A Discovery of Secrets and Fate (Chronicles of the Stone Veil 2)

“Tell us about the incubus,” Rainey says after swallowing a bite of her sandwich. Myles unwraps his, then starts to eat.

I had texted both yesterday when I got back into the city from Maddox’s “lady friend’s” estate to give a brief update about finding the other incubus. I invited them to lunch today because yesterday was all about catching up on my real job here at the shop.

First, I tell them about how we tracked down Echo, how word was spreading about the new Dark Fae in town, and the rumor she killed my sister and assumed her identity. I’m sure when the rumor floats, it probably goes something like this. A Dark Fae of unknown species came to town, physically confronted my sister, took her life, buried her somewhere in the woods, and glamoured herself to look like Fallon. I doubt anyone knows that she was inside of Fallon somehow, and that she took over her body from within.

I don’t know if that means my sister is still alive somehow or not, but it’s what’s driving me now. Strange that what happened to Fallon wasn’t enough to jolt me into action, instead, doing the opposite by making me want to shrink away from it all. Weird Adira’s death was the catalyst to get me into the fray, but as it stands, next to helping thwart the prophecy, my main goal is to save my sister if it can be done.

I recount to my friends how we got the incubus, skimming over the details of how I fell under his thrall and couldn’t bust out my new powers to break it. Clearly, I have some practicing to do where the feather and my abilities are concerned. The only thing I can figure so far is the first two times the feather helped me converge energy to break compulsion, I was under extreme fear and duress. Night before last, when I confronted the incubus and tried to call forth the power for protection, I had felt safe because I knew I had three powerful men watching me. I didn’t have the adrenaline driving me, and therein must lie the difference.

Regardless, learning how to use this feather properly won’t happen until we can learn how I got it.

As I’m winding up the summary of my night with the incubus, I most definitely don’t recount trying to take my clothes off, especially when Carrick was right there in front of me.

However, I don’t spare the details on what happened later. “Carrick tortured the incubus for information. I’m told they pinned him to the wall with iron spikes.”

Rainey wrinkles her nose, but Myles seems nonplussed as he asks, “What information did he get?”

“That the incubi weren’t sent after Adira or me. That was coincidental. The incubus did know I had some sort of power but said he didn’t tell anyone.”

Rainey sets her sandwich down, then picks up her napkin to wipe her mouth. “Did it know anything about the DFF?”

My brows furrow. “DFF?”

“Dark Fae Fallon,” Myles explains. “We don’t like calling that thing Fallon because it’s not your sister.”

It’s clever, slightly funny, and a good moniker. But it’s a potent reminder my sister might be lost forever.

Which is the reason why I asked them to come here for lunch.

“I texted Fa—um—I mean DFF,” I say, deciding I like not giving that thing my sister’s name.

Rainey’s and Myles’ eyebrows shoot up, but Myles asks, “Are you sure that’s a good idea? To call attention to yourself?”

I shake my head. “I can’t just sit back and wonder where she is and what she’s doing. I haven’t heard a thing from her since her call two days ago when she was coming back to Seattle.”

“What did you say to her?” Rainey asks cautiously.

It’s just as easy to let them read the exchange, so I unlock my phone screen to show it to them.

Finley: Checking in. Did you make it back to Seattle?

Fallon: Yes. Just last night.

Finley: Any news about Blaine?

Fallon: None. His parents are there helping the police search.

Finley: That’s good. You holding up?

Fallon: Keeping busy helps.

Finley: If you need anything, let me know. Been busy myself, but I can swing by if you need it.

Fallon: I’m good. Thanks.

That’s the extent of the exchange. Both Myles and Rainey bring their eyes to me as they slide my phone across the table. I pick it up while laughing mirthlessly. “I had to restrain myself from asking why she wasn’t in Switzerland helping with the search, but what was the point? We know she wasn’t there because she killed him.”

I experience a moment of sadness for Blaine, but unfortunately, I need to put it aside. I can’t help him now, but I can help others.

“You can tell by her clipped responses there’s nothing of your sister in those words,” Rainey says gently.