“What about me? Would you drink my blood?”
I wrinkled my nose.
“I guess dragon blood tastes better than gargoyle blood.” I couldn’t tell if the thought bothered him.
“It’s more that your skin is like a rock. I’d break my teeth if I ever tried to bite you.”
He raised his eyebrows. “Makes sense.” He shook his head. “When we get back home, we need to fight.”
“Why fight?” Now I was totally confused. I’d believed we were getting along well together.
“Not really fight, more like sparring. Troy and I always talk about who would win in a battle between a half gargoyle and a vampire, or a half dragon and a vampire. We’ve all sparred with Professor Pops, of course, but it’s not the same when you’re fighting against your dad.”
It was my turn to shake my head. “Okay.” Sometimes guys were weird.
“Sorry.” He shrugged his shoulders, trying to release some tension. “But wouldn’t you love to find out who would win? A while ago I fought a Vaktare, and she nearly kicked my ass.”
“What’s that?” I hadn’t ever heard of a Vaktare.
“Like a werecat,” Cole explained.
“It might be fun,” I hedged.
He laughed. “It’s a thing Troy and I do. But, never mind, you’re obviously distracted.”
“Yeah, sorry.” I hadn’t really been distracted, but I decided it was best not to argue. Then I gave him my best smile. “Still, I’ll fight you anytime. I might win, especially if I get my wings and my magic back.” It was wishful thinking, but a girl could hope.
He stopped. “You have wings?”
I looked down a moment, forcing back the tears. “Had them. Maleficent took them from me.”
Cole crossed his arms. “Wow, I’ve really been out of it. What’s going on in the human realm?”
“It’s happening everywhere, including here. Maybe even especially here.” I walked over to a window that looked out over the water. When Cole joined me, I explained about Maleficent, the Akuma, and the reason I was in the gargoyle realm.
“And the genie?” Cole raised his eyebrows in expectation.
“It’s complicated,” was all I said.
Cole barked out a laugh. “Another friend?”
I looked out over the ledge, trying to see the ground below. “Something like that. Now…” I shrugged.
“You have a lot of friends, don’t you?” He smirked, and I thought I saw a hint of Troy in his features.
“I’m not so sure.” The scent of brine wafted through the window on the breeze, blowing at the edges of my hair. I closed my eyes and took a deep, cleansing breath.
“I get that.”
“You do?” Somehow that surprised me. Cole didn’t strike me as the type of guy who dated a lot.
He hopped up onto the sill. “I thought I’d fallen for someone too, but she didn’t reciprocate. It hurt and I was confused for a while, but then I met Rayne.” He got a faraway look in his eyes. “She’s amazing.”
“She might be.” I wasn’t sure about her yet.
“What? I can tell you have something to say.” He sat, crossing his legs.
“I don’t know her that well enough yet. I’m withholding judgement.”
“It doesn’t matter. I know Rayne cares for me.” He climbed off the ledge. “That’s why I need to find her.” He waited while I came over to him. “And if it was all an act? Well, then at least I’ll know and have closure.”
I was still worried. Rayne seemed to really care for Cole. That was a fact I knew. But I also knew what it was like to want something so much you’d do anything to get it. I’d seen the look on her face when she talked about her mother, before, in my own reflection, when I was desperate to have the normal life I thought I craved. “Right. That makes sense.”
Cole hurried down the hall until we reached a set of bronze double doors. A stocky male with apricot wings stood guard to one side. Cole straightened to his full height, his bearing as regal as any I’d ever seen.
“My name is Cole. I’m here to see Rayne.”
The gargoyle growled. “No one gets into the wizard’s chambers without permission.”
“I am the new emperor’s son. I have permission.”
“Oh, I’m sorry, Sire.” The guard was instantly contrite, obviously expecting Cole to lash out at any second. “It’s still so new.” He stepped aside and pushed open half the door. “She isn’t inside though. She left a few hours ago.”
“Any idea where she was going?”
“Well,” the guard paused, looking uncomfortable. “She mentioned Avalon’s Cave.”
“Where’s that?” Cole asked.
The gargoyle walked over to the nearest window on the water side. “See those caves to the left of the docks?” He pointed.
“Yes.” Cole was obviously trying to hold back his impatience.
“During low tide, many of the guards and warriors go in there to burn off steam. I doubt anybody’s there right now because high tide is coming in maybe forty minutes.”
Without another word Cole turned and headed back toward the stairs.
I rushed after him. “You aren’t seriously going to go in those caves right now?”
“I am.” He was practically running now.
“But you heard the guard. We only have forty minutes.”
“Then I guess we’d better hurry.”
Twenty-Nine
Cole and I stood at the base of the gaping cave. I sent out a silent plea to Troy and Professor Pops. If they were here, those two could talk some sense into him. The entryway looked to be a mile wide and half as tall. The water had already risen to just under my knees. “I don’t think this is a good idea,” I said. “The tide is coming in fast.”
“We’ll go in, take a quick look around, and if we can’t see anything, we’ll come right back out.”
I took a calming breath. “I don’t know about you, but I have incredibly powerful vision, Cole. I can see to the back of the cave. All that’s inside is rock, rock, and more rock. Rayne isn’t in there. Nothing living is.”
“I want to believe you.” He gave me a pained look before continuing, “But I have to see for myself. I hope you can understand.”
Sadly, I did. Turned out Cole was as stubborn as I was. “Fine, how fast are you?” I asked, trying to contain my worry.
He shrugged. “Pretty fast.”
“Awesome, let’s race.”
It was apparent by the look on his face that he didn’t like the idea, but he nodded. I didn’t give him a chance to argue.
“On your mark, get set, go.” Aiming for dry ground I dashed forward, running through the water with the full extent of my vampire abilities. My skin was tougher than human skin, but it wasn’t impenetrable. I was reminded of that fact when the sharp edge of a rock sliced into the underside of my bare foot. “Crap,” I cursed, going down hard to my knees.
“Jasmine.” Cole’s voice was full of concern, but I knew my wound would be healed by the time he arrived.
“Stupid rocks,” I muttered, letting the blood rinse away in the water. While I waited for the wound to heal, I took the opportunity to check out my surroundings. I was soaked. The cavern floor was covered with sharp sea glass. Each time one caught the light, it sparkled within the water. That explained the gash in my foot. The glass probably didn’t bother the gargoyles, but I didn’t think I’d be able to get very far barefoot.
As Cole moved in, I held up my hands. “There’s sea glass. It’s very sharp. I’m nearly healed, but my skin is too soft. As soon as I try to take another step, I’ll get cut again.” I cursed my lack of wings once again.
“Okay.” Cole took a tentative step onto the glass and then another. “My skin is tough enough the glass doesn’t bother me.” He came over. “Mind if I pick you up?”
I felt like a freaking damsel in distress. “Please.” Tamping down my embarrassment, I lifted my arms.
Cole lifted me like a child and I wra
pped my arms around his neck. “I get the feeling you don’t like to be rescued.”
I rolled my eyes. “Nope, not a big fan.”
“Well, I’m just glad I can help. You rescued me from the dungeon. This is the least I can do.” He finally reached the stairs within the cave and let me down.
“You know I didn’t rescue you, but thanks.”
“You did take a plate full of food in the face for me though. Or did you really do it for Troy and I was just a fortunate beneficiary?”
I really wished he’d let that go and I tried not to blush. “Both,” I admitted, starting up the stairs. “Let’s hurry.” I glanced back at the water. “The idea of becoming trapped inside this cave is creeping me out.”
“Yeah, me too.” Cole shuddered and I wondered if he could swim. Rock wasn’t really the most buoyant material out there, after all.
The stairs went up with no end in sight. Up was good. The farther from the high tide mark, the better.
At last we came to a door.
“Should we check it out?” I pushed the door open without waiting for an answer.
“Definitely.” He followed me in. The room was quiet, except for the sound of steady breathing. All around odd instruments hung like ornaments on a Christmas tree. They swayed slightly, some clanging against each other. Everything smelled like astringent and saltwater. In the center of the room was an altar and atop it lay Rayne.
Cole rushed forward, calling her name. I thought about stopping him, but he was already next to her, trying to shake her awake.
“Is she alive?” I put two fingers to her neck, hoping to feel a pulse. Her skin was similar to Cole’s, smooth and cool to the touch. “I’m not feeling anything,” I said, suddenly sad. Cole had obviously cared deeply for the girl.
“That doesn’t mean anything, especially if she is half gargoyle, like I am.”
“Oh?” I raised an eyebrow at him in surprise.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, he grinned briefly. “Seriously. Try to find mine.”
I placed my fingers on his neck. Nothing. No pulse.
“See,” he said, when I pulled my fingers away.
“Then what’s wrong with her? Why isn’t she waking up?” I shook her lightly. At that, Rayne’s blue-gray eyes opened and she gasped.
I jumped back, surprised by her sudden movements. “You’re awake?”
“What the hell are you doing here?” She sat up, pushing her feet over the side of the altar. “You shouldn’t be here.” Her eyes flashed, angry. “Where’s my father?” She quickly scanned the room.
“He’s with the new emperor, Edge,” I said.
“Are you okay?” Cole seemed as taken aback as I was by her hostility.
Rayne seemed surprised by the question. “I was part of a spell. By waking me you’ve ruined it.” She climbed off the altar and went to the entryway. “Graves?” she called.
“We just came from there and we were alone.” The water had already reached the bottom of the stairs. “Will the water reach this far up?”
“I don’t know. No, I don’t think so.” She still seemed frazzled, incoherent. I wasn’t sure I believed her about the water.
“Why don’t we all go back to the castle and we can discuss it? We can regroup and look for Graves there.” I’d never felt claustrophobic before in my life, even when we were all crammed in that dungeon cell. But the thought of being trapped by all that water was starting to make me feel like the walls were closing in.
Suddenly Rayne folded in on her herself, hugging her arms tightly around her belly. “No. It’s too late.” She started to cry as she wrung her hands, pacing around the rock altar. “I’m sorry I yelled at you. Really sorry.”
“Rayne.” Cole spoke her name softly and I watched Rayne’s features ease slightly.
“Cole. Oh, Cole. I don’t know what to do.” She fell into his arms. “Graves promised me answers.”
“What kind of answers?” I moved so that I could see her more clearly. “About your mom?” I remember her mentioning that when we were all locked in the cell together.
She closed her eyes, burying her face in Cole’s neck.
“Whatever kind of trouble you’re in, I’ll help you get through it.” Pulling her close, Cole’s expression was tender as he stroked her hair.
“Well, whatever we’re going to do, we need to do it fast. The water is still coming.” A quick glance at the stairs and I saw that the water was more than halfway up. “As it is, we’re going to have to swim out of here.”
Cole gave me a harsh look. Apparently he didn’t seem to think I was helping the situation.
Thirty
Rayne raised her head and peered down the steps. “If you try to swim out of here, you’ll be dashed to pieces. The waves are relentless, not to mention there are huge goblin sharks that haunt the cave during high tide.”
“I’m sure I’ll be fine.” I had no desire to stay here even one second longer than necessary.
Rayne looked at me like I was crazy. “You’re saying your skin is tougher than rock?”
It wasn’t. The issue with the sea glass proved that.
“Well, you might live through a goblin shark attack, but it’ll be in pieces,” Rayne continued, starting to sound more like her usual self.
I forced myself not to shudder at the images she conjured. “Fine. When will it be low tide again?”
She went past the altar and pushed back a fabric curtain. “Not for hours. So why don’t you go lie down in here and wait for the water to recede.”
I walked past her and yanked the fabric from her hands. “Why don’t you stop patronizing me and tell us what the hell is going on?” Ha! Now it was her turn to be taken aback. Score one for the vampire.
Using the opportunity to clarify something that’d been bothering me about her, I asked, “How do you know English?” I hopped up onto the altar and crossed my legs. Cole sat on the floor beside Rayne, who’d crumpled into a heap there.
She took a deep breath, then spoke. “Graves made me live in the human world from the time I was seven until I turned fourteen. I learned it there.” She stared at her hands.
“That’s a long time,” Cole said, gently pushing some of her hair off her face.
“Then you must’ve met your mother.” It seemed logical to me. There was no way she could’ve survived on her own during that time. She was too young.
“The woman I lived with was a relation of Graves’, but she wasn’t my mom. In all those years, that woman taught me human ways, but never told me anything about herself, Graves, or my family. I didn’t even know her real name, just called her Aunt, and I’m not even sure she was one, you know? But,” she laughed sardonically, “if you want me to set a table for the Queen of England, or explain which fork to eat your salad with, then I’m your girl.”
My insides lurched in sympathy. I felt bad for her. At least I knew my parents loved me. I’d never had to question that.
“I wonder why Graves kept your mom a secret,” Cole mused as he took Rayne’s hand.
“I’ve always believed it was because he loved her and felt rejected by her, but I honestly don’t know.”
Cole seemed dazed by her story. Then I remembered, growing up, he didn’t know who his parents were, either. For the first time I really got what Cole and Rayne saw in each other. They had a lot in common.
Rayne squeezed her eyes shut tight. “I’ve found clues over the years. She loved the ocean. I once found a whole bag of seashells stuffed way back in a closet we never used. The bag had her name on it, and the shells were the most beautiful and strange I’d ever seen.” Tears filled her eyes again and she wailed, “What I don’t know is who she is.”
“Wh—” I’d been about to ask the name on the bag when a light appeared directly above Rayne’s head. It grew bigger and brighter, wrapping Rayne within its rays, like a warm blanket. “Hello, Rayne.”
Rayne jumped up, right into the light. It adjusted to the change in her posi
tion, continuing to hover a few inches above her hair.
Cole moved to stand next to me. Within the light a woman appeared.
“Sweet, Rayne.” Rayne raised her hands as though she were reaching out to touch the woman. “My name is Ariel and I am your mother.”
“Holy frack,” I whispered, leaning closer to the hologram. The woman had long fiery red hair, deep blue eyes, and spoke like a leader.
It was my grandmother.
I sat up straight, confused by what was happening. Was this some kind of joke? Had Maleficent found a new way to torture me?
“Mom?” Rayne extended her arms some more. “Mom. I’m here.” She laughed and sobbed at the same time.
“You know her?” Cole whispered, looking at me.
“I think so.” My stomach roiled at seeing Ariel this way. It had to be her ghost. There was no other explanation.
“Know that I love you. From the moment I felt you growing inside me, I loved you so much.” Tears glistened on her cheeks. “And when you were born, I held you in my arms and knew, without a doubt, that you were so special.” She wiped her eyes, anger cutting through her beautiful features. “Graves took you from me, promising I could see you on your sixteenth birthday, but only if I swore never to search for you. He threatened to kill you if I didn’t cooperate.” A sob escaped her throat and she looked away. “It wasn’t all his fault though. I never was a very good mother. I could lead a city, deal with the day-to-day troubles of my people, but I struggled with everything else.” Ariel shook her head. “I’m sorry.”
“Mom,” Rayne tried to step into the light, but it remained just out of her reach.
“And now you’re sixteen.” Ariel smiled. “My beautiful, incredible, amazing girl.”
It felt like I was going to be sick and my insides ached like they were being torn to shreds. How was this happening? Ariel was dead. Maleficent murdered her, because of me.
“I’m sorry I missed watching you become the young woman you’ve grown into.” She blew Rayne a kiss. “I love you, Rayne, my precious daughter.” The light dimmed and disappeared.
Vampire Nights (Vampire Wishes Book 3) Page 13