Chapter 6. Heart of Light

Jack brought down the obsidian box for her to see again, the ember safe inside. Although protective of it, he needed to learn to trust her with it. Better sooner than later he guessed and placed it on the small table next to the chair. A little anxious, she opened the box to see the ember, pulsing dimly as before.

"It acts as your heart, doesn't it? That's why it glows like that" Ella assumed.
"You're exactly right. This ember is the source of my immortality. The only thing that can destroy it is holy water. But I know you wouldn't do that to me" Jack took her hand and squeezed it gently, "It's yours…it's always been yours".
"Jack, I'm really sorry about earlier. I really didn't mean to make you mad or anything"
"Ella, none of it was your fault" he kissed her hand softly, "I overreacted and that was wrong of me. I didn't mean to frighten you. You're the last person in the world I'd want to be afraid of me".
"I was afraid, I'll admit. I didn't want you to hurt me".
"Hurt you? Sweetheart" he was now kneeling before her, holding both hands as they held the ember, "As I told you, I'd douse this thing before I'd hurt you. I love you, Ella and I know deep down I'll never deserve you, but the least I can do now is try".
"You know I care about you at least. I mean I could love you, it wouldn't be too hard, but I'd need more than you can give me".
"But I'd give you everything, angel. All that I have is yours, I'm yours. I've been yours from the moment I laid eyes on you".

Ella simply nodded, her eyes watering. She cared about him, she hadn't lied, and maybe a small part of her loved him, but his words were too much. She wanted to move slowly into this, not just jump into it. Surely he'd understand that.

"Jack…as much as I care about you, I don't want to just jump into it. I know love is blind and hasty, but it takes time too you know. I mean for eight years I thought you only saw me as a friend and then now here we are and you're admitting you're in love with me. I just need time to think and process it all".

Ella expected him to be upset or angry. But she was surprised when the creature smiled and the ember warmed a little in her hands. He put a gentle hand on her cheek. Though cold and somewhat strange, she found his odd gesture comforting a little.

"We have all the time in the world, love. And I'll be more than glad to wait on you. Just tell me what I need to do".
"Just be patient".
"I promise to have the patience of eternity, my love".
"Thank you, Jack".
"Anything for you, dearest. Now, it's been quite a day for both of us, get some rest. I'll start work on the kitchen while you sleep, since I don't need as much. By morning, I'll have something nice for you to eat. And I'll bring some clothes and other things out of the storehouse. This cottage will be your home, love. I promise".

Ella simply smiled and put the ember back in the obsidian box and was surprised when Jack picked her up bridal style. She gave him a confused look and he was glad to respond.

"You, missy, are sleeping upstairs. The room is both of ours, and I won't have you down here all the time. Besides, the bed's more comfortable" Jack kissed her forehead and carried her up the stairs.

Gentle as he could be, he set her on the large bed and tucked her in so she was comfortable. With one last kiss he wished her goodnight and made his way back downstairs. Jack worked way into the late hours of the night working on the kitchen. He cleaned and refurnished it, thinking only of how it would help keep his Ella here with him. She was still asleep when the sun was high in the sky so Jack took some time to make a nice breakfast and get some clothes out of the storeroom for her. He knew she'd love it, and with time, she'd love him too…

Ella woke in comfort, surrounded by warm silk sheets and the wonderful smell that was a mixture of sweet smelling blown out candles and cooking bacon. She stayed in the bed for a little more, just enjoying the smell and comfort. It reminded her of home. Ella made her way down the stairs, only to be surprised to find the kitchen cleaned and Jack was at the table with a meal ready for her.

"Good morning, lovely" he said with a warm smile.
"Wow…this is simply-"
"Amazing? Yeah, I knew you'd want it. I stayed up all night fixing the place up. This stuff is all furniture and such from the storehouse. Figured we can use it for what it was meant for: storing food".
"You're really turning everything around".
"Because I want you to stay, Ella. You're the greatest thing to ever happen to me, both in this life and the last".

Ella sat down in one of the comfortable chairs, giving Jack a wondrous, somewhat adoring look. Many times he'd seen that when she was a child and he lived for that look. He took his place next to her and put his hand on hers, the little vines almost entwining with her fingers again. Jack watched as she ate and seemed satisfied with the meal he worked so hard to make for her.

"Thank you" she said with a pleasant smile.
"Anything for you, lovely. I also brought out some things out of the storehouse. There's a chest in the bedroom full of clothes. I think most of them will fit you just perfectly".
"Wow, you planned this all out didn't you?"
"I sure did. Now go get dressed, and do try to stay out of the woods today lovely. I'll clean up the rest of the mess" Jack kissed her head lovingly.
"I'll try to stay out, but you can't keep me cooped up here forever"
"I didn't plan to, lovely".