“Orpheus had no idea what he’d done,” I whispered, taking in the way the walls threw off a delicate blue hue caressing the marble, the magnificently rising granite stone representing divinity; the way Jacob and Fabian gazed upon me.
“We were waiting for the chosen one to be enlightened,” Fabian said. “Illuminated by time.”
“Dominion had to be ready,” Jacob asserted.
Fabian’s irises glinted in the darkness. “To rule wisely.”
Jacob gestured to the doorway.
We headed out of the dark chamber and up into the Stone Master’s chapel, and onward, ascending the long winding staircase leading out of the once torture chamber. The faint scent of sandalwood lingered.
Though the long lines of cells were illuminated with candles they did nothing to lift the gloom. I followed Fabian and Jacob into the far cell, sensing him before I saw him—
Paradom was crouched low in the corner, and his eyes widened when he saw us.
I knelt close to Paradom. “What are you doing in here?”
“I like it here. Dark and quiet.” He held his forefinger to his lips. “Don’t tell anyone I’m here.”
With a shake of my head I reassured him I wouldn’t.
“They took it out.” He motioned to his heart.
“We removed the electrode inserted into his chest,” Jacob clarified.
Though there was no scar to show what Sovereign had done to him, Paradom seemed calmer.
“No one will ever harm you again.” I took his clawed hand in mine. “Come with us out of here.”
“I like it here,” Paradom said. “Listen.”
I could hear nothing.
“See,” Paradom continued. “Silence is golden. Like time. Like a poem in my head.”
“We’ll get you some blankets,” I said. “Food. Whatever you need.”
“Cat food?” Paradom asked.
Jacob shrugged. “He likes it.”
“Then cat food it is,” I said.
“You found your way back!” Paradom whispered.
“I did.” I squeezed his hand, hoping to comfort him.
His eyes were full of wonder. “And you came back for me. Like you promised.”
“Yes,” I said. “And you’re safe now.”
“Can I go back too, now?” he murmured. “Separate.”
Jacob shared a wary stare with us. “We won’t stop until we find a way . . . back for you.”
I rested my hand over my heart. “And that’s a promise.”
Paradom opened my fingers and pressed a small round object into my palm. I recognized the 1829 shilling crested with King George IV’s head. The very coin Paradom had thrown at me when we’d first met.
“Remember me,” he said.
“I’ll take special care of it.” I tucked the coin into my pocket.
I rose and my gaze slid over to the wall upon which was written in blood, “Find Dominatio.”
Fabian acknowledged what I was looking at. “Vampires were kept prisoner in here before the Stone Masters took them to Stonehenge.”
“That was two hundred years ago,” Jacob clarified, “during Lord Artimas’s time.”
“The vampires found hope in the name Dominatio,” Fabian said. “One of the prisoners must have written it as a message to others in case they escaped.”
I rose to my feet. “They waited a long time.”
“Worth the wait.” Paradom looked excited. “All good things come to those who wait.”
“We’ll take care of him.” Jacob peered down at Paradom. “I’ll be back in little while.”
Paradom clapped his hands. “Premium cat food. Not the cheap stuff.”
Jacob smiled my way. “We have expensive taste.”
Fabian, Jacob and I headed out of the cell and trekked along the dungeon corridor.
“Is there any hope for him?” I asked them.
Jacob wagged his chin. “We can only hope the Book of Toth offers us guidance.”
Fabian patted my back. “You’re doing awfully well, considering.”
Despite all that had unfolded I too was surprised at my resilience and marveled at my desire to finally face what still lay ahead.
I hesitated when we reached the foyer.
One hundred or so men had gathered there, talking quietly, reverently. They hushed when they saw us. Fabian led me through the crowd toward the central staircase and up it, taking the first ten steps before turning and viewing the many faces staring back.
By the base of the stairs stood Alex, his expression one of hope. Catherine’s arm was slid through Alex’s and she reflected serenity. To my left Ingrid, her tears staining her flushed cheeks.
I paused, wanting to tell her what she meant to me, reassured to see her still here.
Sebastian’s eyes met mine, his expression reflecting his experience of seeing me for the first time, his face crinkled into a smile. Jacob, who stood beside him, gave a gesture of approval.
It was good to see all of them, and I hoped they knew my gratitude for all they’d done for me. Marcus and Anaïs were not here and I could only surmise they were in London, perhaps with Sunaria, celebrating Orpheus’s return.
But Lucas was here, having stayed with the others, and he emanated a thoughtful calmness. I owed my return to him. He pressed his hand to his chest in a gesture of affection.
Candlelight reflected off the central chandelier, throwing shards of light down and around us, reminding me . . .
Of Stonehenge.
Her grand rocky goddesses of the night, mystical mistresses of the supernatural, guarding me with their eternal endurance.
Lying upon the central stone I’d faced my fear, and finally the sun’s secrets were mine, as all she’d dared to share was now remembered.
Halfway up the staircase, Fabian and I stood shoulder to shoulder, taking in the many faces gazing up at us in awe.
Fabian motioned toward them. “Stone Lords.”
Whispers from the past flooded in and settled, saturating my heart and mind like the sweetest promise of divinity.
“Are you ready?” Fabian asked me.
The crowd bowed their heads before us.
I straightened, my eyes meeting with his. “I am.”
Fabian’s careful face studied mine as though making a decision. He turned and fixed his stare on the others. “Behold . . .” With a sweeping gesture toward me, Fabian announced with a booming voice, “I give you Dominion.”
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