“Would you mind sharing your story?” He stepped back, giving me some room.
I forced myself not to shudder at his nearness. He wasn’t someone I would ever share my secrets with. “There isn’t much to tell. I was created by the Overcasts, but it took my parents’ blood and their love to bring me to life.”
“Interesting. I wonder…” He paused, studying me intently. Then he seemed to change his mind. “Whatever your fate, it must be very important.”
I wanted to shrug and explain I had no idea why I’d been created.
Laeddin saved me. “It’s her fate to save us all from a wicked sorceress called Maleficent, the one who created the darkness and sent a pestilence across all the lands.” Laeddin paused, glancing at Edge. “I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, some of your people could be changing.”
“Actually, we have,” Edge said. “That’s why we were out on patrol when we found you.” He sat forward. “It’s a pestilence?”
Graves stepped in before Laeddin could answer. “That is the other reason I’ve returned, Liege. I’ve seen a vision of the pestilence consuming our land and changing all of our people into soulless zombies. Your reign will be a short one if we do not stop it. It’s my opinion that this girl should be given every ounce of help we can spare so she can find what she’s looking for.”
“Very well.” Edge crossed his arms. “And I would like to apologize to both of you for your treatment when you first arrived. Jagg commanded it. I think he hoped that if he left you down there long enough, we would forget about you and your demise would end any discussion.”
Graves nodded his agreement, but I got the feeling he knew more of the story than he let on.
“It’s okay,” I said, finally stepping away from Graves.
“Thank you.” Edge brought my hand to his lips and brushed his lips against it.
“Rave. Scotch. Settle the genie and the princess into a guest room so they can clean up and rest in preparation for the inauguration.”
“Yes, Liege.” Rave gave me a sardonic smile. She didn’t seem thrilled about the change in my social standing.
I returned her glare with one of my own.
Edge continued, “The people need the inauguration to go forward as quickly as possible so there’s no question I’m the one in charge. Once the ceremony is over, I will help you in any way that I can.” This time when he spoke, he spoke directly to me.
“Thank you. I appreciate that.”
“Very good. Well then, if you will excuse me, I have a castle that needs to be repaired and a kingdom that needs to be codified.” He waved a hand and I knew we were being dismissed.
“This way,” Rave said.
Laeddin and I followed her until we reached the doorway. Then I remembered Cole. He still stood like a statue on the sidelines, his feet spread apart like he couldn’t decide what to do.
“Cole?” I called.
He looked at me.
Edge noticed him and his face softened. He and Graves exchanged a look. “Cole, if you wouldn’t mind I’d appreciate it if you could stay here a few minutes longer. There is something you and I need to discuss.”
Cole’s fists clenched together tightly. “Okay.” He shuffled his feet, looking like a nervous teenager about to be scolded.
“You’ll be fine, Cole,” I called out.
His hair began turning white, and the expression on his face told a different story.
Twenty-Seven
“This is ridiculous,” I said throwing myself into a chair. I was completely stressed out. So many emotions skittered through me, I didn’t know which direction to turn. “We don’t have time to be hanging out, and attending celebrations. It’s already been four days. We need to find that piece of the crown and get out of here.” The world would become completely dark in a little over a month and we still needed four more pieces of the crown. On top of that, I needed to find out what happened once we had all of the pieces together. My worst fear was that I’d get the crown and it wouldn’t do any good. I’d go against Maleficent and she’d finally succeed in killing me. If I failed, the world would go dark and everyone I loved would become Akuma. The thought terrified me.
I took a deep. The first piece of the crown had entered my body after I destroyed the assassin. Now, the only reminder that the crown existed came in the form of a single diamond in the center of my forehead, just above my eyebrows.
“Agreed. I don’t believe we need their help to find it. It’s within the throne room, probably at the base of one of the statues.” Laeddin sat beside me. “I believe you sensed it too.” He touched the diamond on my forehead.
It didn’t burn as much now as it had when we first entered the throne room, which made me suspect Laeddin’s guess was correct. “I did.”
“So all we need to do is find a time when the room is empty and get in there. What concerns me is that the gargoyles may have somehow combined the crown with the rock of one of the statues. I need to return to my realm and see if I can find any research on where exactly the piece might be.” He seemed distracted by the books he would be researching, like he was already within his library.
“No!” I shouted. “Laeddin, you can’t leave me again.”
“It won’t be for long.” He brushed some of my hair off my face before he continued. “It’s strange though. This piece feels stronger than the first. Almost as though it’s bigger or more powerful.”
“Oh?” That I hadn’t noticed.
“I need to find out why. I want to be prepared in case it means the assassin will be stronger as well. I don’t want you vulnerable.” His hand cupped my face. “I could never forgive myself if something happened to you.”
“Fine. Go.” I tried to smile, but it wouldn’t come. “Hurry back, please.”
“I will.” He disappeared immediately, and I felt a strong pang of emptiness. I took a deep breath then another. Then I got a whiff of myself. I really needed to clean up, and now seemed like the best time for it.
The bathroom held a makeshift shower that consisted of a hose and a large tub filled with water. At least it was warm. I took a cloth and a bar of something I hoped was soap and quickly scrubbed myself clean. The clothing wasn’t much better. Shiny pants and a selection of bikini tops in three different colors, including turquoise blue, which is the one I put on. Dressed, I braided my long hair down my back. There weren’t any shoes, so I resigned myself to bare feet. I tried to remember if any of the gargoyles I’d see had been wearing shoes.
When I came out of the bathroom, two plates of steaming hot food were sitting on a table. More out of habit than anything, I went over to check it out. I was hungry, but not for food. I needed blood.
Christopher appeared around the corner, as casually as if he’d been there all along. Caught completely off guard, I jumped about three feet in the air. “Frack, Christopher. What are you doing here?”
The Hunter chuckled. I tried to convince my pulse to settle down before I had a heart attack. “Our blood bond and this bear,” he touched the little wooden bear charm on the bracelet still encircling my wrist, “allow me to find you anywhere, especially when you’re hungry.” He came closer, and I felt my pulse pick right back up again. Seriously, this guy was going to be the death of me.
He took hold of the end of my wet braid and tugged. “And you are hungry?”
I nearly fell onto his neck at his invitation. “Starved.”
He held his arms open and tilted his head. I pounced, nearly knocking the both of us to the floor as I crashed into him. My fangs lengthened and pierced his skin. His blood hit the back of my throat an instant later and I immediately felt better, more like myself. The one I was meant to be.
Christopher held me while I drank my fill.
“Thank you,” I said, pulling away at last, filled with euphoria. I wiped the edges of my mouth.
He walked over to the table and sat in a chair, studying me intently. “I know I’m not the person you want in your life. I’ve done things, hurt people, i
ncluding your mother. If I could take those things back, I would.”
I sat across from him, pushing the food out of the way. Maybe Cole would come by later and finish it off. “Some things can’t be fixed, Christopher.”
“I know.” He ran his hands through his hair. “But I can still help you. And you need me, my blood. With it you’re a stronger, better version of yourself.”
I grabbed his hands, which startled him. “You’re right and I really appreciate you coming to help me.” I shook his hands playfully. “Thank you, Hunter.”
“You’re welcome.” He pulled me onto his lap. “I’m here for you, whatever you need.”
I quickly stood. “Look, I know you think we’re meant to be together or whatever, but I don’t feel that way about you.” I knelt in front of him. “I don’t want to hurt you, but please.” I grabbed his knees, begging with my eyes for him to understand. “Tell me you understand and will continue to support me, even if things don’t work out between us the way you want them to. Please.”
Christopher stood and moved toward the door. I thought he would leave without another word, but he stopped. “I’m here for you, Jasmine. In whatever way you need me.” He was gone before I had a chance to thank him.
I went over to the bed and fell on it, rolling onto my back. It still felt weird, lying on my back without my wings to get in the way. “I’m an idiot.”
“Why do you say that? It isn’t your fault you’re a bloodsucker.” Cole knocked on the door as he came in.
I sat up. “I never said it was,” I snapped and then immediately regretted it. “Sorry.”
“Hey, don’t be. It’s been a crazy few days. Weeks. Months.” He shook his head and sat beside me. “So, who was that guy?” he asked, pointing at the empty doorway. “I thought about punching the smug grin off his face, but didn’t want to hurt your feelings or something, so I held back.”
I laughed. “No one.” I shook my head. “A friend.”
“Oh?” He didn’t look convinced. “Not the same as you and Troy are friends though, right?”
“Definitely not the same. Not even close.”
His shoulders relaxed. “Good.”
I faced him. “You look better,” I said, hoping he’d let me change the subject. “Not quite so hungry.”
“Yeah, you look better too, not quite so stinky.” He waved a hand in front of his nose. Then he grinned. “Love the outfit. You’re totally hot.”
I playfully punched his chest. “Your outfit isn’t any better than mine. At least I have a shirt. Sort of.”
He glanced down at his bare chest. “They don’t have much need for clothing in Garoth, do they?”
“Apparently not.” I adjusted my top, grateful that at least the essentials were covered.
Cole laughed.
I rolled my eyes and flopped back on the bed. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” He lay beside me. “Where’s the genie?”
“Gone.” I rolled onto my side. “Have you seen the fugitives?”
“No, but I hope they’re all right.” He cleared his throat. “I need to see them again.”
I realized just how lonely he must’ve been without them. Edge had mentioned that Jagg killed off all of the dragons in this realm. I didn’t say anything, but I hoped Troy wasn’t being hunted. “You will,” I said, knowing I would make it happen, no matter what.
He nodded, placing his hands behind his head. “I wondered if you’d do me a favor.”
“Sure. What?”
“I need you to help me find Rayne.” Worry shot through me.
“You still haven’t seen her? Did you ask Graves where the wizard’s chamber is located?”
“Edge told me Graves sent two warriors to check on her after the commotion, but when they got there, Rayne had already gone.”
I sat up, grateful for the opportunity to be doing something other than lying around, waiting. “Well then, let’s get a move on. We need to find out where the wizard’s Chamber is located.”
Twenty-Eight
The castle buzzed with gargoyles moving about, getting ready for Edge’s inauguration ceremony.
“Excuse me,” I stopped one of the gargoyles rushing by.
“Yes?” She was a small female, and she looked frightened by me.
“Can you tell me where the wizard’s chamber is?” I tried to keep my voice gentle so I wouldn’t scare her any more than I already had.
Her eyes grew large. She pulled out of my grasp and pointed up. “The top floor.”
“Thank you,” I said. Cole and I headed for the staircase she’d indicated and began to climb. On our way up, I asked, “So what’s the story? Why did Edge want to talk to you?” We came to a landing and paused.
Cole went past me and continued up. As the silence lengthened, it became obvious he was having a tough time talking about whatever it was.
I made a face before running after him. When we reached the top of the second landing, I tried again. “So?”
“What?” He feigned ignorance.
“The new emperor. Edge. What did he tell you?”
Cole went over to a nearby window, hopping up on the ledge, and letting his feet dangle over the edge. The space was large enough for even the biggest gargoyles to fly out. At the top, directly in the center, a dragonhead had been carved into the rock. I reached out to touch it, and was surprised by how warm and smooth the stone felt against my fingertips. Nervous, because I knew how high up we were, I carefully climbed onto the ledge beside him.
“It’s strange,” he said, looking out over the vast gray landscape. It didn’t seem to be any lighter or darker than the last time I’d seen the outside. It was as though the sky remained constant, never changing. And it was still cloudy. I couldn’t tell where the sun was or if there even was one.
“What’s strange?” I prompted when he hesitated.
“Edge claimed to be my father.” The news didn’t surprise me. Cole was half gargoyle. What better place to discover the truth about his parentage than in the gargoyle realm?
Cole closed his eyes and I studied his pale features. As a vampire I had pale skin, but his appeared even lighter still and with a gray undertone.
“Do you believe him,” I whispered, trying to gauge how he was taking the revelation.
He shrugged, not opening his eyes. “I don’t see why he’d lie.” As he spoke, he stood, reaching out a hand to steady himself on the top of the window frame. I followed, swallowing anxiously. “My whole life I’ve felt different.” He laughed bitterly and continued. “Hell, I am different, and it turns out no matter where I am, in the human realm or here, I will never fully belong.”
“That’s not true.” I tried to comfort him, resting a hand on his shoulder.
He turned and jumped back into the stairway.
“Hard like a rock so I’m unable to be with a human and here?” He glanced at his back. “No wings.” He laughed harshly. “I’m half gargoyle and half human. Neither place will ever fully fit me.” He started up the stairs.
I followed, thinking about what he’d said. I could relate. If anyone didn’t belong somewhere, it was me. My parents had brought me to life, but I didn’t come from them. I came from the Unknowns. There wasn’t another being in all the universe like me. I was truly alone, but perhaps I needed to look at it another way. Instead of focusing on my differences, I needed to understand my similarities. There was a reason I needed blood from each of the seven magics. I was a part of all of them. The realization lifted a heavy burden from my shoulders, one I hadn’t realized I carried until that moment. I wasn’t alone. Different, yes. But weren’t we all? “Or, maybe because of your heritage, you can fit more fully into both.”
Cole paused on the steps, and I continued. “You are human and gargoyle. That doesn’t make you less like each side of yourself, but more. You are more human and more gargoyle than the others because you possess both of their qualities.”
He smiled. “I suppose that’s one way t
o look at it.”
I punched him in the arm. “It is. Now let’s go find your friend.”
When we reached the top floor I was surprised by how open it all was. There was a roof, but it was thin and only covered the middle section. At least a dozen windows lined each wall and they were twice the size of those on the lower levels. The windows came to a point, folding inward. Even the rock on this level was different. Where the rest of the castle was dull and gray, the rock here was white and smooth. It reminded me of the outer walls of the castle, but wasn’t exactly the same.
“Wow, I feel like we’re no longer in Kansas, Toto.”
Cole laughed quietly. “Agreed, but in a good way. It’s beautiful up here. I love the breeze.” He lifted his face slightly and I frowned sadly. Cole was meant to fly just as I was. It made me wonder why he didn’t have wings.
I remembered Rayne didn’t have wings either.
“Me too,” I said, my eyes roaming the vast expanse of water on one side, the mountains on the other. Then I gave myself a little shake. There would be time enough to admire the view after we found Rayne.
Our bare feet made little sound against the smooth floor. It looked like marble, and was so shiny I could see my reflection in it. More statues lined the hallway, but these were different than the ones downstairs. Some of them had wings, some didn’t. A few had some gargoyle traits, but one had floppy dog ears. Another had the head of a dragon with the body of a gargoyle. Still another had the face of a gargoyle and the body of a large cat.
“What do you think Pops and Troy are doing?” Cole said out of the blue.
His voice startled me and I missed a step, falling forward in surprise.
I smiled. “Knowing them, something smart. They’ll figure out a way to get back to you.”
He nodded. “Have you drunk from Troy?”
“Like sucked his blood?” Color flooded my cheeks at the question.
Cole burst out laughing and I snickered. “Well, I am a vampire.”
“Yeah, I noticed.”
I debated whether to tell him the truth. Finally, I said, “Yes.”
Vampire Nights (Vampire Wishes Book 3) Page 12