The Alchemist's Flame (17 page)

He abruptly turned away from me and for an instant, I thought I had offended him.

“A portal opened.”

“It’s probably—”

A small crash sounded upstairs, followed by a scream that cut out in mid crescendo.

Ian ran for the stairs, and I hurried after him the best I could in my narrow dress, grumbling the whole way. At least, I wasn’t wearing heels. Yet.

I arrived in my living room a few strides behind Ian. Era stood near the kitchen counter, the pitcher that had held orange juice this morning lay shattered at her feet.

I relaxed when I saw Elysia standing a short distance away, holding a laundry basket full of folded clothes. A pair of cardboard boxes sat at her feet.

“Oh, really? Well, a little warning would be nice,” Era was saying.

“I’m sorry,” James said, walking out of Elysia’s room. He adjusted the waistband of the sweatpants he had pulled on. “I’ll help you clean it up.”

“Never mind.” She squatted beside the mess. “I’m sure you have other commands.”

“I don’t give him commands,” Elysia spoke up.

Era cast a frown in her direction. “Uh-huh.” She began gathering the broken glass.

I stepped around Ian. “I have a broom and dustpan downstairs.”

“Seriously,” Elysia said as if I hadn’t spoken. “I would never force him to do something against his will.”

“So, he’s willingly bouncing you across the state, helping you move after knowing you a week?”

“Yes, I am,” James said.

Era rolled her eyes and went back to gathering the glass. “Save your breath, James. Nothing you say can be trusted.”

“Okay, that’ll do.” I walked over to Era. “Why don’t you two go unpack,” I made a shooing gesture to Elysia and James.

James gathered the boxes. “Come on,” he said softly to Elysia, then led her to her room.

“Ian, how about that broom and dustpan,” I said.

He frowned after Elysia and James, then turned to the stairs.

“Era—”

She rose to her feet and faced me. “I really don’t want to hear about what a great person the necromancer is, and how she didn’t
mean
to bind James.”

“Then I don’t know what to tell you. I’ve spent time around her. I can find no reason to suspect anything nefarious is going on.”

“Good intent or bad doesn’t change the fact that she made him mortal.”

“I intend to fix that.”

“How?”

“I’ll make her immortal.”

“Great. Then she can torment him for eternity.”

“To what purpose?”

“How would I know? She’s a necromancer.”

“Don’t be a bigot.”

“I guess you would defend them. You live with one, after all.” She turned and headed for the stairs.

“Era.”

“Save it,” she said over her shoulder. She hesitated when Ian stepped out of the stairwell, then hurried around him and headed downstairs.

Ian, broom and dustpan in hand, watched her disappear down the stairs before turning back to me.

“I don’t know how to make this right.” I glanced up the hall toward Elysia’s room. I could hear a low murmur of voices as she and James no doubt discussed the same thing. “I suspect that Era likes James more than she realizes,” I whispered.

“Barring an alchemical solution, I’m afraid that just leaves time.” He walked to the broken pitcher.

“Alchemy is out. I—”

James walked out of Elysia’s room. He cast me a weary glance, then headed down the stairs after Era.

“Give me the dustpan. I’ll give you a hand,” I said to Ian. With my penchant for destroying glassware, this wasn’t the first time we had done this.

“You’re not wearing shoes. I don’t relish digging another shard of glass out of your foot.”

“I’ll do it.” Elysia joined us. She offered me a tentative smile. “You look too nice to be sweeping up the mess I made.” She held out her hand. “Dustpan?”

Ian wordlessly handed it to her and began sweeping up the glass. I stood rooted to the spot, watching the pair work together. Here was hope. If Ian and Elysia could get along, maybe one day Elysia and Era would, too.

“I don’t think it’s your mess,” I said when she rose to her feet.

“It might as well be.”

“I’ll dispose of that,” Ian said.

Elysia handed him the dustpan before turning to me. “And damn, that dress is smokin’!”

“Smoking?” Ian asked.

“Hot. She looks great in it.”

“Ah.” Ian’s eyes met mine. “See?”

“I will take your words under advisement.”

A final smile and he left the room.

Elysia lifted a brow.

“He was giving me fashion advice earlier.”

I thought she would laugh, but she gave the stairwell door a considering look. “If he could get with the times, I bet he would be a good source of information.”

“I think the fumes from the hairspray have made me delusional. Did you just compliment Ian?”

“What? The guy’s a total narcissist.”

“True.” I laughed and let it go at that. It was a start.

Chapter
17

I
stopped on the threshold, my hand resting on Rowan’s sleeve, and surveyed the private dining room. We were tastefully tardy because Rowan had spent a good fifteen minutes grilling me on the events at the morgue. Apparently, Colby had given him enough information to worry him.

As with everything the Elements did, they had spared no expense. The restaurant was one of the better ones situated on the banks of the Ohio River. This room was finely decorated, the table service elegant, and the view off the private balcony beautiful. But it wasn’t the surrounding that held my attention, it was the people. I would be dining with three complete Elemental families. The rest of David’s and Colby’s families had arrived. Oddly, there were way more than eleven other people in the room.

“I’m not the only interloper?” I whispered to Rowan.

“No, some have brought spouses, and a few, their children.”

I looked up.

“Their grown children, from before the magic returned.”

“Ah.” Since magic had returned, no Element the world over had produced a child. The magic was believed to have made them infertile. The price for immortality. I didn’t know if I would pay the same price for taking the Final Formula, but that was a question for another day.

Rowan walked into the room, and I kept pace beside him, grateful that all the little clusters of people seemed more interested in their own conversations than staring at me. At least Era had dressed me properly. I thought I would feel a bit conspicuous in red, but most of the ladies in the room wore the dark jewel tones typical of formal wear in winter. I was also grateful that my heels weren’t so high that I threatened to topple over. This was not my thing. I wished the Elements had worn their robes so I could wear mine, but they didn’t want the world to know they had gathered here. As far as the public was concerned, this was just another dinner party.

We moved from group to group, socializing a bit before the meal was served. I smiled and nodded, remembering few names. Everyone was polite, but I couldn’t help wonder what they thought of me. Did they feel the same as Cora?

Rowan led me to the next group, and I smiled in recognition, even if Cora was part of the party.

I released Rowan’s arm and gave Era a hug. By her expression, I could tell she hadn’t expected it. “Thanks for the dress,” I said keeping my voice low. No need to let the rest of the room know I couldn’t dress myself.

In typical Era fashion, she returned the hug with enough force to crack my ribs. “I’m so sorry about earlier,” she replied, her tone just as low.

“Don’t worry about it. We’ll work it out.”

Her sigh sounded so forlorn that I hugged her again.

“James probably hates me.”

“No, he doesn’t.”

She released me and took a step back. There were tears in her eyes, but she blinked them away. We needed to sit down and talk at some point, but not here.

“Ah, and here is the charming Ms. Era and Rowan’s lovely alchemist,” Sebastien said, joining us.

“I have a name of my own.” I smiled to take the edge off.

He gave me a little half bow, though nowhere near as elegant as Ian’s. “Can you forgive me, mademoiselle?”

“The sexy French accent saved you this time, but don’t let it happen again.”

Sebastien flashed me a grin, a twinkle in his amber eyes. Sooty lashes and dark brows accentuated his attractive eyes and made an interesting contrast to his fair hair.

“And what does he need to be saved from?” Rowan returned to my side. Speaking of attractive eyes, I had always found Rowan’s gray eyes stunning. The color was so pale around the pupils that it looked white. The light shade flared into a starburst that stretched into a darker gray as it deepened to charcoal around the perimeter.

I smiled. “He called me
your
alchemist.”

“But you are my alchemist.”

“And that’s not all she is.” Era’s amber eyes had a twinkle to match Sebastien’s.

“True.” Rowan’s hand slipped behind me, sliding along the bare skin of my back.

The tingle that ran through my body was not something I should be feeling while in company. I nudged him with my elbow. “Behave.”

A last brush of his fingers, and he took away his hand.

“Perhaps it would be more accurate to say the alchemist’s Element,” Sebastien said.

“True,” I echoed Rowan’s earlier response. “But then, it is every alchemist’s goal to be master of the elements.”

The corner of Rowan’s lip curled, but he didn’t respond. Waiters were moving among the tables filling water glasses and laying out small loaves of bread.

“I guess it’s time to sit,” I said, watching the others do just that.

Rowan wordlessly offered his arm again, that small smile still on his lips.

“What are you smirking about,” I whispered.

“You claimed me.”

I glanced up, trying to gage his expression. “Why are you surprised? I already admitted that I didn’t mind being your girlfriend.”

“That was in private. In public, you’re not a demonstrative woman.”

“Really? Don’t I usually say what I think?” I certainly got in trouble for it enough.

“What you think, but rarely what you feel.” He stopped at one of the tables and pulled out a chair for me.

I frowned up at him, trying to determine if he was messing with me.

“Sit,” he said. “We can talk later.”

I gripped the arms of my chair, ready to settle into it when Cora and a woman I hadn’t met approached.

“Rowan.” The new woman greeted him with a smile, kissing his cheek when he leaned down. She presented her cheek and he returned the favor.

“You must introduce me.” Her eyes of multi-hued blue settled on me. Like Cora, she was a Water Element.

“Lynn, this is Addie.”

“I’m so pleased to finally meet you. I’ve heard so many things.” She offered her hand.

I shook hands with her. “Should that concern me?”

Her smile put the Mona Lisa to shame. “Perhaps.”

I arched a brow, not certain what to make of that—especially since she was here with Cora.

Lynn released my hand and turned to Cora. “You are right. She feels like another Element—though I cannot discern the flavor.”

It had been a while since anyone had brought that up. I suspected it was a product of the Final Formula. After all, I had used Era’s blood to brew it.

Cora’s eyes met mine. She believed that was the reason, too.

“Did you have a good flight?” Rowan asked Lynn.

His abrupt change of topic did nothing for the uneasy fluttering in my belly. Did he sense my
Elementness
, too—and believe as Cora did?

“My flight was better than yours.” Lynn laid a hand on Rowan’s sleeve. “Tell me true,” she lowered her voice, “will he make it?”

I glanced across the room where Colby stood with Era and Sebastien. Era was laughing and Sebastien smirking, while Colby gave them both a tolerant smile. He looked tense and uptight, his gaze frequently going to the door as if he wished to leave.

“He just needs time,” Rowan answered Lynn. “He’s been dealt a life-altering blow.”

“It’s been six months.”

“I know.”

Cora placed a hand on Lynn’s arm. “He’ll find his way.”

“You are so fortunate to have a brother who is stable.” Lynn gave Rowan an approving smile.

“Yes, I am.” Cora’s eyes met mine, then she led Lynn away.

I dropped into my chair and watched Cora walk away.

“Something I should know?” Rowan sat down beside me. “Or do you just frown at Cora on principle now?”

“I tried to talk to her earlier, but it didn’t go well.”

It was his turn to frown after her. “Well, thanks for trying.”

“Cora’s tough, but fair,” Era said, taking the seat on my other side. “She’ll come around.”

I didn’t get to answer as the salad arrived and the others took their seats around us. Talk turned to other things, and I realized that these three Elemental families knew each other well. They spoke of extended family, vacations, and even Era’s upcoming graduation before talk turned to politics, bureaucracy, and the trials of overseeing the magical community in their respective parts of the world.

With nothing to offer, I remained silent and concentrated on not dripping salad dressing on myself.

The main course arrived and the conversation died away as a team of waiters descended on the table. One young man almost dropped my plate when he got a good look at me.

“You’re that alchemist,” he said, his eyes wide.

“I must look like her because I get that a lot.” I adjusted the satiny shawl wrapped around my bare shoulders and showed him my biceps. “See, no tattoos.”

“Oh.” He looked disappointed. He took my empty salad plate and walked away.

“Perhaps you should have gone for the hooded look when out in public—like the rest of us,” Era said.

“But that would mess my hair.”

Era laughed, knowing how little I cared about such things.

The meal passed quickly, and we were nibbling on some fruit and sorbet when a string quartet began to set up in one corner.

“A little late for dinner music,” I said.

“But not for dancing.” Era gave me a wink, then turned to Sebastien who sat on her other side. “Care to help me put those years of dancing lessons to use?”

He returned her grin, a twinkle in those eyes that matched hers. “Oui, mademoiselle.” He got to his feet and led Era out onto the open area near the musicians. They were an attractive couple, and I couldn’t help but smile as they began to waltz.

“Do Elements ever hook up?” I asked Rowan.

He chuckled at my word choice. “Within individual families, the relationship is that of siblings.”

“In every family?”

“Believe it or not, yes. It’s an…instinctive thing. Something that came with the magic.”

“How about between families?”

“It happens, but your word choice is accurate. Long-term relationships are hard to maintain with most families oceans apart.”

His gaze drifted down the table and I followed it. Cora and Lynn sat close, their heads together as they laughed about something. Lynn’s hand overlaid Cora’s where it rested on the arm of her chair.

“Cora and Lynn?” I whispered.

“Why would you suspect that?”

“You once implied that guys really weren’t Cora’s flavor of choice.” I returned my attention to him. “No wonder she’s never happy.”

“True.” He eyes met mine. “Dance with me.”

“Always with the commands.”

The corner of his mouth curled upward. “Will you dance with me, alchemist?”

I smiled. “Only because you asked so nicely, Your Grace.”

He helped me up and led me to the dance floor. I watched Era and Sebastien as we approached. They danced in sync, their movements coordinated and graceful.

“I’m not sure I ever had dancing lessons.”

“I’ll teach you.” Rowan took me in his arms and we were dancing. My uncertainty faded quickly. I liked being in Rowan’s arms too much to be uncomfortable long. Era and Sebastien moved closer to us, offering words of encouragement when I messed up. Soon we were all laughing. Rowan was right, this felt like family. Even when some of the others joined us, I didn’t mind.

Rowan laughed with the others, seeming to enjoy himself, but I frequently looked up to find him watching me. In the low light, I could see the slim band of glowing orange encircling his pupils. Did the others feel it? Judging by the frown David gave us, I was certain he did. I began to wonder how bad it was when Donovan cut in, taking me away from Rowan.

“Enjoying yourself, little alchemist?” Donovan towered over me. His large hand swallowed mine entirely as he took my hand in his.

“I’m surprised to find that I am,” I admitted.

“Why is that surprising?”

“I had to wear heels and hang out with Elements.”

He chuckled, the sound a deep rumble within his large chest. “Certainly we’re not that bad.”

“Not all of you.”

He gave me a grin through his beard and I smiled back, my heart full. I truly loved the big guy. He was the one person who had never doubted me, even when we learned the worst about my past. I prayed I would never let him down.

Rowan was dancing with Era a short distance away. He laughed at something she said, but his intense gaze remained on me. I shivered.

“So, um, can Elements feel it when another uses their power, or is it just within your own Element?”

“We are most sensitive to our own, but we feel them all.” His smile made another appearance. “Why do you think Era and I cut in?”

I tried to pretend that my cheeks weren’t on fire. “And here I thought you wanted to dance with me, Dirt Boy.”

He released another rumbling laugh. “I put my foot in it that time.”

I grinned in turn, feeling so easy with him—as always. We made a few more turns around the dance floor. When I judged us far enough away from the others, I continued our conversation.

“Cora told me that I’m detrimental to his control,” I said, keeping my voice low. “That if I cared about him, I should leave him.”

Donovan frowned, his hazel eyes on Rowan and Era dancing on the other side of the dance floor. “You already ripped his heart out once.”

When Rowan learned about my past. “He left me,” I reminded Donovan. “Not that I didn’t deserve it, but it wasn’t my intent to hurt him.”

“I know.” He didn’t offer anything else.

“So,” I forced myself to continue, “is Cora right?”

Donovan sighed, his exhale stirring the hair on top of my head. “She’s right.”

My stomach dropped.

“But I don’t agree with her solution,” he added.

I missed a step and almost lost a toe beneath his large shoe.

“Easy.” He steadied me, slowing the pace until I regained my equilibrium.

“Damned if do, damned if I don’t,” I said.

“You’ll find a way, little alchemist. You always do.”

The song ended and we applauded the musicians. A moment later, Rowan returned to my side.

“You’re flushed,” he said.

“It’s warmer in here than I realized.”

“Let’s step outside.”

I thanked Donovan for the dance and got a wink in return, then Rowan was leading me out onto the small balcony. I had been hot, but the February night was not the ideal setting for a sleeveless dress. I crossed my arms against the chill, not wanting to go inside yet. I stepped up to the rail and gazed out across the Ohio River. The city lights glinted on the smooth water, the banks dusted with a light snow that must have fallen while we ate.

“How beautiful,” I said.

“Yes.”

I glanced over my shoulder. He leaned against the side of the building, but his gaze wasn’t on the view. The ring of fire still burned in his eyes and I wondered if it had ever left. I turned back to the view, aware of him moving up behind me.