Chapter 14 Into the Water

An excerpt from The Violet Series Book 1: The Water Nymph’s Tale.

Bonnie and Clyde lay sleeping in each others’ arms as the morning light came in through the windows. Soon they opened their eyes.

“Did you sleep well, Bon?”

She smiled. “Yes, I did. Why did we wait so long?”

“Uh, I made you a promise and I didn’t want to break it.”

“And Violet.”

“Yes, and Violet. I didn’t want to upset her.”

“She’s okay with us.”

“She is?”

“Yes, she told me before she left.”

He smiled. “Good.”

“I’m glad too. She told me to just tell you how I felt because she knew you wouldn’t break your promise.”

“Violet is so perceptive.” He kissed her forehead.

She smiled. “We have time for another round before our meeting with the crew of Snowstorm.”

“In that case—”

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Through her tears, Violet saw an opening and she ran through it. She ran past the vampires and didn’t stop at the window. She jumped through it and fell. None of the vampires followed her. They frowned as they watched the window. Under she went, deep into the water. She didn’t bother trying to swim back to the surface.

But slowly, she floated back up to the surface. She took a deep breath and then cried hard. She thrashed about in the water. She wanted to scream, but no sound came out of her mouth. She just cried and cried and finally she swam around the castle. Eventually she found the shore away from the castle and dragged herself to it.

She laid on her back dripping wet. She was no longer crying, but was weary with the day and night’s adventures. She didn’t notice some of the water flowing out of the river to the shore near her. She felt drained. Still she didn’t notice the water moving upwards and forming into women who happened to have blue skin just like herself. Violet didn’t move nor respond when the water nymphs spoke.

“Well, she does look a lot like Melanie, doesn’t she?”

“Oh, yes, I agree. And her heart is broken, just like Melanie’s was.”

“Oh, poor Melanie. She died from a broken heart.”

“I do hope, her daughter won’t die from a broken heart.”

Violet laid on the shore breathing and not thinking anything at all. One of the water nymphs strolled over to Violet and looked down on her.

“Now, dear, we all remember your mother well and we’d hate to see you die from a broken heart. So, do tell us what happened.”

Violet didn’t turn towards the water nymph who was standing over her, but answered quietly, “My friend is trapped in the castle by a bunch of vampires… why are there vampires?”

“Oh, it sounds bad. Dear, we want to help you and your friend. Wow, your skin is looking bluer.”

“So?”

“So, you really are half water nymph.”

“My uncle told me that. Why won’t the vampires attack you?”

The water nymphs giggled.

“We can be more seductive than they. It’s just plain jealousy.”

“Plus we have permission to live here from Herbert Mineur.” Ophelia walked towards Violet.

The other water nymphs stepped out of Ophelia’s way.

“He’s my grandfather.”

Ophelia smiled. “Oh? He never mentioned having any grandchildren. Only a wife and two kids.”

“I’ve never met him or his wife.”

“Oh, then you must have been born after he came to live with us.”

“He lives here?” Violet sat up.

“Yes, dear, he does. He doesn’t like to come out when other people can see him.”

“Oh! Because he’s no longer human.”

“Right. But he isn’t a vampire either. If you stay long enough, you may meet him.”

“I’d like that.”

“He might like that too.”

“Is he still a scientist?”

“Yes, and I am too. You’re not seriously injured. Physically you’re fine. Emotionally is another story. Care to tell us what happened?”

“Victor, a vampire, kidnapped my friend, Antoni. Victor won’t let him go. Victor seems to think that by taking my friend prisoner, he can get to you water nymphs.”

“Ah… by picking on a half human half water nymph, who was raised by humans. Victor doesn’t know much.”

“I suppose not.”

“I’m Ophelia. What is your name?”

“Violet Nymphe Mineur.”

Ophelia nodded. “Okay, ladies, how about we let Violet rest and go rescue Antoni?”

“Sounds like fun!” Many of the water nymphs got excited and formed back into water.

“We’ll be back, dear. Just rest for now.”

“Okay. Hey, Ophelia, aren’t you Tabitha’s mother?”

“Yes, I am.”

“Does your partner live in that house over yonder?”

“Yes, he does. The house is technically off the preserve and is environmentally sound. It’s very tiny by some human standards, but Steve doesn’t care. He prefers to be outside as much as possible, but doesn’t like to be disturbed when he’s sleeping.”

“Oh. I guess like my grandfather, he doesn’t like to be seen when not in human form.”

“No, he doesn’t. He tends to use the cover of night for that form.”

Violet watched Ophelia turn into water and leave with the other water nymphs. Violet hugged her legs and frowned.