Authors: Elizabeth Hunter
A Fall of Water (47 page)
Giovanni’s voice was soft when he answered. “San Lorenzo protecting the Holy Chalice.”
An enormous stained glass window covered the back wall. Large and intricate, the yellow light shone from behind as if the window was lit by the afternoon sun. The scattered rainbow of colors dripped down the center aisle and Beatrice walked toward the light as Giovanni followed behind her. On the far wall, under the vivid stained glass, was a brass plaque with a Latin inscription.
Beatrice stepped closer to read it. “There’s a quote here.”
Desine iam tandem precibusque inflectere nostris,
Ne te tantus edit tacitam dolor et mihi curae
Saepe tuo dulci tristes ex ore recursent.
Uentum ad supremum est.
“What is it?” Giovanni asked.
“It’s from Virgil. The last book of
The Aeneid
.”
His voice was soft. “What passage?”
“It’s when Juno and Jupiter are making peace in the end. ‘Now cease, at last, and give way to my entreaties, lest such sadness consume you in silence, and your bitter woes stream back to me often from your sweet lips.’” She paused, blinking back the tears as she read the final line. “‘It has reached its end.’”
Beatrice heard him gasp, and she spun around. Giovanni’s jaw was clenched tightly, and he was staring up at the window. She could feel his energy reach out toward hers as he held out his hand. She walked over and his arms encircled her. She closed her eyes and held him tight.
“Has this reached its end, Gio? Even after all the evil, he did some good, too. So much lost, but so much gained. We found each other. The past is gone, and no one can take our future. You asked me once to let it be enough.” She nodded and pressed her cheek against his chest. “It is. For me, it is enough.”
Giovanni pulled back and cupped her face in his hands. His eyes searched hers before he nodded. Then he leaned down and pressed a kiss to her mouth. “Yes, Beatrice, it is enough,” he whispered before he kissed her again. “It is enough.”
The light behind the stained glass glowed brightly, a reminder of all they had searched for and all they had found. Beatrice pressed her cheek against Giovanni’s as they embraced, and she could feel their hearts beat together in a slow, steady rhythm. The two lovers held each other as the light poured over them, and everything was illuminated.
The End
A Look Ahead
Dear Readers,
Thank you for reading Giovanni and Beatrice’s story.
Thank you for your emails, notes, and other words of encouragement. Writing these books and publishing them has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I’ve met or corresponded with so many people who have been touched by my words and connected with the story and its characters. And many readers have asked me, is this truly the end of the Elemental Mysteries?
Well, yes and no. Giovanni and Beatrice have told their story. So for them, the books are over. But I think this world has more stories to tell. I hope you’ll come back and find out what they are.
And if you really want a look ahead… well, just turn the page.
My sincere thanks,
Elizabeth
Five years later…
It was late Saturday night when Ben strode through the kitchen door. He put his motorcycle helmet on the kitchen table and tossed his backpack on the floor. Then he opened the refrigerator to grab a beer before he listened for who was around.
The only sound of life was the television in the study. It sounded like someone was watching an old kung fu movie with the volume turned low. The corner of his mouth turned up, and he walked down the hallway toward the noise. Tenzin sat on the couch frowning as she watched the screen. She didn’t even glance at him.
“These movies are horrible,” she said.
“Then why do you keep watching them?”
“I don’t know.”
She fell silent for a few more minutes.
“Are you done with your tests at school?” she asked, still staring at the screen.
“Yep.”
“So you are done with the human schools?”
“For now.”
“Good.”
Ben propped his feet on the coffee table and looked around at the familiar room. He took a drink and stared at the screen. Then he looked at the small woman sitting next to him on the couch.
“Tenzin?”
“Yes?”
“I’m bored.”
She turned from the television, and he smiled at the gleam in her eyes.
“Me, too.”
Building From Ashes
coming Winter 2012
"For a thousand years, powerful earth vampire Carwyn ap Bryn has served others. God. His family. His friends. But tragedy and loss disrupt his peaceful existence, causing him to question everything he has committed his eternity to.
Brigid Connor has known about vampires since they rescued her from a painful childhood. But not even their vast elemental power can save her from the demons that torment her.
As loyalties are tested and new paths are forged, a lurking danger slowly grows in the Elemental World. And Carwyn and Brigid learn that even secrets revealed can come back to haunt you when you least expect it."
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
There were so many this time I had to put them at the end!
First, I’d like to say thank you to all the professionals who have worked on the publication of these books.
Amy and Cassie at The Eyes for Editing, thank you for your professional work, your encouragement, and your ability to edit, proofread, and format all while nursing bodily injury. Your keen eyes and insight have been invaluable to this process.
Corey at Flash in the Can Productions, thank you for your excellent and unique cover work. Your vision sets you apart from all others.
To the many book bloggers and reviewers who publicized the books, featured me on their blog, or spread the word on social networks, thank you so much. You work incredibly hard for the love of the written word, and that makes you rock stars in my eyes.
To my pre-reading girls, many of whom have stayed up late and sacrificed sleep and the good will of their spouses to help me with my writing.
Kristy, my first reader. From the beginning, you have been the encouragement and voice of calm that I needed to keep going on this journey. The fact that you were so dedicated that you read and left notes on an entire book from your
phone
will never be forgotten. So much love to you and your amazing family.
Lindsay, who is well-acquainted with my neurotic, pre-publication jitters. This Hendricks and tonic is for you. I’ll be Windy City-bound before you know it.
Sarah, who has coined more inventive swearing when I leave her on a literary cliff than anyone else I know. “Holy &%!#@-waffles!” remains a favorite to this day.
Molly, you are the voice of reason. The critical eye who challenges me and makes me better. The librarian action hero who really likes the bloody scenes best (don’t try to deny it). I can’t wait to return the favor someday.
Sandra, who reins in my repetitive prose and tells me when a gasp should really be a sigh. Your obsessive eye for detail has straightened out so many mistakes I feel like you should be a stage manager for my characters. Sexy chefs and Brussels sprouts, baby.
Caroline, who asks me why. Thank you for the chats and the brainstorming sessions that were so crucial when I was plotting this series. I hope I can return the favor for you. Also, Romero love, zombie-girl.
Paulette and Dale, who read, loved, and kept me supplied with avocados. I love your family like my own. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
To my own family, who are the reason I am the way I am (for good and bad), and especially those who read and gave me suggestions on my writing.
Kelli, best friend and sister of my heart. I may be a writer, but there are not enough words.
Gen, my sister. My friend. Your strength amazes me. Your enthusiasm and optimism inspire me. And to Shawn, who knows his transmissions and reassured me the books weren’t too girly. Thanks!
Morgan, who knows how to pronounce Mandarin and gave me guidance and encouragement on all things Chinese. I’m serious about the Silk Road trip.
Dad, who is always proud of me, when I was changing diapers and when I was publishing books. It means so much more than you know.
And to Mom, my very first editor and teacher, who doesn’t read vampire books, but did because they were mine. I’m incredibly happy (and relieved) that you like them.
And especially to Colin, who tells me the stories now. I love you so much, kiddo.
And eternal thanks to God, who gave me the mind to think, the family to nurture me, and the grace to live—truly live—my life.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Elizabeth Hunter is a contemporary fantasy, paranormal romance, and contemporary romance author. She is a graduate of the University of Houston Honors College in the Department of English (Linguistics) and a former English teacher.
She currently lives in Central California with a seven-year-old ninja who claims to be her child. She enjoys reading, writing, travel, and bowling (despite the fact that she’s not very good at it.) Someday, she plans to learn how to scuba-dive. And maybe hang-glide. But that looks like a lot of running.
Her contemporary fantasy series, The Elemental Mysteries, is a paranormal romance available in e-edition and paperback at all major online retailers. Her contemporary romance, The Genius and the Muse, was published Spring 2012.
Learn more about her writing at
Or visit the Elemental Mysteries fan site at
She may be contacted by e-mail at
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