Page 5 of Stone Heart
“I’m not sure. I keep getting the feeling I’m being watched,” she murmured, stepping into her mother’s open arms for a hug.
Her mother squeezed her tight before pulling back from her. Concern filled her eyes as she looked at Rina. “Why would you say that?”
“I don’t know. It’s just a feeling I’ve been having since yesterday. I can’t shake it. With my migraines picking up, I’m starting to think I’m going crazy.”
Her mother’s soft hand cupped her cheek. She stared into her eyes. Her mother always seemed to have a knack for natural healing.
“I can see your pain is growing, my dear. Let me get some good food in you. I’ll take the pain away,” her mom promised with a smile. She leaned in and placed a kiss on Rina’s forehead.
Rina didn’t know why, but such a small gesture always made her feel better. It was as if the headache knew it would be no match for her mother.
Rhodack leanedover the table in the war room in the Gahnoth lair. Deep underground, beneath Earth’s surface, an entire city dwelled. Heavy magic warded the underground world, hiding the city from humans. They were unaware of the others who existed along with them. Sure, some knew of the paranormal world, but they had been sworn to secrecy for whatever reasons they were allowed to know about the gargoyles and the secret city.
Gargoyles were bound to the night, when their powers were the strongest. During the day, if sunlight were to touch their flesh, their bodies would turn to stone, trapping them until nightfall returned.
Because of this curse, their world had been built underneath Earth’s surface to eliminate the threat of the sun.
Rhodack intently studied the flat atlas of the world laid out on the table before him. In communicating with two of the other clans, it had been relayed to him that Cairo and Sydney, too, had had breaches. With three of the Terra portals being broken through, the other clans had been warned to kick up their security.
There was no information of what had crossed through into this realm, but the other clan leaders agreed this level of infiltration could be dangerous. Not knowing what had come through could put the entire realm in danger.
A growl escaped from his chest as he straightened up from the table. He placed his human hands on the edge and continued to study the atlas.
What was so important about Cleveland, Sydney, and Cairo? What was the connection?
The doors to the room burst forth, gaining his attention. He snarled, turning to see who would so boldly bother him when he’d specifically said he was not to be interrupted.
“My apologies for intruding,” Vikuth announced, bowing to Rhodack.
Vikuth, in his natural form, was a strong gargoyle. One horn adorned his forehead. His dark-gray scales depicted many scars from battles over the years. He wasn’t as tall as Rhodack but was close in strength.
They had trained together in their youth. Their fighting skills were similar to each other. Rhodack would trust Vikuth with his life and had many times over. He knew the same was felt for him. He wouldn’t hesitate on protecting his friend, his right-hand.
“For this intrusion, I take it you’ve found what crossed over into this realm?” Rhodack strolled over to his security head. He locked his eyes on Vikuth as he stood from his kneeling position.
“To be truthful, I’m not sure what I have exactly,” Vikuth admitted.
Rhodack’s interest was piqued. “So, whatdoyou have?”
“Last night, when we were searching the city, I came across a powerful energy source I’ve never seen before,” he began.
His dark eyes met Rhodack’s, and Rhodack could tell his security head was confused.
Rhodack waved his friend over to the seating area in the room. They walked across to the chairs that faced each other. Vikuth shifted to his human form, flicking his hand, using gargoyle magic to produce clothing.
“Where did you see the energy?” Rhodack asked. They took their seats. He pressed the button on his table to summon one of the servants to bring them refreshments. A conversation like this had to be done over a stiff drink. It was going to take the clans around the world to work together to figure out this breach.
“Believe it or not, it came from a house where two females live,” Vikuth announced.
The doors opened, and Rhodack held up his hands. A female walked into the room carrying a tray with his favorite bourbon. She poured them both drinks with a smile on her lips. She, too, was gargoyle but chose to use her human form. Her dark hair was pulled back from her face in a tight bun. She had on the customary dark uniform of the servants.
Rhodack caught his friend eyeing the servant’s ass as she bowed to him. He smirked knowing the servant had gained Vikuth’s attention.
“Will there be anything else, sir?” she asked, looking to Rhodack.
“That will be all for now. Leave the bottle here.” He nodded to the table beside him.
“Yes, sir,” she murmured before turning to leave.
