“No, wait! Don’t go. Mom!” Rayne fell to her knees, her head hitting the ground. Her cries echoed around the cave, making it sound as though even the walls mourned. “What happened to her? Why did she leave? I’m sixteen now.”
Hope flashed through her eyes. “Maybe she’s coming in person? That was the spell working. It had to be. Graves said it was a calling forth spell.” Rayne stood and went to the hole in the rock that looked like a window. “I’ll see her again.”
I wanted to tell her the truth, but she looked so happy. I couldn’t make myself break her heart.
Cole moved beside her. “I’m sure you’re right,” he said, stroking her hair.
Rayne seemed to suddenly remember he was there. “Cole.” She pulled him into a hug. “Thank you for being here with me. Thank you for caring for me.” Her eyes shone with fresh tears. “You’re the best thing that’s happened to me and I don’t know what I’d do without you.” She rested her head against him.
“Of course,” Cole said, caressing her back.
Feeling like a voyeur, I went over to one of the tables on the far side of the room, checking out the empty potion bottles made of what appeared to be paper-thin rock. There were bowls, spoons, beakers, pots and pans, all made of rock. I studied each with interest, trying to give Cole and Rayne some privacy.
I forced myself to be happy for them, especially Cole, even though I felt sick with the knowledge that at some point I would have to tell them both the truth. Eventually I curled up in a corner and I tried to sleep for a while, but my thoughts and guilt kept nagging at me.
The water reached almost to the top floor of the tower and lapped at the edge. Rayne had been right about the goblin sharks. Several came nearly to the top of the stairs as though waiting for something. Scraps of food? I wasn’t sure, but kept my distance.
Finally, the tide receded, and we climbed down the stairs. Cole carried me through the cave, much to my irritation and Rayne’s, and then we made our way back to the castle. I kept looking toward the sky, hoping to spot Troy or Professor Pops. I knew the gargoyles still searched for them, but I really missed them. Especially Troy. I really could have used some of his courage right about now.
Thirty-One
I finished another shower, dried off, and donned a sea foam green pair of pants and matching bikini top. I spent a little more time on my hair since it was for the coronation, pulling it high on top of my head before braiding it, then wrapping it in a bun. In between dressing and doing my hair, I went to the window in search of a dragon. Each time I left disappointed.
After returning from the cave Cole and Rayne had gone to his room, promising to meet me at the coronation. I went past his door and listened. It was quiet so I headed downstairs. Throngs of gargoyles talked excitedly as they walked in the same direction. I guessed they were headed to the coronation, so I followed.
At the large opening to the throne room, a warrior stopped me. The space had been decorated with myriad golden strands, like streamers hanging from the ceiling between the peculiar round lights. The gargoyle turned slightly and bowed. “Welcome, Jasmine of Sharra.” His voice boomed through the corridor.
Hundreds of gargoyles stopped talking long enough to look my way. Some pointed and glared. Others smiled and whispered behind their hands before returning to whatever they’d been doing before I arrived.
For the event, the gargoyles had dressed up, using their wings as an accessory and to hold accessories. They’d chosen clothing that matched or complimented their wings and then placed rings, jewels, and ribbons on their wings. One female with cherry red wings even used her wings as a cape, allowing them to drape over her shoulders. The effect was interesting, but beautiful just the same.
The hall sprawled before me, decked out in green and gold tablecloths and banners. All along the outskirts stood dozens of dragon statues.
“Emperor Edge wishes you to sit at his table.” The guard indicated the long stone slab where Edge was seated next to Skye. Each of her white wings had been adorned with a delicate golden ribbon, a bow tied on the outside.
To Edge’s right was Graves.
“Very good. Thank you.” I strode over, dodging gargoyles until I reached the table. “Hello, Emperor Edge,” I said, bowing slightly.
“Jasmine. Thank you for coming. Please have a seat.” He indicated I sit next to Graves. My heart sank, but I managed not to let it show on my face.
“Thank you for having me.”
“Jasmine,” Graves said as I sat. His oily voice seemed to coat the air and I instinctively moved back. He extended a hand toward me.
“Hello.” I remembered the manners my mom had taught me and placed my palm in his, even as I studied him. He’d changed from green to a golden cape with a black and gold broach clasped at his throat. The effect was magnificent. I wondered if he was purposely trying to appear more powerful that Edge.
“Are you looking forward to witnessing your first gargoyle coronation?” Graves still held my hand.
I pulled it away slowly, fighting the urge to wipe it off. “Sure.”
“I think you’ll enjoy it. As you can see we are roasting a goblin shark and there will be fish cakes, shellfish salad, and horseradish stew.” His gaze bored into me.
I’d wondered what the horrible smell was when I first came in. “Sounds great,” I lied, trying to appear excited.
“Oh, wait.” He chuckled. “You are an original vampire. You probably don’t even eat regular food, do you?”
I questioned his use of the word regular when paired with the description of the food that would be served for the banquet, but resisted the urge to comment. “I prefer blood,” was all I said.
“And how often do you need it? Once a day? A week? A year?”
The man was fishing for information. That was obvious. I gave him the vaguest answer I could think of. “It depends.” I searched the entryways, hoping to see Cole or Rayne or even Laeddin. I was sadly disappointed.
“If it’s once a day, you must be starving. Too bad gargoyles don’t have blood. At least not like the kind you’re used to.”
“It’s fine. I’m not hungry.” I continued to avoid looking at him as I spoke.
“Tell me about your wings. I know you’re supposed to have them, so where are they? Do they just pop out when you need them?”
Frack, the gargoyle had a lot of questions. I didn’t want to go into detail about the choices I’d made that led me to be wingless. “Well, I—” I began, but Cole and Rayne had finally appeared. “Oh look, there’s Rayne. Isn’t she your daughter?”
A shadow fell across his face. “She is,” he said, his eyes narrowing into slits.
“She saw her mother earlier,” I said, watching for his reaction. But he kept his cool.
“Did she? How wonderful. It seems my spell worked.” Now it was his turn to avoid looking at me.
“Yeah, quite a birthday present,” I continued, knowing I might be pushing too hard, but not caring overly much.
Graves faced me. “Yes, it is.” He took a sip from whatever was in the gold-filigreed goblet above his plate.
I wanted to keep poking, but at that moment Edge stood.
He clinked on his glass with one of his rings. “Attention everyone.” His deep voice boomed across the room.
The room went silent. Cole and Rayne quickly moved into the seats to the right of me. When they were situated, Edge smiled. “Welcome friends, family, neighbors, and allies. Thank you for coming. Tonight we will dance and sing and eat.”
Everyone cheered. I noticed no one seemed sad that Jagg was gone.
“But first the business of my coronation. I promise it’ll be quick and painless.” Several guffaws erupted from the crowd. Edge looked over at Graves. “You’re up.”
The wizard stood, tossing one side of his cape over his shoulder. “As we all know Edge is a gargoyle of integrity. He will be a leader we can be proud of. He will keep the dirty outliers from destroying what we’ve built and make sure
there is continued peace.” He paused, allowing the crowd to cheer. They pounded their cups against the tabletops and flapped their wings in joy. “Even now, Edge is working to rid our realm of the Akuma and the darkness overtaking us. With him as our leader, we will be victorious!”
More cheers. Banging on tables and clapping. Cole and Rayne held hands. They didn’t join in with the cheering, but looked like they were enjoying themselves. As I studied the girl who looked less like a gargoyle than I did, I debated how to tell her about Ariel. I wasn’t sure how to bring up the fact that we were related and that, even though we were around the same age, she was my aunt.
Graves continued, “Our families and loved ones will be safer with him at our helm.” He held out his hand and a golden crown, the same color as Edge’s wings, appeared on his palm. Made of gold ivy leaves, it shone in the light. “This crown should be worn with pride. As ruler of our people, may you lead us with resolution and valor.”
Edge bent his head and allowed Graves to place it on his head.
When Edge straightened, Graves went on, “You will be known as Edge the Courageous.” The wizard waved his hands and all the banners and tablecloths changed to different but complimentary shades of gold. Then he clapped his hands together once and the dragon statues all became golden lions.
Impressive. Even the gargoyles thought so. They oohed and aahed.
“Thank you, Graves.” Edge picked up his glass. “In the name of Aria, our goddess, I do solemnly swear to rule our people with courage and valor.” He lifted his glass. All the gargoyles followed.
“All hail Emperor Edge,” Graves shouted.
The others repeated the phrase three times.
When they finished, Edge shouted, “Let’s eat!”
Once the food was served, I pushed mine around long enough that if anyone bothered to check they would think I’d eaten.
“Tell me about this place,” Cole said. I overheard him speaking with Rayne and I listened. At that moment I felt like a party pariah. After the initial conversation with Graves, no one spoke to me.
Rayne pointed out three gargoyles whose names I forgot as soon as she said them. I did catch that they were the chieftains of the other three quarters of the realm and had come to support their new emperor. Rayne talked of the riches they’d brought and where they lived in conjunction to Edge’s castle. I only half listened to the history lesson until she mentioned the Kaleidoscope Gardens.
“What are they?” Cole asked.
She lowered her voice, but thankfully my vampire hearing allowed me to hear everything. “Everyone knows they exist, but there are only a handful of gargoyles who have seen them.”
“Have you?”
I smiled to myself. Cole was asking the right questions.
Rayne’s voice dropped an octave. “Yes, but no one knows. I followed Graves once a few months ago.”
Cole sat up. “What’s inside?”
“It’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen. Surrounded by waterfalls, the ground is covered with dozens of different colored plants and flowers. Some are incredibly tall while others are tiny. And there’s something in the center. I’m not sure what it was, but that’s where Graves went. He knelt there for a long time before retreating back to his rooms.”
“Sounds like a cool place. What’s it for?” Cole asked as he took another bite and chewed.
“Urban legend says that it’s connected to the center of the world. It’s also believed the place holds the secret to our colorful wings, but honestly, I don’t know.” Rayne shook her head at the idea.
“Wanna go see it? We could take a walk.” Cole leaned forward, grinning. “Maybe it will give both of us our wings.”
“It’s like you can read my mind.” Rayne kissed him, taking both of his hands. Together they stood and took their leave.
I was sad and lonely and bored, which prompted me to follow them. Plus, I really wanted to see the Kaleidoscope Gardens. This was the first indication anything could actually grow here. Up to now, I hadn’t seen so much as a single plant. I scanned the room and realized I wouldn’t be missed. When they reached the exit, I stood.
“Where you off to?” Graves asked.
“Headache. I’m going to go lie down.” It was almost true. Having him around was practically headache-inducing all by itself.
He narrowed his eyes at me. “You need blood, don’t you?”
“You might be right. But I’ll be fine.” I gave him my most confident smile.
“Tomorrow, I’ll have someone help you look for that crown piece.”
“That would be great, thank you.” My voice rang with sincerity. The sooner we found that piece, the sooner we could get out of here and find the rest.
“By the way, where is the genie?” His voice was casual, but his eyes were flinty as he spoke.
I’d wondered how long it would take for someone to ask. “He went to his realm to do some research,” I said, then felt as if I’d given too much away so I added, “but he’ll be back.”
“Of that I have no doubt. He wouldn’t leave you.” The look on his face indicated he believed Laeddin and I were in a relationship. I decided not to correct him.
“No, he wouldn’t. Good night.” I didn’t know whether it was night or not, but it felt like the right thing to say.
“Sleep well, Jasmine of Sharra.” For some reason, hearing those words sent a shiver racing down my spine. I shook it off and headed out the door.
It was time to get a look at the Kaleidoscope Gardens with my own eyes.
Thirty-Two
Graves had kept me longer than expected. By the time I reached the exit, Rayne and Cole were no longer in sight. So I closed my eyes and listened. At first I didn’t hear anything except the fun going on at the party. But I pushed farther and farther, focusing until I heard Rayne’s soft laugh. “Got you.” I opened my eyes and started forward.
A lone gargoyle blocked my path. He wore a creepy smile as he studied me. “Talking to myself,” I said, moving in the direction of the stairs.
“Don’t go, little princess.” He wrapped his arms around me from behind, holding me fast.
I immediately went limp, allowing him to bear all my weight. His grip slipped just enough that I was able to ram both of my ankles into his knees and roll forward out of his arms. The gargoyle cried out, and I was free before he even realized what had happened. Using my vampire speed, I dashed over to the stairs and raced down them before he had a chance to recover.
When I’d gone down two flights, I paused and listened for my attacker. No sounds of pursuit from him, but I did faintly hear something or someone else on the stairs above. After waiting another minute and hearing nothing, I turned my attention to Cole and Rayne. They weren’t too far ahead, taking their time and enjoying each other’s company. I hurried, moving quietly until I was only one floor behind them.
They seemed to really care for each other. It was hard to listen to them. When they stopped to make out, I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms, leaning against the gray wall. Memories of Troy and me kissing after the dance filled my mind and my heart. I missed him. I closed my eyes, trying to imagine his arms around me, and the smell of him, and the way I’d felt in his arms.
“Hey.” The voice came from above, not too far from my ear. My heart jumped. It sounded suspiciously like Troy.
I opened my eyes and blinked several times to make sure I wasn’t dreaming.
“Troy, what are you doing here?” Emotions flooded me at seeing him here and I could barely keep my voice down. “What if someone sees you?”
“I’ve been stalking you and Cole.” He rested his hands on my arms even as he looked me up and down, ignoring my last question. “You look hot.” His smirk was positively sinful.
He was wearing a pair of black gargoyle pants and no shirt. I wondered where he’d gotten them. “So do you,” I grinned back and hugged him tight, my bare skin tingling where it touched his. The air changed between us, filling with electricity
.
“Jazz.” He tilted my head up and lowered his mouth over mine. Our kiss started out tender, but quickly they became hungry. His tongue dipped inside my mouth, exploring. I tasted him, exploring in turn. He pulled me closer, his hands caressing my nearly bare back. They went lower until they were at the waist of my pants. I let out a moan. He lifted me into his arms and I circled my legs around his hips.
“Troy,” I whispered against his mouth.
He groaned, releasing me. “They’re moving again.”
“What? No,” I complained, pressing myself against him.
Troy kissed me again. “Come on.” He grabbed my hand, kissing me quickly. “Let’s think of it as a game. If they stop to make out, then we can too.”
I adjusted my top, surprised at how easily I’d let myself get sucked into all the feelings I had for him. “Okay.” I allowed him to lead me down the stairs, my hand in his, still in a daze. By the time we reached the next landing, Cole and Rayne were kissing again. Troy, true to his word, pulled me around the corner and into his arms. My lips crashed into his. We explored each other, hungry and happy. And it was like we’d never parted.
Rayne and Cole eventually stopped kissing again and it was time to move on.
“Damn,” I whispered, trying to continue to kiss Troy as we moved. He chuckled and picked me up so that I could stay close, and I listened to his heartbeat against my ear as he moved. Four more times they stopped and kissed and four more times we did the same. By the time we reached the courtyard, I couldn’t’ve cared less about the Kaleidoscope Gardens. I wanted nothing more than to find a quiet corner and learn all there was to know about Troy—physically and otherwise.
But Troy seemed determined to find them. “Let’s go.”
I chased after him. “Hey, where’s Pops?” It suddenly occurred to me that he wasn’t around.
He glanced back at me and shrugged. “After we escaped, we ended up in another of the gargoyle kingdoms. They seemed excited to see us and even asked Professor Pops for some help. He promised to stay if I promised to get Cole out of here. We’re going to meet back up and then return home together.”
Vampire Nights (Vampire Wishes Book 3) Page 14
