Elemental: Chapter Five, Part 1

Chapter Five: In A New Light

I woke up to the sound of rustling leaves and was instantly alert; I didn’t dare move, worried it might be something predatory attracted by motion. It’s what happens when you’ve seen too many horror flicks.

Voices engaged passionately, arguing before switching to more romantic whispers. For certain, one belonged to a woman, and the other was unmistakably Drei’s.

“Why are you not at the camp?” Drei demanded angrily, keeping his voice low.

“We were worried. You are taking far too long,” the woman snapped.

“You do not have the authority to leave unless it is an emergency.”

“Sorry if we perceive your prolonged absence as an emergency,” she said quietly, as though it injured her to hear him so upset. “You are the one who started the program.”

“Understandable. But still,” Drei replied, softening. “The children come first.”

“When should we expect you?”

“At sunrise.”

“And will there be any more of these extended tours?” she questioned as though inquiring on behalf of someone else.

Drei was silent a moment before answering, “Not after my return.”

There was rustling again and then silence. I thought she had left until she said, “What is so special about her?” The way she said it wasn’t offensive, or defensive. It was inquisitiveness that prodded her inquiry, and I caught a note of melancholy in her voice as well.

“I will tell you later,” he said simply, sounding as though he was wearing a secretive smile.

When she left—which I sensed more than heard—Drei walked over to where I still lay and touched my shoulder, not allowing a moment to process what I had heard.

“Time to wake,” he said gently, but distractedly.

I played at just waking, though, typically, he would have known different. It worried me such a visit could drive him so far from me. And just when I was starting to feel he was letting me in.