Instantly, we’re inside a dimmed bedroom. I don’t think we’re in Faere as the decor looks distinctly Earth realm and is lavishly but traditionally decorated. The walls are wood-paneled with heavy velvet draperies closed almost all the way so only slivers of light come through. Sconces on the walls are lit, interspersed with oil paintings that appear costly. Several table lamps are also lit, providing more glow, and there’s a huge canopy bed with red velvet bedding.
“Where are we?” I ask as I slowly turn around.
From one of the darkened corners of the room, I make out a figure moving toward us. Tall, lithe, and wearing some type of cloak. There’s a slight vibe of nausea indicating something dark, but I quickly turn it off. I’ve gotten good at pushing that feeling away so as not to get distracted.
When it steps into the light, I gasp in shock as I take in Kymaris standing before me. Her face is burned in some places, as is her skin showing outside of the cloak. Some are just pinkened skin, others are black with scabs. Based on the description of the explosion Carrick described, she healed a lot faster than we thought she could, which means her powers are greater than we thought.
What’s more shocking than actually seeing her—being in her presence—is that Pyke is the one who brought me to her. I simply can’t comprehend why he would do this.
Pyke shoves me so hard that I fall to my knees, almost toppling over to land at Kymaris’ feet. I lift my head to see Pyke move past me straight to Kymaris, where he leans in and kisses a healed portion of her cheek.
“Brought you a present,” he murmurs.
Kymaris doesn’t take her eyes off me, but she curls an arm upward to bring her palm to his cheek. “Indeed, you have, my love. Indeed, you have.”
My stomach sinks, finally realizing the implications of Pyke being in cahoots with Kymaris. Immediately, I realize it wasn’t Boral who told her that we had the Blood Stone, but rather Pyke. And given Pyke has immense powers that are probably on par, or even greater, than hers, the situation just got unbelievably bad for us.
The only saving grace is that the chalice is with Zaid back in Faere, and Carrick will soon be arriving there.
Kymaris bends to peer at me, reaching out to take a lock of my hair. She rubs it thoughtfully between her fingers before bringing her eyes to mine.
“What makes you so special that you’d be written into this prophecy?” she asks quietly, her gaze boring angrily into mine.
Relief sweeps through me at her question. She knows absolutely nothing about me, and I’m grateful we never brought Pyke fully into the fold. The only thing he knows is that I’m part of a prophecy, but he’s never been told another piece of information.
Which means Kymaris is still in the dark.
I don’t respond to her question because I have a feeling that any answer I give—hell, just my voice alone—will anger her. Silently, I stare resolutely right back at her.
For a moment, I think she takes it as a direct challenge as her eyes start to turn red. But she reins it in, a slow smile curling her lips. She leans in just a little closer until I can feel her breath on my face.
“Nothing,” she murmurs in a light voice. “Nothing makes you special.”
The final battle is approaching, and Carrick Byrne must deal with the betrayal of a friend while searching for Finley Porter. But finding Finley may mean giving Kymaris the only thing she still needs to bring down the veil between the Underworld and the Earth realm. CLICK HERE to see if Carrick, Finley, and their army of allies can win the battle in The Rise of Fortune and Fury.
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New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.
A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.
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A Battle of Blood and Stone Page 27