Page 62 of Stone Seduction
“You only get to ask me that once, sis,” I countered.
She lifted her hands in defense. “Noted, little brother. Okay, let me introduce you to the team.”
Jonah, Chaya, and Rebecca—Knights of Brinecrest—Eden was the only one in the group called over from Gula early. I shook their hands, scanning the mission room. Other gargoyles worked on big computers, making calls, or were dealing with a shit ton of paperwork.
Every tower had a mission room for working on plans and gathering intel, the biggest balcony in the building reserved for a retinue to launch from and kick ass.
Eden took charge of this mission, giving me the run down she’d already laid out for the others. “Chaya and Rebecca are going ahead to scope out the situation at the town. We’ll follow but hold back until we receive the all-clear to move in. The first sign of danger from monsters or environmental factors, we’re gone. No one is putting themselves at risk over hearsay. Got it?”
“Yeah, sis. Boss. What am I supposed to call you?”
She clapped her hands together, beaming a huge grin at me. “Get back in here for another squish.”
This time she pinned my arms to my sides, proper crushing me.
“My Cookie is so cute.” Squeeze, squeeze.
“Can’t breathe…” I struggled.
“Sorry.” She released me, cupping my chin with her soft fingers. “Sis is fine.”
“Cool.”
She kissed my cheek and slipped her game face back on. “Ready, everyone?”
We were more than ready.
At least until the screaming alert in my head upended everything.
SIXTEEN
Luke
The ring bathed my finger in terrific heat, quickly spreading across my hand, working its way down my arm.
But it didn’t hurt this time. I…I kind of liked it.
My feet left the ground, invisible strings pulling me from the darkness into the daylight.
No. My power did it. My power of flight. It kicked in without my consent, carrying me up and away, dragging me toward a mountain path.
A black cloud hid the mote vent and the others. It howled like a mighty gale, but hardly moved.
Not my concern. I’m the key and I require my lock.
Thatwasn’t any of my regular inner voices.
Stupid ring trying to convince me to give in.
Figures stood on the mountain path, their hands in the air as I floated above them, each one wearing a gas mask.
Crap.
I heard laughter and caught the stink of patchouli in the air.
“Ember!” I hissed, a bite of pain in my finger.
“Enjoy your flight.”She spoke inside my head as if using an amulet of her own.“It will take a while. But the ring will keep you warm.”
