At my words, he releases a light laugh. “I suppose from this angle, it does. I’m Hendrix.”
“You’re taller than I expected,” I counter.
A small smile tugs at his lips. “I’m seven foot, eight and half inches.”
“Like I said, taller.” I glance over my shoulder for Stone, but do not see him.
“You are not in danger. He is inside, watching our every move. Trust me.”
“Because he fears you will harm me?”
“No, child of Eve. That is not why he watches you.”
“Why then?”
Hendrix turns and leans his elbow on the railing. “You are an oracle who can read dark souls; you should be able to enlighten yourself.”
I too lean against the railing, inspecting Earth from this vantage point. “I disagree.”
“That you are an oracle, or that you can read dark souls?”
“Both.” I shrug.
“Lore mentioned you are a nonbeliever.”
“How kind of her.” I don’t hide my sarcasm.
“Do not judge those whom you do not wish to understand, child of Eve.”
“Why do you keep calling me that?”
“You are human. Therefore, Eve’s child,” he says, patience lining his voice. “Even after everything you have witnessed, you still think you’re simply a mortal girl, suffering from a human ailment such as schizophrenia? Is this not real to you?”
I take in a deep breath. “I don’t know what I believe anymore.”
“That is because you are not being true to yourself. If you are not careful, and refuse to embrace your oracle gifts, you’ll be searching for something that you will never find.”
“What if I told you I don’t have a gift? I don’t have visions, or see auras.”
Hendrix fixes me with a look of disbelief. “Do not ignore the call of the darkness, for it will haunt your mind to do so.” Large hands rest on my shoulders as he turns us so we can see into the chamber. “If it is answers and truth that you seek, look no further.”
Stone’s grassy gaze lifts and locks onto mine and my focus becomes glued to his as Hendrix bends closer to my ear. “When you look at him, what do you see? Feel? Sense?”
“Nothing,” I lie in a frustrated growl.
“Auras surround all things. It’s our soul’s energy. Our handsome prince has a vibrant red aura, conveying passion and a strong life force. A crimson means he’s experiencing heightened levels of lust, while a deep maroon indicates a rising temper. It is important for you to learn to read these tones.”
I watch as Stone’s eyebrow curves up in curiosity. Without warning, he’s bathed in a crimson glow. My lips part in awe, as the inky swirls that have become familiar to me twist and morph into deep scarlet hues around him.
“You see it now, don’t you?” Hendrix prompts. “Tell me.”
“I see a soul who is tortured. Someone who thinks he is full of darkness but has no idea how beautiful his light truly is,” I speak softly. “Death and unrest torment him.”
“Excellent. Now visualize his future. Do you think he will ever find peace?”
Irritation spurs in my chest and scratches at my skin. “No. He will always be torn.”
“Only when you let go of your preconceived notions will you find the truth.”
I pull my attention from Stone and pin it on Hendrix. “Are you trying to influence my mind with flowery words in place of truth?”
Hendrix lifts his chin. “You’ve seen his future then? It is filled with turmoil.”
“I—I don’t know what I saw or felt.”
“You had a vision when you touched him, and I know you read Vassago’s future,” Hendrix states. He moves and stands directly in front of me, blocking my view of Stone. “The dreams you suffer are the gift of sight—souls reaching out to you, asking you to listen to them. To help them. To understand them.”
“How do you know about my dreams?”
“The monks read your aura as you passed through the Hall of Judgment.”
I unsuccessfully try to hide my surprise. “I was told only souls preparing for judgment were read.”
“They will not speak to your keepers about what they’ve seen. They only communicate with me. It’s why their lips are sewn shut. I can help you to understand your place, Hope.”
I step closer. “If that is true, who was the girl in my vision that looked so much like me, and what was her warning about?”
Regarding me for some time, Hendrix takes my hand. A golden glow passes between us, and before I can even blink, we’re standing in my vision. In the same white room, staring at the sleeping, restrained version of myself. My breath hitches at the familiar scene.
Hendrix releases my hand and walks over to my sleeping form, placing his hand on my forehead and bowing his head slightly. I watch as my body relaxes onto the mattress.
“Be still, child of Eve. When the darkness settles and colors you with fear, be still. For when morning comes, he will come for you.” She relaxes at his words.
Hendrix steps away from the bed and turns to me, pinning me with a hard expression.
“Remember these words I have said. The mortals will cloud your mind with medication and lies; you will forget that you two share one heartbeat. Do not abandon all hope, for your love will come. Simply call him by name, and Stolas will come to you. This is my vow.”
My gaze slides to the sleeping form in the bed as his words sink in, matching the earlier message from this very same vision. Something strikes a chord, and I remember trying to remind myself of this very conversation.
“Listen to Hendrix,” I whisper, and then suddenly Stone’s voice floats into the room.
“Don’t be scared, I’m on my way,” his soft voice promises. “I’ll take you home, I promise. Just hold on a little bit longer.”
“The dark prince and you will be connected, child of Eve.”
“How did I just hear him?”
“Ancient legend states you will make his heart your own. Stolas’s birthright and the Circles will settle again in his soul, darkening it further. It will tear you two apart and he will fade into the night because he thinks there is a strange love in letting go. But love is mercy; it will save you both. When you call, he will come to you.”
My attention shifts to my sleeping form as a small sound passes through her lips.
“Stol—” she begins but the vision blurs and disappears as the balcony forms again.
“Enough!” Stone orders, taking my face in his palms. “She looks pale and terrified.”
“Easy, my Lord. The visions will do that. Sometimes, Hope must return to them to fully understand what they’re trying to teach her,” Hendrix explains in a calm tone.
Stone searches my face. “Are you all right? Are you scared?”
“I don’t know,” I say truthfully.
“It’s okay. I’m here.” He takes in a deep breath and releases my face, stepping back and focusing on Hendrix. “You were supposed to help her believe, Guardian.”
“She believes and understands now. Isn’t that right, child of Eve?”
I exhale and nod even though my hands are shaking. This new reality is almost too much to take. I run my fingers under my eyes, ignoring the wetness.
“With time, she will learn to control the visions and summon auras. I’ll send someone to the Circles to assist. They’ll teach her how to read her revelations accurately.”
A shudder crawls down my spine at the thought, but I shove it away.
Stone bristles next to me. “I cannot bring Hope to the Circles.”
Silence.
“Is that not the task your father ordered of you?” Hendrix asks sternly.
Stone sighs through his nose. “It is. But there is a . . . complication.”
“Which is?”
“Gabriel and I had an exchange of words. One which led to a vow of protection.”
Hendrix pales and grabs Stone by the elbow, quickly ushering him into the chamber.
I quickly follow behind them, worried about the sudden change in his behavior.
“Vows should not be taken lightly, my Lord. They must be kept once given—unless keeping the vow would be a greater evil to the sacredness of the promise,” Hendrix states in a low tone.
“The other reason for our visit,” Stone adds.
Hendrix paces the room as I look on, waiting for him to say something else. With each silent moment that passes, my chest becomes so tight, it aches. The others are sitting on the couches, studying the guardian with nervous energy. This can’t be good.
After what feels like an eternity, he stops and looks at Stone. “I cannot undo the vow.”
“Can’t or won’t?” Stone grits through clenched teeth, not even trying to appear polite.
“Both.”
“Undo the vo—why would you want to do that?” I demand, realizing his true intentions.
“Hope,” Stone’s deep rumble causes me to pause.
After witnessing my vision for the second time, then hearing Hendrix’s words, I panic. “May I speak with you a moment?” I grab Stone’s hand and pull him to a dark corner.
He jerks his hand back with a deep scowl. “You do not have permission to touch me.”
At his arrogance, I stand straighter and plaster on a fake smile. “Apologies, my Lord.”
A smug expression draws across his face as he shifts his weight. “Accepted.”
“Are they?”
Stone glances around the dark corner. “What is it you want?”
I straighten. “You brought me here just to break your promise to protect me?”
A grin twitches his mouth. “I thought you didn’t want my protection?”
“I d-don’t. I mean . . .”
He takes a step toward me, curving his lips seductively. “I was also under the impression you didn’t believe in me, my father, or the Circles. So why do you suddenly want my guard? Do you really want to continue to be bound to me?”
I try to hide my displeased expression at the thought of being stuck with him. “That isn’t the point. The point is that the first chance you got, you were going to leave me.”
Stone snorts. “Leave you?”
“Yes.” I realize I sound irrational, but something inside me—deep inside me—knows that Hendrix’s words and my vision will come true. I need him, and he needs me.
“I resent your insinuation. For the record,” he lowers his tone, “I’m trying to find a way to end my vow without ceasing to exist. If I am not here, I can’t return you home. Can I?”
My eyes flick to his. “I didn’t think of it that way,” I murmur. “I’m sorry.”
“That’s your problem, sweetheart. You don’t think; you simply act on base emotions.”
“Do not speak to me in such a tone,” I warn. “And stop with that stupid nickname.”
Stone hovers over me. “Or what?” he whispers.
I keep quiet, knowing he’s simply trying to push my buttons.
“Are you two done yet?” Avi asks with a sigh.
“Blood and water,” Hendrix announces loudly, and Lore clucks her tongue.
My eyes leave Stone and we both turn our focus onto the guardian, whose face is serious.
“No.” The word is cold and sharp as it leaves Stone’s mouth.
“It is the only way.”
Stone
Blood and water. No fucking way. I’m not supposed to protect her, I’m supposed to use her. Nothing more. “Not happening, Guardian.” The statement is harshly delivered.
“It is the answer. A vow loophole, enabling you to still protect her,” Hendrix replies.
“Blood and water,” I mutter, annoyed at the meaning of the two simple words.
“If Hope binds herself to you by blood, and not bond alone, you could brand her and she’d be protected in the Circles when you present her to your father,” he continues.
“Wait, what?” Hope steps between us. “You want us to swap blood?”
“Yes,” Hendrix answers.
She frowns and almost comically shakes her head. “That is not happening.”
I bark out a laugh. “It’s not your decision. It is mine.”
“Yes, it is. I’m in charge of my body—and blood,” she adds on with hesitation.
“Hope, if you two share a bond, Stolas can protect you under mating laws, while keeping his vow to the divine and his father without dire consequences to you or him,” Hendrix interjects with a pointed glare. “A link between the two of you is needed,” he adds. The words have an odd effect on Hope, as if they’re meant to remind and encourage her.
“Mating laws?” she repeats, before releasing a disbelieving laugh.
“How else will you call to him?” the guardian questions her with a gentle tone.
Wait. “Call to me?” I ask.
They ignore my question, and Hope’s shoulders sag in defeat before she swings her angered gaze my way. “For the record, this shit you’ve pulled me into is getting more and more bizarre by the minute.”
“At least we agree about something.”
“I don’t swap blood with anyone, let alone a stranger. You could have STDs, drugs, anything in your system. Also, I decide who I mate with. This isn’t some urban fantasy romance novel.”
My lips press together—tight. Her attitude is feeding my anger and aggravation. “First off, I am a demon. We don’t carry mortal ailments.” I look her up and down with disgust. “You, however, are human, and that list is something to seriously consider on my end.”
“What?” Hope shouts. “I am not some sewer rat carrying diseases.”
“Neither am I,” I snap back.
Hope’s gaze drifts over me before she locks eyes with me, seething.
“Now that everyone’s medical history has been presented, can we agree?” Avi chirps.
“NO!” Hope and I both shout at the same time.
“I have no desire to be mated to a human, let alone an oracle with divine blood,” I throw out with unrestrained annoyance. I search inwardly, trying to figure out why I am so against this idea. It’s a good solution. One that will save us both. Yet, the thought of my blood running through her veins, and hers in mine . . .
This won’t end well. For either of us.
“I’d be insulted if I didn’t agree with the dramatics of this all,” Hope mutters.
“You came to me, my Lord, asking for guidance, which I am imparting unto you. You need to return to the Circles with Hope. As your chosen, she may enter without fear of harm if she wears your brand and carries your blood. The Circles will be unhappy that you’ve marked her, of course, but her divine tears will protect your dark soul. You are each other’s saviors in this scenario. The sooner you come to realize this, the better off we will all be,” Hendrix points out. “Blood and water.”
“Why would Stone need divine protection from the Circles?” Hope asks.
Lev chuckles without humor. “His father is Lucifer. The real question you should be asking is, what doesn’t Stolas need protection from?”
Hope regards me, eyes softening. “Are you truly in danger?”
“Every day of my existence.” I straighten my stance. “Don’t let that sway you.”
“It’s a good solution,” Vassago speaks up, and I throw him a look.
“You’d love that, wouldn’t you? Human blood running through my veins, like you.” The words are nasty, meant to hurt. My brother holds my gaze before dropping it. “I’ll forgive that both you and Lev have spoken without permission—this time—but don’t let it become a habit, brother.”
Hendrix steps between us. “You came seeking counsel; this is my recommendation.”
“I’ll take your suggestion under advisement. We’re leaving now.”
“Hope, a moment,” Hendrix requests before we leave. “Alone.”
Her wide-eyed, curious expression meets mine and I dip my head in agreement.
“You’ve got two minutes.” I turn to leave and
my guards follow me out of the chambers. Once we’re outside the doors, I turn to them for counsel. “Speak freely,” I sigh.
“You aren’t truly considering this?” Lev questions.
I remain silent.
“This sounds insane, even for you.” Lev exhales. “She’s human and divine,” he adds, as if this is shocking information. “You can’t seriously be considering this.”
I scoff. “What other choice do I have?”
Lev thrusts his hand through his caramel-highlighted hair. “Fuck. I need a cigarette.”
A moment later, Hope steps out of the chamber.
“You okay?” Avi takes her hand and squeezes.
Hope nods in response, and silently follows the rest of the group on our way out.
Before she gets too far, I catch her arm and spin her so quickly there is nothing she can do to stop me. I step closer, crowding her when I dip my head, mouth nearly brushing hers when I speak. “What happened back there? What did Hendrix say to you? Show you?”
Refusing to back down, she lifts her chin. “Nothing that concerns you.”
I still as her warm breath dances over my lips. My heart rate picks up at her proximity.
This—my response to her—is exactly the reason a blood link is a bad fucking idea.
“Alright, mortal. Keep your secrets,” I say, tilting my head so that my words brush across her parted lips. “But understand this: for every time you keep something from me, or lie you bestow upon me, I will turn a soul dark,” I threaten, and she shivers.
I release her arm, step around her, and press a hand against the back of my neck as she blinks and watches me walk off. I won’t shelter her anymore from who I really am. At some point, reality is going to set in, and she needs to be prepared for the demon to rise.
WAR OF HEARTS
Stone
WITH EACH STROKE OF BLACK that mars the pristine white paper, the muscles between my shoulder blades loosen, releasing the hard knots that formed from our earlier visit to the City of Weeping. Blood and water. I scoff and focus on my sketch.
The heavy door to the office opens and closes with a soft creak. The small burst of air makes the candles flicker and dance, leaving shadows on the walls and furniture. Even though I feel Hope’s intense gaze on me, I keep my eyes focused on my artwork, concentrating on shadowing the lines with charcoal.
Stolas: A Dark Soul Series Novel Page 12
