Page 28 of Into the Blue
Like I say, it’s a gamble, showing her this place.
I wasn’t being totally honest yesterday when I said I hadn’t taken anyone else to the temple. I was honest in that I’ve never gone there with any of my guests. It’s a private place, still used by the locals. Not really for visitors, though I’ve certainly told a couple of people about it.
But this place? I’ve never brought anyone here. Ever. But I’m desperate.
I also want to see her face when she sees what’s here.
Want to see those jade-green eyes fill with light, her lush mouth softening.
And maybe, when she sees it, she might be able to help me.
ChapterSeventeen
Jade
My mind is completely blown.
We’re in a cave, roughly circular in shape, seams of crystal in the walls glittering in the faint light, which comes from above, shining through small openings in the roof, beams of light falling to the sandy cavern floor like slender ghostly pillars.
There’s a pool at one end of the cave, fed from what looks like a spring in the rock itself. I think of the temple Axel showed me, the way the water was venerated and used. This has a similar feeling, though far older, more holy. Tiny ferns grow like emeralds in the crevices around the spring, fed by the water and the light from above. There are faint carvings on the wall where the spring comes out, curling shapes of beasts and flowers. It is utterly, utterly beautiful.
“What is this place?”
“Its name roughly translates to The Cave of the Waters.”
“Is it a temple?”
“In a way. More like, it’s a sacred place.”
Axel crouches at the edge of the pool, running his hand through the water, droplets like tiny crystals sparkling as they drip from his long fingers. He stands, going to a niche in the cave wall where he picks up a terracotta vessel, ancient-looking and discoloured, with a small spout and a curled handle. He dips it into the pond, then tips the vessel so a stream of clear water flows into his mouth. I’m ashamed of myself for noticing how hot he looks, the strong lines of his throat, the flexed muscles in his arms, the way his long lashes lie on his cheek as he drinks the water down.
Because this is a sacred place. I can feel it. It’s something profound, that resonates with something deep inside me as well. I ride water for a living, and I’ve always had a healthy respect for the ocean and her power. But there’s something more, a communion when you’re out in the waves alone, as though you’re in the presence of something larger, something ancient and wonderful, outside time. This place has that same feeling, more so than even the temple in the gorge. Water is literally the lifeblood of our planet, after all. It’s no wonder people have been worshipping rivers and pools for millennia. And I’d wager this shrine has been in here for at least that long.
Axel stands, coming to me. “Would you like some?”
I nod, taking the vessel from him, tipping it and letting water stream into my mouth. I hold his gaze as I do so, unable to disconnect. The water tastes sweet, pure and clear. Axel’s eyes darken as he watches me swallow, and he takes a step closer.
I pass him back the vessel. “It’s beautiful.” It is, despite or perhaps because of its simplicity. Simple unglazed earthenware, it fits into my hand perfectly.
“It’s called a kendi vessel.” Axel is still close to me. “For carrying sacred water.”
“Sacred water. I like that. I’ve always thought of water that way.”
His gaze softens. “I knew you’d understand.” It’s like I can feel his love for this place, as though we’re sharing emotions somehow.
“So why don’t you buy this place?” I feel like an asshole as soon as I ask. It’s none of my business why he isn’t going to buy it.
His brows come together. “Because I can’t. Afford it, that is.”
“Oh.” I don’t know what to say to that. I think of the rack of gleaming boards in his workshop, of the fact he could make a lot of money just by opening up his workshop again. About the quiet luxury of his peninsula, the cabins and house. But again, this is none of my business. I don’t know his situation. So I stay quiet, biting down all the questions I want to ask.
“Someone has already put in an offer, anyway. It just needs to be passed by the island council.”
“The council you told me about last night?”
“Yeah. When the offer came in for the land, it had to be put to a vote.”
“And?” I don’t understand why he’s frowning so much.
