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"I probably can? Depends on what it is. I need to have an object that I can get a read on. For example, if your husband or wife ran off on you, I could hold on to one of their T-shirts or car keys and read their energy. Then I would scry to find them," Ella replied and sipped her tea.
"I'm not missing a person, but I understand your meaning. I might have something that will be able to assist," he said, rubbing at his beard. "The thing I'm looking for is magical. Would that be a problem?"
"I don't think so. I won't know until I try. Can you give me more information on what this is about exactly?" Ella said.
Mananan studied her face for a long moment. "I will need you to come and meet with some of my family. They have the items you will read. We can explain everything to you then, but you need to rest tonight. I will come and collect you tomorrow."
Ella chewed her lip. He wasn't asking. "It needs to be in the daytime. I can't leave the lighthouse unattended at night."
"That won't be an issue," he replied. He didn't move, just kept staring at her.
"What?" she demanded.
Mananan reached over and touched her hair. "Why is your hair silver when you were born with brown? You're too young for this to be natural."
Ella's hand curled protectively around her mug. "My parents died in an accident when I was seven. I saw it happen, and afterward, my hair fell out and grew back white. The doctors said it was a traumatic response."
"I'm sorry about your parents," Mananan replied.
"Really? That's it? No, that's not a thing that happens in real life. No ‘How did they die?’" she asked, suddenly defensive.
Mananan frowned. "You were traumatized so much by their deaths that your hair turned white. Why would I ask you to relive that?"
"Most people ask," Ella replied.
"Most people can't mind their own business." Mananan stared at her a moment longer before he gave her a slight bow. "Good night, Ella. I will see you at nine tomorrow morning."
Ella had the sudden urge to hug him but checked herself. "I'll be ready. Thank you for saving my life. Twice."
"You're welcome," he said. With a final smile, he headed out the front door and into the night.
Ella stared at his silhouette in her front garden. He was on his phone, and then suddenly, Bayn appeared from nowhere. She gave them a small wave goodbye, and they simply vanished.
"Fucking hell," she gasped. There was magic like hers, and then there wasMagicwith a capital M. That's what had happened to her that day.
Ella was wired and tired at the same time. She finished her tea and went to her bedroom. She made herself a small fort of pillows before curling herself around one and holding it tight to her chest.
She'd touched someone more that day than in a long time. Instead of leaving her feeling like she needed to wash her hand a hundred times, she felt strangely lonely.
She shut her eyes and tried to block out the sensation of Mananan's chest under her fingertips. It didn't work, and she eventually fell back asleep with the ghost of his strong heart beating in the palm of her hand.
7
Ella didn't know where she was going to go the following day, but she made sure she was ready for anything. At least, she tried to be. She was still feeling like she was in some kind of weird dream version of reality. She was off balance, and her routine was shot to hell. As someone who lived and died by her routine, it was disconcerting.
Not nearly as disconcerting as having to face her rescuer when she had spent most of the previous day around him with no pants on.
Stop thinking about not wearing pants, she chastised herself. She had been wounded and sick. Not that you would know it. Her leg felt better than ever, and if it wasn’t for the scar, she would've convinced herself that she'd imagined the whole thing.
The fae were magical and powerful; Ella couldn't imagine what they wanted her to find. Surely, they had mages who could search for anything in both worlds.
It was a cold, rainy day, so Ella was dressed in her nicest jeans, a knit sweater, and a leather jacket. She had put on a little makeup so she didn't look so pale and had left her hair out. She didn't know why she felt the need to look nice.
Yes, you do. It's because that man is fine with a capital F, Deidra's voice said from the ether.
"Behave yourself. He's not interested in me like that, just my abilities," Ella replied.
Her alarm went off to announce it was 9 a.m., and Mananan and Bayn appeared in her front yard. Mananan was wearing a dark blue Henley that showed every glorious dip and curve of muscle in his chest and arms.
