Page 102 of Stone Seduction
I broke away from Asher to check on my friend. He leaned against the stone table, looking rather peaky. Dane fussed over him, his eyes meeting mine, his mouth spreading into a smile.
“Excuse me a second,” I told Asher.
Tom and I collided, him releasing a loud whimper.
I hugged him harder.
“I’ve been so worried,” he whispered, his tears wetting my shoulder.
“I’m sorry I worried you.”
Maren swam up to us, putting her cold arms around us for a group hug.
“It’s great to see your face intact,” the mermaid said gently.
I giggled at her word choices, reaching out to pat her. “Yours, too.”
For a few moments, the balance felt restored. A big reunion, the love in this room a middle finger to any nasty crap waiting in the wings.
Seth slaughtered the jubilation. “Enough of this. Where is she?”
“I think we should all take our seats,” Carissa suggested.
She seemed pretty tired.
We all sat, except Seth, who refused. He stood with a face like a slapped arse, watching the door.
“Why is she even here?” he muttered.
Luna sat opposite me, being creepy, just staring at me. I ignored her, linking my fingers with Asher’s. If she tried anything, he might throw her out the window if I didn’t do it first.
“Hi, I’m Eden.” A woman on the other side of Asher reached over to shake my hand. “Big sister. Pillar of strength. Apparently spurned.”
Asher snorted. “Sorry. Forgot to introduce you.”
“Yes, yes, I’m just the sister.” She gave me a cheeky wink.
I smiled. “Hello. It’s really?—”
A gargoyle in white entered the room, followed by two knights in polished silver armor. She immediately gave me goosebumps, radiating a coldness to make Luna seem like the life and soul of the party.
She immediately went to Seth. To my utter shock, he went on one knee, bowing his head.
I leaned to whisper at Asher. “Is she a queen or something?”
Her head snapped round, making me jump. “Luke Garland. A pleasure to meet you.”
I licked my lips, squirming in my chair. “Nice to, erm, meet you.”
Asher gave my hand a reassuring squeeze.
Carissa got up from her chair and mirrored Seth.
“They’re bowing to the royal seal,” Asher explained, pointing out the coiled pendant. “If the king’s not around, his official representative wears the seal. We have to kneel to it the first time we encounter it. I’ve already done my part.”
“Arise,” the woman commanded. “Be seated.” She took the empty seat at the head of the table, a panoramic window her backdrop.
A furious Seth sat beside Luna, going to light a joint.
