Between the Waters (Symphony of Light) (17 page)

The etched stones of the walkway featured dozens of different types of flowers. The framed panels of glass reflected the pinpoints of light from each of thousands of bulbs, which decorated the trees outside. Through the arbor of intertwined vines and beyond the large glass doors, the warmth of the lobby embraced me.

“I didn’t know you were a plant lover.”

He reached over and began to unbutton my coat. “I know what you are trying to do. Your subterfuge is not going to work. I told you, it’s a surprise.” He finished the final button then slid the coat from my shoulders.

The man from outside took our coats. After hanging them he said, “This way, Dr. Stanton.”

Overton motioned me forward with a swish of his hand. As we passed through the beautiful glass corridor filled with various types of flowering plants, our escort opened two large wooden doors to reveal a massive garden room.

The room featured an oversized decorated Christmas tree, adorned with various ornaments shaped like birds. Poinsettias and a variety of red and green foliage filled the space illuminated by small sparkling lights.

We stepped inside, and through the awe and wonder of the beautiful plant life I almost missed the table sitting to the left of the tall tree.

The man in black stepped between the double doors. “Doctor, you have my pager should you need anything else.”

“Thank you.” Overton smiled at the man and slipped something into his hand.

The man closed the door, leaving us alone in the overwhelming space.

“It’s beautiful.” I looked at him, still confused as to why we were here. Soft ambient music added to the magic.

He grabbed both of my hands in his and stared at me. “I’m glad you like it. They are changing the display this weekend, so I figured it best I get you here soon. Come.”

He let go of one hand and navigated us to an elegantly set table—white and red linens and crystal stemware. He released my hand and pulled out a chair for me to sit.

My patience had limits, even when it came to good things. “What is all of this?”

“It’s Christmas.”

“I see that, and it’s beautiful but—”

“You missed Christmas. You’ve been so wrapped up in everything. It flew by, and I’m not even sure you noticed.”

He was right. I hadn’t.

“I think with everything that has happened, that was the least of my worries.”

“Love, you’re part of our world now. Things will be different, but I want to make sure you don’t have to give up the best of your life. Christmas is a wonderful time. Let me celebrate it with you.”

I grabbed the glass of water and took a sip. “You don’t need to do this.” With the shimmering red napkin, I wiped my mouth.

He leaned over and placed a soft kiss on my lips. “I know I don’t. I want to. I love you, and I’ll to try to give you as normal of a life as possible.”

I cleared my throat. “You know, I’m debating on whether or not that’s the best idea. Will hanging on to something unrealistic only make it harder when reality rears its ugly head?”

“It’s no different than the passage of time. Change is universal. I’m not suggesting we deny the truth, but rather stop to take advantage of the pleasures about.” Just then the man appeared with a small silver cart. He removed the metal covers and placed a small appetizer made from apples, dates, and mint in front of us. From a bucket of ice, he pulled champagne and poured it into crystal flutes.

“I know. It’s just…oh, never mind.” I couldn’t tell him that the more real he seemed, the more I risked. So much more than myself. I took a large gulp of the champagne, allowing the bubbles to tickle my throat.

We made quick work of the meal—succulent lamb, roasted vegetables, and a creamy chocolate dessert. His hand rested on my thigh, and I fiddled with the napkin in my lap.

“What would Christmas be without presents?” He released my hand and stood.

“Oh, no. I didn’t even know we were having Christmas. I didn’t get you anything.”

“Settle down. You don’t think I know that?” He kissed me on the forehead. “Agreeing to come here with me was worth more than any gift.”

I shot him a disbelieving look—one eyebrow raised.

He walked to the base of the large tree and collected two small packages obscured by the abundance of fake wrapped empty boxes surrounding it.

“When did you find time to shop?”

He smiled and placed the small boxes wrapped in solid red paper with a white bow on the table. “I didn’t. Lower your expectations. One is handmade and the other is a re-gift. I’m hardly to be commended when you’re deserving the finest treasures.” He took my hand and raised it to his lips. “Go on. I can’t wait.”

I reached for the box on the bottom. His hand darted out, catching mine. I looked at him.

“Please, open the other one first.”

“OK.” I eyed him suspiciously.

The ribbon gave way with a tug, and the lid slid off with ease. Resting on a pillow of satin was a ring—a thick silver metal with threads of black gothic-looking patterns lacing through it. I looked up at him.

His gaze held a hint of apprehension. “I know it’s not modern, but it is sort of lovely in its darkness.” He slipped it on my finger—my left ring finger.

I couldn’t speak. The surge of energy from the ring made me gasp. What was going on? Surely he wasn’t… What was up with the ring?

He must have noticed my dismay. “Oh, love, I’m not proposing. Unless that’s what you want.”

What the fuck? My mouth ran dry, and my ability to speak was thankfully lost. My mixed emotions in this moment could only lead to trouble should my mouth engage.

He clasped his hand over mine. “What was I thinking? I’m so sorry. I only wanted to give you a gift that meant something. This was a ring given to me by Cyril. I’ve never used it, but I can feel the magic in it. I figured it best that you have it instead of me, well…since you’re the one always getting into trouble. I’m not entirely sure how it works, but it’s meant to protect you.”

“I can’t take this. You need protection too.”

He grasped my chin and pulled me in for a kiss. His soft lips—a silencer.

“You need it more. Besides, it’s sized for you.”

“Shouldn’t I wear it on the other hand? I’m not married.”

“You are correct, but I don’t believe it would send the wrong impression to say you are spoken for.”

“But I’m not married. No gown, no ceremony, no priest. Well…not a whole one, at least.” I smiled.

His lip twitched, but he didn’t smile. “Is that what you want? Marriage? To be the blushing bride?”

“No. I don’t know. I…just forget I said anything.”

“Like I said, it couldn’t hurt to send the message that you are off the market.”

“Why? It didn’t stop you.” The moment the words left my mouth, I realized the sting. I meant it as a joke, but our situation was beyond kidding. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean…” I grabbed for his arm, but he dodged and handed me the other box.

“Just open it.” The harsh tone to his voice stung. I wanted to make it better, but wasn’t sure how. A glance in his direction revealed crossed arms and a rigid stance.

“Look…I’m sorry. I didn’t mean—”

“Just open the box.”

I ripped the bow, and the lid fell off. On to the table fell a necklace unlike anything I had ever seen. Bloodred beads, each a perfect sphere, were affixed to a silver chain. The chain was the core of each red-stained, translucent orb.

I picked it up and ran it through my fingers. So beautiful. A pleasant feeling washed over me—very difficult to describe. The strand was long enough to double and still reach my stomach.

“It’s gorgeous.”

“It is, isn’t it? I was surprised at how truly beautiful it turned out. It’s a shame you’ll have to destroy it.”

“Excuse me?”

“I haven’t been leaving you alone in bed at night to go to the hospital. I’ve been researching.”

The beads glided through my fingers—so smooth. “What are you saying?”

“What looks like a striking bobble is really a way to get Cyril back.”

I stood up. “What?” My words echoed off the glass. “You can’t be serious.”

He guided me back into my seat. “Well…it can’t do it alone. You’ll have to make it work. But I would strongly suggest you not waste it. Save it for when your will is at its peak and you have enough energy surrounding you to pull it off. Since you can’t predict when that might be, I fashioned it into a necklace for you to wear always.”

“What are they made of?”

He grabbed my hand, and the tiny globes encircled our hands, reminding me of a marriage ceremony I once saw at a handfast. “Each of the beads was fashioned from medical-grade resin. The substance used in those traveling shows where they display actual human bodies, cut in slices, so a glimpse of the forbidden only surgeons are privy to is revealed. Embedded in the resin is some of Cyril’s blood, fragments of his hair, a grain of salt, a drop of water from a powerful pool, slivers of his bones taken from the knife you used to kill Michael, and the rarest of all substances.”

It was hard to respond. I was stunned by the flood of emotions. My throat dry and tongue thick. On a choked whisper, I managed, “What? What is it?”

“Linden, you must promise not to lose this. This may be the only chance. The last ingredient is irreplaceable.”

“Overton, what is it?” Tears drizzled down my cheeks.

With one finger he reached out and collected a single drop of water from my face. He held it up to the light balanced on the very tip of his finger. “Cyril’s tears. But not just any tears. Tears shed while he was filled with magic.”

I wiped my face and sniffled. “You actually want me to believe that Cyril cried?”

“I have no doubt he would shed tears for you. Is it impossible to think he might shed them for me?”

I squeezed his hand hard. The beads dangled, catching the light, the tiny granules visible. “No. But why? He’s not a man easily driven to tears.”

His chuckle morphed into a sigh. “I discovered my immortality the night Cyril killed me.”

I choked. “He what?”

Overton smiled. “Vidius had invaded a village, turned them all into minions. I was only ten years or so into my new life. We were in what is now Passau, Germany, near the confluence of the Ilz, the Danube, and the Inn River. Cyril syphoned magic from the rivers, but when he unleashed his power on Vidius and his men, I was caught in the fray. Cyril, in his desperation to save me, pulled out a metal tube he used to collect souls and placed his tears inside, forcing all of his magic into them.”

Overton pulled me closer, our hands still entwined.

“He told me later he had decided in the moment, when his emotion was most raw, when his will was at the all-time greatest, standing at the confluence of two leys, and three rivers, that he would try to summon the God Maker who had taught him how to make and force him to bring me back. I remember a bright flash of light, then grabbing his leg as the breath once again entered my lungs. I had resurrected without his interference. He stopped the spell before it went too far. I can only imagine the horrors that would have spread across the world had he succeeded.”

Numb. “His five-hundred-ninety-year-old tears are in here?”

“Yes. There are no more. You should have all of the components according to his notes to summon between the realms. I don’t know if it will work.”

“Why didn’t he just tell me to do this all along?” My frustration caused a guttural sound to leave my throat between sobs.

“He doesn’t know I have the tears.”

“Come on, he can read your mind.”

“Yes, but he has to know what he’s looking for. When he died, I had Thor retrieve them for me from our residence in Europe. I don’t think Thor knew what I was asking him to do. With the right amount of will, the proper energy and this necklace, you could probably call forth God himself.”

He unlocked our hands and draped the necklace over my head, looping it twice. His lip twitched, and a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

“Out with it.” I played with the strands around my neck.

“I feel like I just gave a toddler a loaded gun.”

“Excuse me?”

“I’m going to have to do a lot of praying.”

I smacked his arm.

“Linden, I love you so much.”

“I know. That’s what I don’t understand. Why would you do this? You know what this means?”

He tugged on the beads, repositioning them; he did not look at me, but rather past me. “Yes, it means what I said all along. I love you enough to let you go.”

Tears stung my eyes again. I prayed that the necklace worked and that Cyril would be capable of piecing the broken fragment of my heart back together. I had only one choice.

“Thank you.” I kissed him on the cheek.

He hugged me, wrapping his arms around me so tight it was hard to breathe.

He released me, placed a kiss on my forehead, and extended his hand. “Let me get you home.”

When I looked up at him, my heart broke. Never had anyone been so selfless, so kind. I loved him. It was true. In that moment my path was clear. I could no longer delay.

Chapter Fourteen

Simple

The snow-covered mountain roads held memories I wasn’t ready to deal with, but had to. Both halves of my heart were at stake. How could I have let it happen? There was a connection, something cosmic between Cyril and me—unexplainable, yet undeniable. Was it love? It felt like love. Definitely beyond lust, but what?

With Overton it was different. Our attraction could only be explained by mystical forces, because I was far too flawed ever to earn his love. Cyril and I deserved each other, equally destructive in our uncertainty. I loved Cyril. Needed Cyril. But in the process had fallen in love in a most human way with a man I would never be worthy of. Humanity couldn’t afford my indulgence for much longer and neither could my heart. I prayed that breaking of the bond severed my tie to Overton when it broke his to me. But since my love for him had grown and engulfed me, it was a foolish thought. I now had an appreciation for Cyril’s respect of him. Even with the power he possessed he decided to put part of it in Overton’s protective hands.