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Tears welled in the corners of Rukia’s eyes as she remembered Gideon’s eagerness to train her as a young Elemental herself, even though he’d been of a different element. From the moment she’d met him, she’d felt safe and cherished with him.
He’d been Rukia’s brother, in every way but blood.
Dignitaries from other nations began to fill out the remainder of the audience, having kept away until it neared the official opening time, in respect. Lucius and Circe arrived with a host of other vampires, Kane and Nova touching base with Drake and Rona immediately.
Nina and several of her clan materialized next to her. Though Rukia kept an eye out for Isaiah or any of his people, she’d been distracted by the sheer magnitude of the crowd offering their condolences.
Hugs were exchanged and tears shed. Vampires mingled with Raeths; werewolves consoled Elementals. For once, the entirety of the immortal community was united on one front.
When Tyee took the stage, a hush drew over the audience. “I met Gideon Vega when I was two centuries into my immortal life. Immediately, I was struck by his wisdom and inherent optimism, his unfettered love of the element he called his own. After meeting, we traveled the world together for centuries, and established Paracel here in the years that followed.
“Over the course of his life, Gideon mentored any Elemental who sought his guidance, and even those who didn’t.” A smile, full of bittersweet memories, laced his lips. “In signing the Peace Accords, he opened our borders to the broader world, and we have experienced the breadth of that partnership with our new brothers and sisters. As a nation, we would not be where we are today had it not been for him.
“In the last year of his life, Gideon met and married Rona Cai, and for anyone who saw them together, it was plain that their love of each other was a treasure.”
Tyee turned to Rona, sincerity ringing in his eyes. “Meeting you, Rona, was the greatest joy he’d ever known, and I can’t recall a time I’ve ever witnessed two people who loved each other more. I speak for many of us when I say that Gideon changed the course of my life and made me a better person for having known him.”
A pregnant pause as the water Elemental fought against the sorrow that lingered in his eyes. “For those who knew him best, the hole in our hearts will never be filled. But today, we do not mourn Gideon. Instead, we celebrate his life.” He raised his glass. “To Gideon.”
The chorus of voices echoed, “To Gideon.”
Minutes later, Rukia still felt numb. Never did she believe she’d outlive Gideon, not even when he’d been so severely wounded in the events that followed his confrontation with Victor.
And now, at his memorial, she felt incomplete. Her feet wandered through the dignitaries and her people, saying the right things but feeling completely and hopelessly hollow.
Even through the fog, she knew she was searching for Isaiah.
Her eyes scanned the crowd repeatedly, moving through the throngs of immortals with one goal in mind. Nothing about tonight had been easy to deal with, and the only person her soul longed for was the Raeth who’d banished her from his presence.
If she didn’t fight for Isaiah, she’d be admitting defeat when he needed her most. He’d been scared that night he’d sent her away—terrified—and it clawed at her whenever she became too still. Isaiah was afraid of very little, but he’d certainly been afraid of whatever had stricken him in that dream.
As the seconds progressed to minutes with still no sign of him, tears stung her eyes. Those who noticed would think it only a sign of her despair at Gideon’s loss—which was true in one sense. But even more so, it was the loss of the man she’d come to love.
A hand delicately reached out to touch her shoulder. Stealing herself against another round of condolences, Rukia removed all emotion from her face as she turned to greet the person.
Surprise rippled through her when she came face to face with Jaeda.
“Rukia.”
The single, quiet word was enough to make the tears fall heavy on her cheeks as the other woman embraced her with open arms. Enveloped in the healer’s affectionate hug, Rukia felt some of the tension leave her shoulders, and the tightness in her chest dissipate. With a start, she realized just how much she’d come to enjoy the other woman’s presence.
“Thank you, Jaeda.” Drawing back, she searched the other woman’s sapphire eyes. “Is Isaiah here?”
“He is,” she conceded, “but I don’t think it’s wise for you to approach each other.”
Rukia’s eyebrows drew together, concern and anger flaring in her blood in equal parts while she studied the healer’s features. “Why not?”
“He’s … he’s not in a good place, Rukia,” Jaeda admitted.
“And I am?” Incredulous, Rukia fisted her hands on her hips defiantly. “Ever since I came back, I’ve been haunted by nightmares. Endless, perpetual dreams filled with nothing but Gideon’s death and Isaiah abandoning me.”
“It’s because Isaiah isn’t with you.”
The rational comment, spoken so evenly, evaded Rukia’s reason. “What?”
“Isaiah’s abilities to control visions extends to sleep as well, to reinforce the mind and fend off nightmares,” she explained, taking a deep breath, and rubbing Rukia’s arm compassionately. “His absence is why you’re suddenly experiencing them again.”
“He never told me that.”
