Free Elemental (The Keeper of the elements) by Shayne Donovan

with my teeth grinding.
     
    Ronnie licked her lips and fidgeted before speaking. “In the Fae community, we are born entwined. What that means is there is one being that holds the other half of your soul. The two of you are destined to be together. You don’t usually experience pain during a separation or be able to have reveries until after the bonding ceremony which I am certain you and Aydan have not completed. It is not much different than a human marriage, including consummation.” Ronnie’s cheeks pinked at the explanation.  My heart beat uncontrollably as I sat quietly. The sound of blood rushing through my veins roared loudly in my ears. “You have no intention of rescuing Aydan do you?” I asked quietly. Roland sighed and exchanged a glance with Ronnie. “If it is beneficial, then yes…” beneficial… my mind lingered on that word. Why would not rescuing Aydan be beneficial? I waited for more explanation. “Aydan is dying Gemma… depending on how much of a chance he has at survival, will depend on whether or not we try to extract him.”
     
    My heart felt like it was breaking. The very thought of Aydan dying made me want to close my eyes and never wake up. Ronnie and Roland exchanged a glance and slowly left the room, leaving me alone in my sorrow.
     
    I lay in the bed sobbing until the room grew dark. I know someone had come in offering me something to eat but I didn’t even acknowledge them. I just allowed myself to give in to my pain, to drown in my heart ache.
     
    I don’t even remember drifting off that night but I remember the pink light of dawn creeping into the windows. My eyes were red and swollen and my cheeks were blotchy from crying and my heart ached the worst it ever has. I wasn’t sure I could take much more. I slowly sat up and jumped when I noticed Roland standing next to the bed.
     
    “We will be going in for Aydan.” He said gruffly. Relief instantly flooded me and despite the aches that filled my body I threw myself into his arms. “Do not get me wrong Gemma. We shouldn’t go in for him. He will most likely not survive and we will probably be walking into a trap. But I am doing it. I am doing this because of Amelie and because you are my daughter…” his eyes welled up and I was fighting my own tears as I nodded slowly. “I understand. Thank you…” He sniffed and nodded. His eyes lingered on me a moment longer before he turned away.
     
    I felt the first bit of relief and hope that I had since I tumbled into this mess.

    Chapter Thirteen
     
    The sun streamed in through the open window. I was curled up in a thick blanket sitting in front of it, enjoying the light breeze. My face was warm and I felt relaxed for the first time. I could still feel the ache in my heart but I was dealing.  “Are you just going to sit there?” Ronnie startled me and I let out a squeak of surprise. “Why? Am I supposed to do “ I asked feeling confused.
     
    Ronnie stood with her hands on her hips wearing black yoga pants, a white tank top and her hair was pulled up. Her smile was rivaling the sun. “I will be training you today” She laughed and instantly I shot up. “You need to be prepared to help rescue Aydan.” She said, like it was the most obvious thing in the world. Those nine words felt wonderful to me. The smile on my face grew so wide that my cheeks were screaming in protest. “Just tell me how and I will follow your lead Jedi Master.” I joked as I bowed to her. She laughed and shook her head “Oh no. I would totally be yoda. Hands down.”
     
    I followed her out into a wide back yard surrounded by thick trees. It looked almost like someone had flew the house in my helicopter and dropped it in the first clearing in the largest forest they could find. Ronnie began stretching out like she was getting ready for yoga. “um…” She pinned me with my eyes as I started to complain. I didn’t know how yoga was going to save Aydan. “You need to center yourself before