Page 51 of Stone Heart
Chapter 17
Rina reappeared on the rooftop of the Steele building. She fought off the shrieking serpent as it tried to flap its wings and take off.
Her father appeared at her side with his long sword held high. He swung it down, taking the head off the serpent. Its body flopped on the ground, its talons releasing her.
“Larina…” Her father’s stern eyes took her in as if assessing her for damage.
“I’m fine.” She gulped, turning in a circle to take in the rooftop.
The gargoyles had taken control, and the concrete floor was littered with the bodies of the dead demons.
“Where’s Rhodack?” Her heart slammed into her chest as she noticed the one person missing from the melee. Panic gripped her, and she swung around, not seeing him. She scanned the devastation and didn’t see him.
Gargoyles dragged demon bodies into piles with the assistance of the Fae warriors.
“He went after you, my dear,” her father murmured, taking her by her shoulders. “When the serpent left with you, he took off immediately after you.”
“But why isn’t he back? I’m here,” she cried out. He shouldn’t have gone after her. She turned her eyes toward the sky, which was void of any beings. Panic filled her chest, and she glanced around at the mayhem on the rooftop. “Vikuth!” she screamed.
“Yes, my lady,” Vikuth replied, stalking toward her, his tough gargoyle face etched with a deep scowl while he made his way to her. Blood dripped from his talons, leaving a trail on the ground. Then he arrived at her side.
“Where’s Rhodack? Why would he go after me?” Her eyes searched the large gargoyle’s, but she already knew the answer.
“Because you’re his mate. A gargoyle will always protect the other half of his soul,” he said, moving his head to take in the empty skies.
“Bring him back to me,” she demanded.
Her father tried to pull her within his grasp, but she shook off his hand. She grabbed Vikuth and turned him to her. There was no way she would just sit and not go after him. “I want him back. Now. If you don’t go after him, I will.”
“As second-in-command, I cannot leave the lair now. We will find him, I promise,” Vikuth replied.
She was comforted a little by his promise but she’d feel even better once Rhodack was back in her arms.
He searched the rooftop, his gaze seeming to land on two gargoyles. He called out to them, “Mackad. Tasux.”
The two gargoyles immediately dropped the demon body they were dragging and flew to their side.
“Yes, sir,” the one named Mackad greeted Vikuth.
They both nodded to her and her father as they stood beside Vikuth.
“Your clan leader has been captured,” Vikuth roared.
Gargoyles on the entire rooftop paused what they were doing at his announcement. Fierce scowls lined Mackad’s and Tasux’s faces while they waited for orders.
“I want you and two of our best gargoyles to fly after Rhodack.”
“Yes, sir,” Tasux said, his chest rising fast.
More growls filled the rooftop along with Vikuth’s words echoing through the air. Rina observed the fierceness of the gargoyles when their eyes turned to her.
“Find him,” she ordered, narrowing her eyes on them. She knew they were loyal to Rhodack and the clan.
They nodded to her and Vikuth.
“We are Clan Gahnoth,” Vikuth shouted, walking forward. He pounded on his chest, his muscles straining.
“Clan Gahnoth,” was echoed by every gargoyle around.
