Page 2 of Stone Heart
“This realm has been long protected by gargoyles, and we will not go down in history as the first clan to fail.” Rhodack’s voice carried across the rooftop, where all the gargoyles could hear. His muscles grew tense—the sensation of the unknown washed over him. Something was coming for the Terra realm, and they would be there to defend it. “We are Clan Gahnoth.”
“Gahnoth.” His family’s name echoed on the lips of the gargoyles. Each one of them had pledged to serve his family and the realm.
His beast was coiled tight. Rhodack paced, his men moving out of his way. He paused and turned toward the warriors before him, his wings flying out at his sides. He knew the picture he portrayed.
Fierce clan leader.
Defender of the realm.
His men would follow his every move. He slid his sharp gaze across the rooftop at the gargoyles in front of him. Each face held the look of stalwart determination. He knew his men would not fail him again.
“We have long been defenders of this realm, protecting this world from the evil spirits and deities. We will not let them down.” He growled. “We are gargoyles.”
Rumbles echoed around as each beast grew bold. Scowls lined the faces of his men. Their tails, horns, and talons were all unique. Some had horns while others didn’t. Gargoyles had long been confused with demons, but they weren’t demons at all. They could take the shape of a human when they chose, but this night, under a full moon, they’d all chosen to harness their inner beast. Howls filled the air as they prepared for the chase.
“Now go,” Rhodack ground out, pointing out into the dark night sky. “Find what crossed over. Bring it to me.”
He turned as his men rushed to the edge of the skyscraper. Their wings spread out, and bodies dived off the building. The sky became full of the winged protectors on the hunt.
Rhodack walked to the edge of the building, his chest rising and falling fast. He ached to go with his men, but as the clan leader, he knew what he must do first.
He must notify the other clans that there had been a breach.
They all must keep an eye out for what might be coming. And from the uneasy feeling rolling around in the pit of his stomach, he knew it wasn’t good.
No, not at all.
They would all need to prepare.
“I don’t knowwhat it is about you that makes people buy whatever you suggest, Rina.” Alicia laughed as she closed the door behind their last customer.
Rina winced, trying to keep her pain at bay. This migraine of hers was a killer one today. Thank goodness it was closing time in their small clothing store. She glanced up at Alicia making her way back to the registers.
“Maybe because I’m honest with them?” Rina shrugged, counting the money in the register.
“I still say you put some form of voodoo over customers when they walk in the store. I’ve yet to see a customer tell you no.” She sighed, coming around the counter.
She began cleaning the mess they’d made while Rina counted down the drawers and packed the money for the nightly deposit run to the bank.
“Well, at least we met our goal tonight,” Rina announced. She tried to give Alicia an award-winning smile but failed. The room spun slightly as the pain intensified. She winced again, no longer able to hide her pain.
“Are you okay?” Alicia glanced over at Rina, her face showing her concern.
“Just a headache.” Rina tried to wave it off, but Alicia wasn’t hearing any of it.
“You’ve been getting these migraines more frequently lately. Maybe you should go get yourself checked out by a doctor?”
“And have him tell me I’m just under a lot of stress?” Rina arched an eyebrow at Alicia.
She had already been to her family physician. She’d requested a complete physical and, as usual, she was in perfect health. Not one thing was abnormal on any blood test or scan.
Nothing.
It was as Dr. Jameson had said—she was just under a lot of stress and needed to relax.
“I’m sure they will say more—”
“Well, he didn’t. Relaxation is what the doctor called for, and right now, I can’t afford to take time off.” She sighed, rubbed her temples, and glanced over at her coworker. A small smile finally graced her lips at the look of pity that came over Alicia’s face.
