AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"My grandmother, Wilma," Slade replied. "Why?"
"We all need to travel to the city. Dex will want you there when we make our plans."
Slade nodded. "I'll fill her in on everything. In the meantime, the chefs have worked all day to put together a banquet. They'll be pissed if you leave without eating."
"I could eat," I said. "And I could use some sleep before I get back on that bike." And a bath. My ass was sore from sitting for all those hours.
Bain nodded and rose. "We could all use a good meal. Especially after you managed to steal the two best chefs from the Keeper."
Slade smiled. "Guilty, but can you blame me? The things they can do with food are miraculous."
"I don't blame you," Bain said, "but I don't think Dex has forgiven you."
I knew him well enough by now to know he was joking. Or at least teasing. Dex might well be angry if Slade poached his staff, but it wasn't the end of the world by any means.
Slade sighed dramatically. "If I knew it would cause so much conflict…" He grinned and added, "I'd still do it. The food is worth it." He gestured for us to follow him out of the meeting room.
Bloodstone Point lived up to its name. At least, Bloodstone Keep did. The Watcher's home, as far as I could tell, the Keep looked like something out of a fantasy movie.
Made of grey stone, it was streaked with veins of red that looked like dried blood. If I was superstitious, I would think it was made of the blood of the Vault's enemies. I wouldn't rule out anything, but I couldn't see how they would have done it. As far as I knew, power didn't trap liquids in stone like that.
Shame, I knew a couple of witches I'd happily trap in stone, given half a chance.
Wesley fell in beside me, Bain in front, and Knox behind. Did they do that on purpose?
I glanced around at them, but they were all stony faced, even Wesley.
"I'm sorry about your lyaer," I said.
That broke his facade. He sighed and grimaced.
"At least we aren't dead. I can get another lyaer. It might not sound as good, or be the same, but—"
I patted him on the shoulder. "I'm sure you'll find an amazing one. Maybe even better." I knew nothing about musical instruments of any kind, especially ones particular to the Vault, but he perked up a tiny bit.
"You think so?" he asked.
"I know so," I said firmly. "And you have your voice in the meantime." He'd sung for us almost every night on the way from the Onyx Mountains to the city. He and Kerina had both poked fun at Bain and insisted he sing, but he refused. When I asked why, he wouldn't tell me, and they just laughed.
"That's true." He flashed a smile, but glanced around nervously.
I caught his vibe a moment later. No, I realised, I felt it the moment we walked into the Keep. I was distracted by the heavy furniture, tapestries on the wall, and the whole fantasy novel look. It contrasted directly with the modern clothing, lighting, and electrical outlets all over the place. It was like something from one of those shows where people renovate an old castle.
This was no hotel though. It was basically a functioning castle. If I had to guess, I would think it was built for defence. Against who, though, and why? The Keeper or the Alpha, maybe, if the Watcher decided they wanted out from under their thumb?
I watched the Watcher, who walked a few paces ahead of Bain. His whole body spoke of tension I hadn't noticed before.
Was that why the guys were arrayed around me like a guard of alpha dudes? Even Wesley seemed ready to deal with an attack, if one came.
Interesting. I would have pegged him as the type to run. I am in no way knocking that reflex. Running and hiding saved me from a bunch of shit in my life. Seeing him ready to fight threw me. Apparently there was more to the bard than I thought.
I tried to catch Knox's eye over my shoulder, but he was intent on… something. I couldn't tell what, but it prickled my spidey sense.
I inhaled the combination of scents from all the guys; sandalwood, citrus, dragonwood—that was Wesley—and something that smelled like cinnamon. I tried to draw in power, but it felt heavy, thick, like someone laced it with oil. The sensation made me want to be sick all over the pretty stone floors.
"What the—" I stumbled. Wesley grabbed my arm to keep me from falling.
"Viva? Are you okay?" he asked. "You look pale."
