Page 2 of Elemental Love
Gregory hung back a little, giving her the privilege of first viewing.
Agatha’s daughter, Lyssa, sat up in bed propped against a mound of pillows. She was pale, her eyes shadowed in the purple of exhaustion, but still she glowed with radiant happiness. A small bundle wrapped in a pale blue blanket rested in her arms. Her husband, James, sat nervously on the edge of the mattress, looking utterly shell-shocked but delighted as the midwife fussed around them.
Lyssa held the baby out to her mother with a smile. “His name is Evrain. Evrain James Brookes. Hold him, Mum, isn’t he beautiful?”
Gregory held his breath as Agatha reached for the small bundle and cradled the child in her arms. She pushed the blanket back from the baby’s head, and a mop of thick black hair was revealed, sticking out in all directions.
“He is absolutely gorgeous, darling. Didn’t you both do well!” Agatha stroked the child’s hair.
Gregory moved in closer. Tiny fists punched at the air, so Gregory offered the boy his own hand. Immediately, the baby grabbed hold, wrapping his fingers around Gregory’s offering with surprising strength. Gregory grinned at Agatha in delight, then looked back to the baby. His eyes were the dark blue of every newborn but, as Gregory focused his senses on the child, he could see that they would become dark green. Just a shade deeper than his own.
Cooing softly, Agatha muttered a lilting incantation and rocked the baby gently. To Lyssa and James, the song probably sounded like a lullaby, but Gregory knew a spell when he heard one. Tiny eyelids closed and the baby slept. Gregory’s finger was released. After a few more minutes of cuddling, Agatha reluctantly returned the baby to his parents.
“He’s absolutely perfect, Lyssa, love. I’ll leave you to rest now, I’m sure you must be exhausted. Look after her, James.”
“Of course,” James replied. “She’ll be a pampered lady of leisure from now on.”
Lyssa nearly choked laughing. “Oh, James, I think you are in for a big shock. I can’t wait to see you change your first nappy or clean up some projectile vomiting.”
“Hey, don’t spoil my idealized view of the world, I have my rose-tinted specs firmly in place.”
“As all new fathers should,” Gregory said, shaking James’ hand.
Agatha tutted. “It’s been a long night. I, for one, am looking forward to my bed.”
“Thanks, Mum. I’m so glad that you and Gregory are here. It’s made all the difference having you both around.”
The midwife hovered, her face a studied mask of professional patience, but Gregory knew he was about to be ejected. He took a last peek at the sleeping child then led the way from the room, ushering Agatha through the door before closing it behind him. He didn’t have a chance to utter a word. Agatha took his arm and pulled him downstairs to the kitchen. As she put the kettle on, Gregory sent her a questioning glance.
“Well? I caught the spell you did. Does that mean what I think it does?” Gregory asked.
She nodded. “It has come to pass. My grandson has the potential to become one of the most powerful warlocks ever known. His aura is shockingly bright.” She busied herself making herbal tea. Gregory recognized her fear and her need for distraction. He let her potter without interfering.
“Less than an hour old and it is already evident to me that he will possess terrifying power,” Agatha said. She held up a bony hand to still Gregory’s questions. “I have placed a shielding spell on him—no evidence of his abilities will manifest until he passes the age of twenty-one. We can only pray that by then he will have the strength to accept what he is and to face his future.”
Gregory sighed. “When he comes of age, we must do what we can to guide him. If he breaks under the strain and turns to the wild magic, we will have no choice but to destroy him.”
Agatha nodded and handed him a mug of tea. “Agreed. I accept this duty—he is my blood. I will do all I can to lead him down the right path and protect him from those who will wish him harm. But I need your help too, Gregory.”
Gregory nodded.
“He will need guidance from another warlock. I don’t have the skills to teach him everything he’ll need to know.”
His hands suddenly cold, Gregory gripped his mug tightly. “I may not be a blood relative, but you and yours are still my family, Agatha. You have my word… I will do everything in my power to keep him safe. To teach and guide him.”
They fell quiet and steam from their pungent drinks misted the air.
Chapter one
Present day
“You didn’t have to babysit me, Gregory. I’m quite capable of traveling alone, even if it is transatlantic.” Evrain glanced at the man seated next to him in the luxurious first-class cabin. “Not that I don’t appreciate the ticket. I could get used to this. I usually get stuck in the back row with the delights of eau de chemical toilet.”
His godfather’s seat was slightly reclined. Gregory’s eyes were closed and a couple of faint lines furrowed the bridge of his nose. He opened one eye, revealing a slither of pale green.
“Is it over?” Gregory asked.
“Is what over?” Evrain asked in confusion. They had only been in the air ten minutes.
