Lost in Her Depths: Sundarian Series, #1

By Tabitha Emberose

He's a Takaryn trapped in the mortal world. She's a witch struggling to master her power.

 

But will their forbidden love survive in the end?

 

Artur is almost a Guardian who'll be tasked with the protection of all the worlds of Torlana. When he learns of traitors on Sundara, he takes it upone himself to hunt for the guilty. He's soon captured, tortured, and banished to the mortal world where he finds himself lost in the sky blue eyes and fiery spirit of a mortal female. But it's her touch that sets his heart aflame. He knows if she stays with him her life will be in danger...

 

Twenty-two year old Ella Masterson has a secret. She's a witch with the power over water, except she has yet to master her ability to its full potential. When what looks like a warior angel crashes into her while she's relaxing at the Open Ceiling Cave off of Kauai, Hawaii, she dives in head first after him. Pulling the angel up from the cave floor, she soon finds herself drowning in his gold flecked cobalt blue eyes. No matter how much he tries to push her away she's determined to help him, knowing he'll be taking her heart with him when he leaves...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mystic Phoenix Books
• Release date: Nov 8, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223816119

Book preview

Chapter One: Artur

Lightning flashed in the distance across the darkening lilac Sundarian sky. Artur leaned on the crystal balcony, watched the bright flashes, and listened to the bone rattling booms of thunder as it echoed over the land. The growing storm’s cool breeze soon displaced the sweltering air. Taking a deep breath, Artur tried to calm his mind and ease his growing anger. Much like the building storm, he was tired of being ignored by both Maleniel and the other Guardian Elders. Their answer to his inquirers was always the same. They saw no evidence of a traitor on Sundara, but all the reports he had seen told a different story.

The only problem he saw was knowing which of Sundara’s races were the culprits. According to the reports, there was an increase in Nagaro activity in the Forbidden realm over the last several solar cycles. Although Seraphina was still stuck in the Forbidden realm, he realized this increase mattered little in the bigger picture. However, it is also something that should not be disregarded.

"Artur, leave the reports to me. I am the Guardian leader, after all."

Yes, you are, but you are ignoring your duty, Maleniel.

"You dare to question my authority!"

"YES! For protecting all of Torlana, the people come first. That is what all the Guardian Elders have taught us."

How am I ignoring my duty? I’ve read the reports. There’s nothing to worry about. Leave my sight before you say something you’ll regret, Artur.

He cursed under his breath, slammed his hand against the crystal balcony, and dropped his head. A brilliant flash of light caught his attention, and he lifted his gaze once more. His mind was just as turbulent as the growing storm. What has to happen for Maleniel to trust the validity of these increasing threats?

Filon, you know we forbid mating with mortals.

Artur turned toward the Guardian leader’s thundering voice. He sighed, running a hand through his jet black hair. This wasn’t the first time Filon questioned Maleniel’s authority, but it was the first argument that piqued his interest. All Takaryns were taught this very law at a young age, but like most, he didn’t know the reason for it.

"But why is it forbidden, Maleniel?"

Artur could just imagine Maleniel’s eyebrows rising in shock at the question. Do you want to risk a mixing of our species?

"Our genes aren’t compatible with a mortal’s genes. There’s no threat of them ever becoming with child. You just don’t like to make their way."

"And you do?" Maleniel’s voice dripped venom with every word he spoke.

Yes! I find it very pleasurable. It’s the reason we have the same organs as a mortal male. It’s just a superstitious fear that caused the ancient Takaryns to create that law.

"Perhaps, but as long as you remain here, you will obey the laws. If you can’t obey them, be prepared to face the consequences of your actions. There are reasons for every law. We may have mortal organs, but we aren’t one of them. You survived your first encounter, but continue down this path at your own peril, Filon. Do I make myself clear?"

Of course, Filon said, the heels of his shoes echoing on the crystal floor with each step he took.

Artur turned around all the while, trying to act normal. The act failed spectacularly once both Filon and Maleniel left the Great Hall. He was in plain view, and hearing Maleniel’s irritated sigh, told him all he needed to know. It did not thrill the Guardian leader that he was there. He began to turn and face his punishment for eavesdropping, but instead, he heard Maleniel’s heavy footsteps echoing down the hall in the opposite direction.

Why didn’t he punish me? If nothing else, I expected him to give me sentry duty. The night had arrived for the yearly Yalasura celebration. It was a night filled with music, dancing, and storytelling from Tarak. As a small youngling, he always enjoyed the story Tanak told at every celebration. It never changed until his fifteenth solar year.

What happened next, Tanak? Artur leaned toward the historian, hanging on his every word. The tips of his white wings brushed against the grass with each movement he made.

Well, Seraphina was furious at the very idea that her sister Kelaryn could use her magic against her on Sundara.

Isn’t Kelaryn still trapped on Elmlorra though?

Yes, she is. Tanak gave the Takaryn girl a warm smile. She helped our warriors push the last of Seraphina’s Nagaros, and even Seraphina herself, through the Great Avera.

Is that why Seraphina is called the Dark Goddess? The girl next to him asked.

It is indeed. Tanak nodded, looking at each one of them.

Artur sighed, shook his head, and pushed off of the crystal balcony. The tips of his large white wings dragged along the crystal floor as he walked. Knowing Za’Kel, he’d already be at the celebration, and he’d be searching for him. He stepped into the room he shared with Za’Kel, grabbed a set of clean clothes, and got ready for the celebration.

The sound of youngling laughter filled his ears the moment he stepped outside of the Guardian palace. He nodded at several of his fellow Guardian trainees, passing them without a word. Like every Yalasura celebration, he was in no mood to take part. Stepping into a small clearing, Artur spread his wings and lifted himself up to the nearby cliff edge. Hearing the distant boom of thunder, Artur sat down, content to continue watching the building storm. Tanak’s magic show soon followed the laughter from the younglings. It enhanced the story Tanak told, but it was his story more than the magic act that had swayed him to join the Guardians when he became of age. Artur sighed, tearing his gaze away from the magic show.

He wanted his opportunity to protect not only the people of Sundara, but all the planets within the Torlana lanak. This included the mortals living on Earth, but he didn’t sign up for all the constant day in and day at lectures. It made perfect sense for him to learn certain skills. But was it truly necessary for it to take one hundred solar years? He considered himself a fast learner, in his humble opinion, but one hundred solar years was overkill.

What are you doing up here, Artur?

He turned toward the voice. I’m enjoying the fresh air, the beautiful starlit sky above me, and the growing storm off in the distance. What are you doing up here, Za’Kel?

Za’Kel chuckled and shook his head. Extending his wings from against his back, he sat down on the cliff edge. I’ve been looking for you.

Well, here I am, Artur replied.

He watched his best friend stretch out his long limbs as he settled himself beside him. He sighed again, knowing his precious moments of silence were gone. Artur glared at Za’Kel, annoyance radiating down his back. He couldn’t deny why Za’Kel had his choice of any Takaryn female. He had the winning combination of height, standing at six foot two inches, his gold flecked amber eyes, and short dark brown hair. While he stood just as tall as Za’Kel, his jet black hair and cobalt eyes didn’t have the same drawing power.

Seriously, Artur, why are you out here all alone instead of being down there with everyone else? Za’Kel raised his eyebrows finally, taking notice of his irritated glare.

They tell the same story every time.

And what’s wrong with that?

It’s the same story we both grew up listening to, Za’Kel. We all know it by heart. I enjoyed hearing it when I was a youngling, but now is not the time for a history lesson. Why do they need to rehash it during the Yalasura celebration every solar year?

It’s tradition. You know that.

Yes, it’s tradition to remind us just how close Seraphina got to taking control over Sundara, but her goal is to control all of Torlana. That’s ancient history. We should be more concerned with the present.

Our mentors are concerned with history repeating itself if we ever forget.

I get your point, but all we can do is learn from our past. It will not help us in our fight today.

What are you talking about? Za’Kel sighed, laying his head in his hand, and placing his elbow on his knee.

Artur sighed. I guess it’s time to spell it out. We’re getting reports of the possible Nagaro activity in the Droskel and Lamaran lands. Doesn’t that concern you?

It does, but there’s nothing you or I can do about it. I know my brother. If the situation gets worse, he’ll send some Guardians to handle it. Besides, the Nagaro wouldn’t risk their lives by using the portal from the Forbidden realm to Sundara during the daylight hours. It’s suicide.

Artur’s jaw dropped at what he’s hearing. Za’Kel, the radiation from Torlana’s suns isn’t an instant death for Nagaros. It takes time for your so-called suicide to occur. If either the dragon or wolf shapeshifters are shielding them from our sun, then your suicide will never occur. Also, if Maleniel waits too much longer, it’ll be too late to stop Seraphina. She’s been planning her revenge against both us and Kelaryn since she was forced back to the Forbidden realm.

Za’Kel lifted his head, laughing. You worry too much.

"And you don’t worry enough. There’s something to these reports, and it’s our duty as Guardians to protect all the people within the connected portal planets of Torlana."

That’s true. But we aren’t even Guardians yet, Artur. Before you decide rashly to do something, you might instead want to concentrate your time and energy on finishing your training. We'll have the opportunity to face the Dark Goddess's revenge plan once we complete our training. Only then will we be prepared for this grand fight of yours.

"You aren’t listening. Maleniel needs to act now."

I am listening, but I can’t make him do anything. Since Adalea’s death, he hasn’t been the same. Would you like some advice?

No, but I know you’re going to give it to me, anyway.

Yes, I am, Za’Kel said, reaching over and gripping his shoulder. You need to heed my warning. Focus on your training instead of things you can’t control right now, my friend. Rising to his feet and spreading his large white wings.

I know, but it’s so hard to ignore my gut telling me we need to investigate these reports.

Za’Kel threw his hands up into the air and shook his head before lifting his chin and shouting, He’s hopeless, I tell you. He lowered his head and stared down at him. Don’t spend all night out here. I don’t feel like being woken in the middle of the night to drag you in by your wings back to our room because you missed curfew.

You aren’t my mentor, so I don’t have to listen to you, Artur returned, then gave his friend a smile. Go on and get down there before you miss all the celebration. I’ll come down soon.

Za’Kel, not needing any more encouragement, dove off the cliff. Artur watched his descent until he was on the ground, then returned his gaze to the twinkling stars above. He stayed on the cliff until the Elders extinguished the last fire. Climbing to his feet, he brushed off his clothes, then dove off the cliff.

Artur flapped his expansive wings until he hit the warm airstream. Shifting them into a new position, he deflected the air downward, causing an updraft for him to glide through. He took a deep breath, breathing in the sweet aroma of lavender and vanilla as he descended toward Lorvia’s Leap. Even though he wasn’t on sentry duty, Artur knew he’d find a couple at the base of the one hundred foot waterfall. It would take him only a moment to break up the promiscuous jejunes then return to his room well before curfew.

He landed in the soft dew covered grass just outside of the waterfall’s pool. The loud splashing of icy water was the perfect camouflage for any other sounds within the small glen. This place reminded him of a glen in a rainforest at the base of Mount Kydra in the Lamaran province. It was also one of only a few places where you could see a Vesva. The smallest birds with the longest flowing tails he’d ever seen. If it weren’t for those glowing tail feathers, Vesvas would be like any other bird on Sundara.

Artur walked through the lush vines, expecting to see two inexperienced jejunes huddled together with their delicate wings touching. Instead, he found both jejune devoid of their clothing, and their wings spread out from their sweat slick bodies. The male braced his upper body with his hands, his fingers digging into the grass. Grunting from his exertion, the male thrust his hips down hard and fast into the female.

This is wrong. This isn’t safe. Why am I just standing here watching them? I need to stop this.

Yes... Filon, the female cried out. Please, don’t stop!

Filon groaned, giving one last thrust of his hips, then collapsed beside his partner. Artur shook himself free from the law breaking sight he’d just witnessed and took a step toward them. The air was thick with a strange smell, but he pressed forward. A startled scream echoed through the glen, causing him to stop. Before stepping forward, he lifted his gaze, but as soon as his presence was discovered, he directed his eyes towards the cowering jejunes. Their wings shook while attempting to cover their naked bodies.

It only took a few seconds for the male to jump to his feet and turn around. Filon... Filon narrowed his eyes, taking a side step. He placed himself in front of his mate, then took a step forward. A wave of nausea washed through Artur. He closed his eyes, turning his nose from the pungent odor rolling off of Filon.

Both of you get your clothes on, and let’s go.

Are you going to report me to Maleniel?

I should... but I won’t. The law states its illegal to mate with a mortal, and she isn’t a mortal. I was a jejune once myself, but Filon, you are only four solar years younger than me. You are so close to the end of your training, don’t mess it up now. If I catch you out here again... He raised his eyebrows meaningfully at Filon.

You won’t.

Good.

When he arrived back at his room, it did not surprise him to see it empty. The time alone gave him a chance to go back over the events of the night. He couldn't imagine how Filon’s way of mating could be more pleasurable than the Takaryn way. Though he couldn’t deny that in the end, the sight left him with many questions. The first one was...why did the sight arouse him? He’d been part of several Takaryn mating rituals, but none of them affected him the same way. Had he found pleasure with his partner? Yes, but not in the same way as Filon and his mate.

The thing that concerned him the most was the likelihood of the female being with child. The Elders may still consider them as jejunes, but he