A Battle of Blood and Stone (Chronicles of the Stone Veil 4)

I felt bad about that, but Boral was such a useful asset. Yesterday, he found out Kymaris had a lead on the chalice by the gentleman Carrick met at the fetish party named Wells.

Unfortunately for Wells, the information he gave Kymaris supposedly didn’t pan out and she killed him with little effort.

This provided us two particularly important pieces of information. As of right now, we are most likely going to win the race to the Blood Stone. And just as importantly, Kymaris’ powers are still as immense, if not more so, because Kaesar reported to Boral that she tore Wells’ head off with her hands. That wouldn’t actually kill the fae but no worries—she mounted his head on an iron pike beside her backyard pool as a message her anger was swift and retribution was final.

The only one missing from our table is Deandra. She came by this morning to handle the transfer of the remaining monies Carrick owed her into her freshly created bank account. He invited her to join us on our quest for the Blood Stone, but she declined. Something about needing to buy furniture for her condo and handbag shopping. While my gratitude to her for helping me break through on my powers will always stand true, I lost what little bit of respect she’d gained with me by her not wanting to help us. I had thought she had a bit more character than the pervasive shallowness of the Light Fae, but I guess not.

Despite her claims of much shopping to be done, she ultimately pointed out as Carrick implored one more time for her to come fight Micah, that this simply wasn’t her battle.

I’m sure she’d think differently if evil demons were swarming her brand-new multimillion-dollar condo, but not my place to point it out.

As we were walking to the elevator to see her out, I realized it might be the last time I ever saw the princess, and I was not unhappy with that prospect. Still, I minded my manners and even thanked her with genuine gratitude for helping me.

She smiled nastily and said, “Just remember… when you die, Finley, Carrick will be right back in my bed.”

I felt Carrick tense but before he could disabuse her of that notion, I merely returned her smile with a sweet and demure one. “If you think you can get him there, by all means then… give it a try. But again, thank you for your help.”

Deandra was stunned I wasn’t lashing out at her. She looked almost disappointed before giving a curt nod to us both and disappearing into the elevator.

No matter, though. Deandra is powerful, but there’s more power sitting around the table.

Greetings are handled efficiently. Maddox stands and clasps Titus’ hand, then they bump chests and bang each other on the back. Classic bro hug. Carrick stands and shakes Titus’ hand, thanking him for coming. Lucien gives a chin nod. Zaid stands and offers to go upstairs to get him a drink, but Titus declines.

Carrick is the one who introduces Boral to Titus, and it’s clear by Titus’ expression that he doesn’t know about the history Boral and Zaid have together. He merely looks perplexed that we have a Dark Fae sitting at the table.

Titus moves around the table where he gives a solid hug to Rainey, lifting her off her feet, and lastly, an identical bro hug to Myles like he did with Maddox, except the back pounding was much more gentle.

When it’s all said and done, Titus takes the seat next to Rainey and I take the one next to Titus, giddy to have him back. When I playfully bump his shoulder, he grins at me and my gaze slides down the table to Carrick, who is watching us with a slightly amused expression on his face.

I know the information I gave Titus on the way down here was superficial at best and I’m sure he has lots of questions, but Carrick starts our meeting by talking about the Blood Stone in more detail for not only Titus’ benefit, but also for Rainey and Myles as well, since I haven’t had a chance to talk to them for the past two days. You know, being a little busy with Carrick, looking at my memories in the Hall of Histories, and working on my powers with Deandra.

Carrick doesn’t wax poetic about the underlying love story, which I’m sure Lucien appreciates. He doesn’t leave that part out, though, as it’s essential to keep in mind that we aren’t only stealing the Blood Stone, but we hope to release Charmeine from it.

When he’s finished, it’s Myles who wants to make sure he understands the full story because while he and Rainey will not be joining us due to the danger, they are a part of our team and have incredible insight and ideas.