Stolas: A Dark Soul Series Novel

by Randi Cooley Wilson

  “Then it wouldn’t be caprese,” he repeats, annoyed. “Or have any green color.”

  “So, add parsley instead.”

  “Parsley?” A sour expression crosses his face.

  What in the world? “It’s okay to push aside a preconceived notion of what something should be and turn it into something you want it to be.”

  Stone finishes his snack and with an uncomfortable silence sets his plate to the side.

  Needing to break the awkwardness, I figure another topic change might be in order.

  “Tell me more about these oracle gifts you say I have.”

  The returned silence is starting to piss me off.

  “I have a right to know what the plan is here, since I’m the one at the center of it.”

  Stone tenses. “You have no right to demand anything of me.”

  “Because I’m mortal?” I snap.

  He runs his hands through his hair, clearly frustrated. “It’s because you know nothing about our realm, or our ways. And it’s obvious you don’t have respect for my position within the Circles, or what truths I’ve told you to this point. So why bother?”

  Irritation courses through me. “Forgive me for not believing you are the Devil’s son. Or that I’m this extraordinary oracle who is supposed to help his cause. It’s all a bit far-fetched, even after witnessing the crazy trickery you all pulled upstairs. That, coupled with my ongoing, crazy-ass hallucinations, and I’m starting to miss shock therapy.”

  “You’re infuriating,” he exhales.

  “Well, you’re stoic and silent,” I bite out. “It’s aggravating.”

  “And you’re obnoxious and chatty,” he counters. “It’s fucking annoying.”

  With measured patience, I return my focus back to my midnight snack, as a strained quietness settles between the two of us.

  Three bites in, Stone releases a growl from his throat.

  “All you need to know right now is that I’m working on figuring out a way to bring you to the Circles. A way where you will not be in danger or a target. A way where I’m not breaking my oath to protect you, nor do I have to disrespect my father by not presenting the oracle to him.”

  “What happens if you break your oath?” I ask, playing along.

  “I cease to exist.”

  I tense. “What does that mean? You die? Your dad will kill you or something?”

  “Something like that, but it won’t be at my father’s hands. It will be by the divine, since they are the ones I made the vow with.”

  “What happens if you disrespect your father and don’t bring me to the Circles?”

  “I cease to exist.”

  I watch the shadows flicker over Stone’s face as the candle flames dance and sway.

  How can someone so beautiful have so much darkness behind his eyes? My eyes roam over his tattoos. A radiant scarlet liquid appears to be flowing through the designs like a river, leading to the crown on his forearm, where Stolas is etched into the design.

  I keep my focus on the crown.

  “Are you really the son of Lucifer?”

  Stone clenches his fists. “Don’t say his name aloud. And yes, I really am.”

  I snap my gaze back up to his. “Why can’t I say his name?”

  “The divine touched your soul; you must follow their rules. One of which states you are never to speak my father’s name aloud.” His answer is stern.

  “Are you saying that no divine being ever speaks his name?”

  “Not even his brother, Gabriel. It is a divine decree, punishable by falling.”

  “Gabriel, the archangel?” I inquire. “He’s brothers with Lu—your dad?”

  “Isn’t that common knowledge?” He rubs his hand over his mouth in weariness.

  “I’m not very religious.” I snort. “Is that why you asked me to call you Stone? Am I not allowed to speak your name either?”

  “I am Lucifer’s son. His next heir. Therefore, it’s not right that you speak the name he gave to me at birth,” his explains. “It is forbidden.”

  “And yet, I’m allowed to say Vassago’s name?” I challenge.

  “Vassago is a half-blood. His mother, Lilith, is human. Even though we share the same father, he is not pure, and therefore, as far as you’re concerned, the rule doesn’t apply.”

  “Interesting.”

  “What is?” he asks.

  “You’re a demon prince with a conscience and a high regard for rules.”

  He scoffs, shaking his head. “My interest in you is a lot less diabolical than my father’s. However, don’t ever make the mistake of confusing a dark soul for anything other than dangerous and dishonest.”

  “You may be dangerous and dark. But I sense there is something else inside of you.”

  Stone’s gaze slides past me and he grows quiet. “Believe what you want. The truth is, I am as close to the Devil as you’re going to get. So, tread lightly, before my demon comes out to play,” he threatens.

  I feel like I’m caught in a weird daydream. One that I can’t wake up from.

  “Where does the name Stone come from?” I continue, needing to know more.

  “It’s the name my mother gave me,” he growls out. “Enough name questions.”

  “Fine,” I concede. “Let’s talk about how your dad wants me to help destroy mankind.”

  Stone leans his elbows on the granite and moves closer. “Mankind?”

  “You said it yourself, my ability to read dark souls is a powerful trait. One that no other oracle has. If put in your father’s hands, will he not use it to destroy mankind?”

  “What makes you think Lucifer wants to destroy the human realm?”

  I match his incline over the countertop. “The one to control humans, controls the world. Isn’t that what he’s known for? Tempting, luring, and stripping us of our free will?”

  Stone stands tall. “My father’s interests do not involve human domination. Humanity is full of sin, depravity, and hatred—all things dark souls live and thrive on. We need humans. No, there are other realms and dimensions that you have no idea exist, including the divine one. You’re the key to domination of these Otherworlds, including Heaven’s gates.”

  My nose wrinkles. “All this is over power?”

  “Revenge.”

  “And what’s his motivation?”

  Stone’s eyes harden as his scent strengthens and wraps around me. “Love.”

  Stone

  Hope made her presence known to me before she even spoke. When our gazes met, I watched her long lashes blink against her skin a few times, possibly clearing out the images that had haunted her rest. I’m curious as to what she dreams of. When I close my eyes, it’s death, suffering, and darkness I see, which only stands to remind me that I’m a lesser being in the world.

  Yet, the way that Hope looks at me, like she is right now, indicates she doesn’t think of me as lesser. She sees all the darkness that floats inside of me, but doesn’t ask for an explanation—just accepts that it’s a part of me, without question or fear. Perhaps my role in the Circles is no longer fulfilling its purpose. I’ve felt it for a while now, without wanting to admit it. Her presence is making the signs clear.

  Hope searches my eyes, taking a few soothing breaths.

  Is it even fair to bring her innocence into our blood-stained war?

  “Love?” she repeats. “Your father, the Devil, wants revenge because of . . . love?”

  “It’s late. Aren’t you tired?” I suggest in a forceful tone, not meaning to sound so cruel.

  “I just slept for like ten hours,” she responds, confused at the switch in my demeanor.

  “Well, then, I’m tired.”

  “How will I understand what is going on if you don’t explain it to me?”

  “Another time.” I step around the kitchen island, trying to escape.

  “Stone.” Her hand rests on my arm, and her touch is the final straw pushing me over.

  “I’d prefer you didn’t do that,�
�� I hiss, removing her grasp from my arm.

  “Don’t,” she says forcefully. “Don’t push me away. I have a right to know.”

  Her anger has painted her cheeks an enticing shade of pink. Internally, I fight the urge to take her mouth with mine, subconsciously leaning into her space, entranced by her gaze.

  “It’s nice to see you two getting along, finally,” Avi chirps as she enters the kitchen, with Lev following closely on her heels. He winks at me before stepping around the island.

  Their sudden appearance causes me to stand up straight and jump back a step from Hope.

  Avi is the only one I will allow to speak to me first, without following protocol.

  “What are you two doing?” I question, trying to hide my irritation at their presence.

  “Working on getting a hold of Hendrix,” Lev answers, playing with my pile of basil.

  “Who is Hendrix?” Hope interjects.

  “Why is the human’s nose bleeding?” Lev asks, bored.

  Hope lifts her finger to her nose and when she pulls it away, there is a small amount of red liquid. At the sight, her eyes widen and something inside of me snaps. I don’t know why, but the sight of her blood makes my own boil with the fierce need to protect her.

  “Get her a tissue,” I bark at Avi, who looks cross.

  “Did you do something to her?”

  Annoyed, I storm over to the freezer and pull out a bag of frozen peas, before grabbing a paper towel and wrapping the bag in it. With more force than I intended, I shove it at Hope, who rips it angrily from my fingers and brings it to her nose.

  “Thanks, oh so much,” she snips.

  “Did you all get into a fist fight before we walked in?” Avi accuses.

  “Not tonight, but it’s only a matter of time,” Hope smirks, and she giggles.

  “She touched me.” The words fall out of my mouth before I realize I sound like a toddler.

  “Wow. Sounds like kindergarten up in here,” Lev says with a grin of his own.

  I put a hand to my chest and rub, trying to calm my nerves and festering anger.

  “It’s fine,” Hope mumbles from under the bag. “It’s most likely a side effect of coming off my meds.” An accusing glare swings my way, and I ignore the annoyance in Hope’s look.

  “I told you, you don’t need them,” I huff.

  “Oh, right,” she replies with feigned agreement, slapping her hand to her forehead. “Forgive me. I’m still getting used to the fact that demons are real and I’m no longer schizophrenic—according to the prince of the Circles, and the son of Lu—”

  I toss my hands in the air. “I don’t know what else I can do to convince you.”

  “Show her the Gates to Nowhere.” Lev speaks around a leaf he’s testing with his tongue.

  “The Gates to Nowhere?” Hope parrots, swiveling to me for an answer.

  “No,” I respond in a harsh tone.

  Her lids slide closed, like she’s trying to keep herself in check. “I’m not here by choice; however, since I’m here, you might as well fold me into this crazy. You know,” she throws me a snotty look, “since I am the key to your survival and all.”

  “She has a point,” Avi says. “By the way, why are you calling him Stone?”

  “He won’t let me call him Stol—” My growl cuts her off. “By his real name.” Hope throws the bag of peas on the island. “He prefers Stone.”

  “Why?” Avi puckers her lips.

  “I don’t need to explain myself. Hope is to call me Stone. As a matter of fact, everyone in this house will call me Stone, from this point forward,” I order. “Understood?”

  Lev snickers and shoves the last piece of mozzarella into his mouth.

  “Someone’s cranky tonight,” Avi mumbles.

  “Avi.” Her name is a warning not to push me any further.

  “Where are these gates?” Hope steps between us.

  “Located in the Valley of the Soulless,” Avi drops her voice to a whisper.

  “Where do they lead?”

  “To a place where iron meets flame, where worlds collide, and darkness tempts fate. It was created by love’s divide.” Lev’s answer is purposely vague.

  I clench my teeth. “It doesn’t matter where they are located, or where they lead. We will meet with Hendrix. Perhaps he can help open your eyes to the reality of your situation, since I’ve obviously failed.”

  Hope’s regards me with contempt. “Who’s Hendrix?”

  My hand comes up and covers her mouth. “Stop talking.”

  Then . . . then, the human licks my hand, causing me to jump away from her.

  “What the hell is wrong with you? Are you mental?” I grumble.

  “Yes, actually. I. Am. A. Mental. Patient. You have a shitty memory, Stone.”

  My eye twitches with the effort it takes to control my demon from lashing out.

  “Um, Hope,” Avi steps forward, grabbing her elbow, “have you seen the library?”

  “No.”

  “Great, I’ll show you. Like, right now. Let’s go,” Avi hauls her out of the kitchen.

  Grumbling, I meet my friend’s amused expression. “What?” I head to the sink and grab the soap.

  “For a human, she’s kind of funny,” Lev replies.

  “I’m glad you’re finding amusement in this.”

  “Oh, I am. You want to know why, Stone?” My divine name is loaded with sarcasm.

  “Why?”

  “Because she’s going to be your undoing.”

  CITY OF WEEPING

  Hope

  AS I’M TYING THE LACES on my boots, the door to my room opens. I glance over my shoulder, and my heart leaps into my throat when Stone steps in and closes the door behind him. I take a moment to appreciate the way he looks today. He’s wearing dark gray jeans, expensive-looking black boots, a black T-shirt and a black leather jacket.

  “You don’t knock?” I ask absently, fidgeting with my hair.

  “I don’t knock on doors I own,” he retorts.

  And we’re off to another friendly start this morning.

  “You should stop by the kitchen for breakfast. We are leaving in five minutes.”

  “Really?” I say, bolting to my feet with a rush of hope.

  Stone frowns at me. There’s something in his eyes that makes me stop dead in my tracks.

  “Hendrix has agreed to meet us in the City of Weeping,” he throws out.

  “Oh.” I release a long sullen breath. “Right.”

  Seeing my expression, he says, “You wanted proof that all this is real. Hendrix can and will give you the answers you seek.”

  I close my eyes, feeling like I’m going to cry. “Okay,” I rasp.

  When my lids lift, Stone’s intense glare hits me like a freight train. His silence is deafening as he studies me before he speaks. “I can see the wheels spinning in that pretty head of yours. You’re going to have to learn to trust me. That what I tell you is real.”

  “What’s going to happen to me?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You’re trying to figure out a way to safely take me to the Circles, right? So, once I am there, what’s going to happen to me? Are you just going to hand me over and leave?”

  Stone averts his eyes, casting them downward. “Your gifts make you very valuable to my father and his dimension. My orders are to bring you to the Circles.” He takes a few slow steps in my direction and his scent swims around me. “Lucifer is unpredictable. I can’t offer any assurances of what will happen when we return. But I vowed to protect you, and though my soul is dark, my word is binding. I will safeguard you. Even if it means going against my father, your safety will be my primary focus once we are there.”

  “Not because you want to, though,” I say in a small voice, picking at my nails.

  “Don’t presume to understand or know what I want.” Stone sounds angry.

  Feeling sick to my stomach, I continue to fidget. “You’re never going to let me go home, are you?�
��

  He begins to speak, but stops, and all my earlier elation is crushed. I feel as though he’s kicked me in the stomach. My heart twists at the realization this situation is not temporary. Tears spring to my eyes.

  He clears his throat. “We should get going. The journey to the City of Weeping is long.”

  I nod, unable to form words.

  Pushing my shoulders back, I step around him. Stone’s arm snaps out and he grabs my hand, twirling me back to face him.

  “What are you doing?” I whisper, as my chest presses against his, arms pulled to our sides.

  “Tell you what: no more talk of medicine, doctors, or your mental health. If you make a conscious effort to believe what I am telling you is real, then I vow—once we’ve met with my father and you’ve helped him—I will find a way for you return home. You have my word, Hope.”

  I hold my breath at his declaration. “Why would you do that?”

  Stone’s focus falls to our intertwined hands. “I don’t know. Maybe guilt?”

  My hand in his warms as tiny jolts of energy zip between us. They’re no longer sharp and forceful, but gentle and welcoming, like a constant flow of warmth.

  His expression is full of uncertainty as he studies our hands and then my face. It’s as if he has no idea why he just said what he did. I don’t care, though. I’ll take his promise and hold him to it, because I desperately want to go home.

  “I don’t think it’s guilt,” I reply. “I accept your offer. I’ll take this journey and put my trust in you. Then when I’ve done whatever it is your father asks, I want to go home.”

  Stone releases me with a quick drop of my hand and steps around me to leave the room. “We leave in ten.”

  “Oh, hell no,” I shout. “There is no way my ass is going in there.”

  “Yes, you are. This is how we enter the City of Weeping,” Stone says each word slowly.

  “I don’t care if that’s the way to the promised land. I’m not going in there,” I repeat, and take a step back.

  “If you don’t move forward, human, I will push you,” Lore threatens from behind me.

  “Then push me. Because this,” I point to the marble mausoleum entrance, “is not happening.”