumn. You don't know what that means to me."
She shook her head, feeling foolish and self-conscious. “You didn't even know you were a statue. You had no idea what had happened to you. How could it mean anything to you at all when you had no idea what was going on?"
He took her chin firmly in his hand and forced her to look up at him. “I know that I was cold before I slept, and when I gazed upon you, I wasn't. I know I ached before I slept, and when I gazed upon you, I didn't. I know that you have bestowed more kindness and acceptance upon me in the past couple days than most anyone else in your situation would, and I know that my heart comes alive within my chest when I am near you, when you touch me, when you smile at me.
"That is not nothing, Autumn. I may not have known what happened to me, but I'm not ignorant. Curtis explained well enough that I understand what you accomplished. You brought me out of a dormant state, breathed life back into me, then kept me from retreating into the cold. You have accomplished extraordinary things, and you have given me my life back, a chance to find out who I am, where I came from. You traversed a world just to help me. Your generous selflessness amazes me, and your radiant soul captivates me."
He took her face in his hands and
feathered his thumbs back and forth over her cheeks. Autumn's heart beat erratically at his tender touch, as well as his powerful words. His brow creased suddenly, and he averted his gaze. She frowned in concern and placed her palm against his chest. “Gabriel, what's wrong?"
He shook his head. “Nothing's wrong. I just...” He sighed and met her eyes again. “Autumn, this may seem like a strange request, but I'm only asking you to consider it."
She nodded, wanting him to continue.
"After this dragon business, when I am able to know where I came from, who my people are, would you ever think about ... staying with me?” He shook his head. “I know it's wrong of me to ask you to turn your back on your world and your life, and I would gladly return there with you if I was able, but I can't. I am dangerous for your world. But ... maybe you could stay with me in mine, if you wish it."
She stared up at him and felt tears burn her eyes. At any other time in her life, she would have balked at the idea he presented. She would have thought it irrational, insane, and completely out of the question. But that was before. Before Uncle Sal had died, and before she'd come to realize there was so much more than her carefully constructed world. Uncle Sal, in his death, had given her the greatest gift he ever could have offered. Because of his untimely accident, Autumn had discovered Gabriel. In discovering Gabriel, she had discovered an entire world she'd thought only existed in her uncle's imagination. Uncle Sal had bequeathed it all to her without even meaning to.
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