Page 16 of Stone Sentinels

“I’m aware.”

“You were once the King of The Seelie Court. Some of them still view you as their true king. And I’m sure they’d be happy to die knowing you didn’t give up.”

“This is big talk coming from you. You’ve ignored your duties to the Realms since you killed Lamia and her daughters while I gave the fae sanctuary.” Cambion stands to leave, but I grab his arm to keep him from escaping. We aren’t done with this conversation.

“Stop hiding, Cambion.”

He shrugs off my hold and I know I won’t get anything more out of him. At least I know he’s entirely unaware of what’s been happening for the past month. But I can’t shake the feeling that Cambion is up to something that will shatter whatever semblance of peace we’ve built here. And that worries me. A lot.

I make my way back to the clearing, where Eilish pants on the ground. She looks like the wind has been knocked out of her... and she doesn’t seem happy about it.

The angel kicks up off the ground and shoves Revenant. “You cheated!”

“Your enemies aren’t going to wait until you’re ready before they attack,” he yells at her. “I’m training you to survive, not to look cool with a dagger in your hand.” He shoves her back. She stumbles, glare deepening as she lunges for him. I catch her around the waist and place myself between them. Her body stiffens before going slack against my chest. The scent of her arousal is like a punch to the gut, leaving me breathless for a second.

I set her on her feet and hand her a sword. “Letmeteach you now.”

She looks at Revenant before facing me and nods her head eagerly.

He snorts and wanders off into the forest, shaking his head in obvious irritation. Good, let the fucker be irritated! I don’t give a shit. I reach for my sword, intent on teaching Eilish how to wield hers, when Pyre appears and stops me.

“Have you never summoned a shadow blade?” he asks. My silence is answer enough. He lifts my arm so it’s pointing straight ahead and pries my fingers open with my palm flat, facing up.

“Concentrate on summoning your shadows, but will them to take shape,” he instructs. “Wieldthe shadows like a sword. You know the balance of the weight of the sword between the tip and the hilt... now, create.”

Eilish gives me a look and I close my eyes to humor Pyre. My skeptical mind struggles to grasp the concept at first, but eventually I’m able to envision a sword in my hand and then I actually can feel the weight of it, as if it’s a physical thing. I open my eyes and watch the shadows swirl in my palm, forging a spirit blade of pure darkness.

I’m amazed. I have to admit.

“You did it!” Eilish cheers.

“So I did,” I respond with surprise I can’t hide.

“So come on then!” Eilish calls at me as she holds her blade in a fighting stance and beckons me forward with her hand. Her smile is inviting and teasing, at the same time.

We begin attacking one another, advancing and retreating until she catches on and creates her own rhythm. Her feet move quickly, but her strikes are slow. I coach her through blocking and slashing, showing her how to throw her opponent by changing her rhythm mid-strike. Then I teach her how to use her environment to her advantage. She catches on quickly, and my chest swells with pride. “Very good, Eilish.”

She begins to glow again, just faintly. I want to bask in her light.

CHAPTER SEVEN

EILISH

The Veil

“Have you thought about… what we read in the library?” Dragan asks me and I swallow hard when I realize to what he’s referring. I need to take another lover—one of light. Otherwise darkness will eventually overpower me.

To answer Dragan’s question, yes, I have thought about it. In fact, it’s a subject that’s been occupying my mind long before we ever decided to research it.

“Yes, I have,” I answer.

“And?” he asks and by the tightness of his lips, I can tell he’s uncomfortable with this conversation. Not that I blame him. I understand how Dragan feels—the idea of having to share him or Baron with another woman leaves me cold.

I realize the sacrifice I’m asking him to make.

“And, I realize I need to feed the light within me,” I answer, my voice so soft it sound more like a squeak.

“Have you thought of a… candidate?”

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