The Magic of Hecate
Chapter 21 Chapter 21

Three hours later,

Whilst I was waiting in the gate for my plane, Leo called my mobile forabout the five hundredth time. I sighed and switched off my phone.Leaving my family was hard enough. I couldn't deal with anything moreright now- especially the rath of Leonardo Loren.

"You should talk to him," a kind voice said from beside me. I looked tomy left to see an elderly woman sat alone with a little handbag on herknee. Her silver hair was in a cute bun with loose strands framing herface, that's wrinkles and lines only added to her friendly demeanour.She wore a baby pink cardigan and a long floral skirt. Beside her was awalking stick.

I looked at her confused as I wiped my teary, puffy eyes.

"You should talk to him. Whatever it is, talking can only make it better,"she said placing her hand on mine.

I smiled gently but shook my head.

"I can't," I said the tears beginning again. "I don't expect you tounderstand.”

"My dear, believe it or not, I was young too once. I had a lovely manand like every couple, we had our ups and downs but we always gotthrough it by talking," she said. "His name was Henry. That's right.Henry. We were together for a long long time and he loved me nomatter what I did and I did a lot. You'll get through it, I promise.”"Where is he now?" I asked already fearing the answer.

"Well," she said taking a deep breath. "We met in the summer of 54.Yes, 54. We married just 6 months later and stayed that way for 51years, 5 months, 2 weeks and 6 days. Until the day that he died fromcancer of the lungs. Since then, I've been alone. Can't imagine my selfwith anyone but my Henry," she explained

"I'm sorry,” I said.

"Don't be, child. But do call your Henry. At least just let him know thatyou are safe. I don't know your situation but I can imagine his worry.”I nodded and switched my phone back on.

"Thank you," I said with a genuine smile before heading to a quiet spotto finally answer Leo's call.

"Ella?" I heard Leo's voice say.

“It's me," I replied my voice cracking slightly.

"Please tell me you are safe," he said worry and strife in his tone.

"I'm fine, Leo," I said holding back the tears.

"Where are you? I'll pick you up and we can just go home-"

"No," I said. "I'm sorry that I have to do this again and I'm sorry thatyou don't understand but I have to get the amulet.”

"Ella, just tell me where you are. This is ridiculous,” he said the angerlevel in his voice rising.

“I'm not telling you where I am because I don't want you to replace me.Please don't be angry,” I begged.

"Don't be angry? I am already fucking furious! If you come home now,we can put this all behind us but if I have to hunt you down and dragyou back again there will be trouble.” he growled. "And I will replace you.You can be sure of that.”

He was talking to me like a kid. I hated it when he talked to me like akid.

"I'l be back in less than a week. I promise,” I said. "I love you," I added."Don't you dare hang up, Ella Marie Jones," he hissed. "Don't do it-"At that point, a “boarding’ light came on next to my flight numberpopped up and everyone in the waiting area began to stand up.

"I have to go,” I interrupted. "I'll see you in a few days.”

"You will see me tonight,” he replied in a deep, dark tone.

“I'm sorry and I love you."

"Ella-" he began again before I hung up and joined the end of thequeue.

He didn't even say 'l love you back’.

I wanted to tell him that I was pregnant and I wanted to tell him whatLuciano did to me but neither seemed right. He was worried enoughand I cared too much to be willing to make it any worse for him.

I searched for the little old lady in the queue but I couldn't see her. Ididn't see her on the plane either. Odd. Maybe she’s my fairyGodmother or something.

I realised mid-flight that I had no way of contacting Max when I arrivedin Moscow. Leo blocked and then deleted his number from my phoneand I had no idea about his whereabouts.

Shit.

It's a little too late to change my mind now though...