Chapter Five: Gravity
The next day, I spend my time eagerly waiting for a chance to contact my grandmother. Because she resides in the palace at sea, I won't be able reach her with human technology like I do mom and dad. I need to find a water source to be able to reach her, and not just any water, but saltwater. While I may be able to reach her by using the water available in my room, because my grandmother is so far away, the connection wouldn't be as good; using water similar to that of the territory improves it. Luckily for me, Silas happens to contain multiple pools for the swim teams. But I don't understand why they felt the need to have a saltwater, a freshwater, and a chlorinated pool.
Unfortunately, I won't be able to go to the gym until after dark. I wanted to go directly after my classes ended but the women's swim team will be in the gym for practice. I have to make sure that no one is in the area before I attempt to reach my grandmother. The last thing I need is to expose not only myself but a royal as well. As far as the humans know, fairies are a myth and the supernatural believe that we are endangered if not already extinct.
It's one thing if I were to expose myself, but to expose the Queen of the Water Fae; thereby revealing that one kingdom if not all of the faes still exist would be disastrous. I can't even begin to imagine the consequences I would have to face if that were to happen. I'd be made an example to the rest of the fae; showing them that endangering not only your element but your species as a whole is treason and will not be tolerated. My family would have to punish me; they'd have no other choice. If I were to be spared after committing such a crime, the kingdom's subjects would rebel; which is the last thing that should happen in a time of fear, uncertainty, and panic.
I'm pulled out of my dark thoughts by the sight of the night sky. I look over at the clock by my bed. The swim team should be just about finished. I think, before leaving my room. Once I'm outside, I keep close to the shadows of trees and buildings, not wanting to attract the attention of any passerby's or Zeta's. I hear the sound of a ruckus the closer I come to the gym.
Getting as close as possible without being seen, I take cover behind a nearby tree and observe the spectacle. I've grown tiresome of this petty feud. My jaw clenches in irritation as I watch the sisters of the Summer Society bicker with the brothers of Zeta Omega Mu about who gets to protect the campus. Did they have to do this right outside the gym? Suddenly the two groups collide, shoving at each other, their voices rising louder. The women of the swim team stand a safe distance away, their faces showing a mixture of worry, fatigue, and amusement. I spend the next few minutes thinking of ways to get around the mob but before I could devise an effective plan, the Zeta's begin running in different direction. The sisters of the Summer Society chase after them in fury, curses spewing from their lips.
I turn away, pressing my body against the tree as the enraged students rush pass me. Peeking out from my hiding place, I watch as the few Zeta's and Summer Sisters left usher the swim team away. Once the coast is clear, I race across the grass and into the gym. I stride down the halls, my eyes scanning for the sign of the swim department. Finally reaching my destination, I promptly enter the pool area. I jog to the edge of the Olympic pool and drop to my knees. I take a deep breath and pull up the sleeves of my denim jacket before dipping my hands into the water.
I close my eyes and begin to chant in my native language. "Coventina I call to thee; accept my appeal and be presented unto me." I feel the magic flow through my fingers and into the pool. I open my eyes and pull my hands out of the small circle of water that bubbles and glows against stillness of water left untouched by my powers. Swirls of colors appear and the water calms, revealing the face of my grandmother.
Fairies are eternally beautiful. If anyone were to look at Coventina Clairborn, they would never assume that she is a grandmother. Humans expect wrinkles and greying hair as they grow older, however; the fae's features cease changing once they reach the prime of their maturity. My grandmother furrows her brows, her dark eyes filled with worry. "Trinity, why did you use the Call of Succor? What is wrong?"
"Before I speak of my predicament, I ask that you promise to keep the contents of my call a secret. Do not speak a word of this to anyone; even Grandfather." I tell her.
My grandmother narrows her eyes but I remain silent. Seeing that I will not speak without her acceptance of my plea, she sighs in resignation. "I promise that I will not speak of your call to anyone."
"Thank you."
"Now tell me, what troubles you so granddaughter?"
I wet my lips before explaining the events that have occurred since my arrival at Silas. As I go deeper into my tales, my grandmother's face clears of any emotion. My grandmother retains her cool expression as I finish.
"Grandmother, what should I do? There has to be something that you can tell me. Information, advice, strate-" I begin listing only to be cut off.
"Return home." She orders.
My eyes widen in shock. "What?"
"Leave that school and return to your parents."
"But what abou-"
"Through your life I have supported your quest for the unknown and your fixation with humans; but do not ask me for this."
"Grandmother you don't understand."
"I understand that whatever lies inside that dreaded school is dangerous. I don't know what it is, nor do I care. You will return to your village, where it is safe. You got your wish to live among the humans; now it is time for you to return."
"How can you say that?! What about my friends?! I can't just leave them!" I say in disbelief. "For my entire life, you have told me to do what I feel is right, to live the life that I want to-"
"And if you want to continue living; you will return to your village. You are Fae. You know that you will outlive every human you've ever met. This is not an option. As your Queen I order you to go home. I will be expecting a call from your parents upon your return." She says before her image dissipates, leaving me with only the reflection of my face in the water.
I can't believe she did that. I can't believe that instead of helping me find a way to protect my friends, she's forcing me to abandon them. I don't notice that I'm crying until a tear drops into the pool, disturbing the still water.
I never expected this. What I just witnessed was the complete opposite of the woman I've admired since the day I was born. My Grandmother has always been by my side, offering aid and advice when needed. She's the one who taught me how to hold myself as a royal, yet fight as a warrior; who explained our people's history as well as encouraging me to learn the history of others.
I wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for her. Even after the amount of begging I did last year, it was my Grandmother who was able to convince my parents into letting me attend University. "A hundred years is but a blink of an eye to Fae as old as we are. Trinity will only be gone for four. She sees time pass as if she were a human; let her enjoy her youth. She'll be there and back before you even notice." She said.
Four years. I scoff. I haven't even been here for four months! With no reason to stay any longer, I sniff and rise to my feet. I fix my jacket before angrily wiping away my tears. I have bags to pack.
I make my way out of the pool area and into the hallway in a daze. What will I say to Laura? To Perry or LaFontaine?
I'm pulled out of my thoughts when I crash into someone as I turn the corner. I stumble back a bit as does whoever I collided with, dropping their bag in the process.
"I'm so sorry. I didn't know that anyone was here." A bell like voice says.
I look up and my world is turned upside down. Love. Consuming, absolutely fated love. No longer do I yearn for anything other than her happiness and safety. Gravity no longer holds me to this earth; she does. My heart hammers against my chest as I stare into the captivating brown eyes. My mate. My thoughts confirm. My human mate.
