Page 65 of The Stone Curse
“There isn’t much of that left. Make sure you’ve reconciled with the idea before stepping into the trial.” He released me, and I ducked out of the room, eager to get away from him and his pointed words.
There would be no elite team if I failed the trial, and that’s exactly what would happen if I couldn’t get the fever under control.
That would have to be my first concern. The rest would have to wait.
CHAPTER 27
Shar and Derek had asked to come with me to see Mirrowind, and we somehow picked up Levi in the main building. Okay, so he might have been loitering outside waiting for us to go by, but I wasn’t about to call him on it. There was no reason for him not to come, and having a druid with us couldn’t hurt. He might even be able to help Mirrowind come up with a solution to my fever problem. I mean, herbs and tinctures and fae magic had to mix well, right?
We headed to Yarrow first, who informed us that Mirrowind had indeed returned at dawn that day and had already moved Melanie to Yarrow’s quarters, where my spectral friend was hopefully recharging. But the room was sealed and would stay that way for several more hours before it would be safe to check on her.
Mirrowind’s chambers were in the tutors’ wing but on a different floor from everyone else, up a flight of stairs and inside what I could only describe as a penthouse suite.
It was a huge, cavernous chamber dotted with comfy fabric seating that fought for space with the wonderous plant life sprouting from large, earthen pots set around the room. Glass cases filled with strange, colorful insects hid among the foliage,and the windows were flung wide, letting in a steady circulation of cold air along with shimmering moonlight that competed with the dazzling lamplight illuminating the room. The air smelled like syrup and freshly baked bread, a combination that made my stomach growl.
Mirrowind stood before us, all five feet four of her, draped in a loose-fitting shirt and pants. Her tiny feet were bare, toes adorned with silver rings, and her slender fingers were wrapped around a goblet. Twin spots of color sat high on her alabaster cheeks, and her sky-blue eyes were bright with curiosity as she took us in.
“It isn’t often I get so many visitors at once,” she said in her melodious voice.
It was strange seeing her again after all these weeks. I’d forgotten how petite she was. I remembered her as brighter…more alluring…more…everything. And although she was still a captivating creature, she didn’t turn my head like she had the last time we’d met.
That didn’t seem to be the case for the others, though.
Beside me, Levi let out a soft moan as if it pained him to be this close to her and not touch her. Shar sighed heavily in agreement, her gaze softening.
Derek frowned down at Shar, unaffected by Mirrowind’s presence and probably confused as to why Sharniza was.
But Mirrowind was fae, and this allure must be her power.
Yarrow confirmed it a moment later.
“Dial it down, Gwen,” he said, biting back a smile. “They won’t be able to think straight to absorb anything you tell them otherwise.” He sounded lighter, almost teasing, his golden eyes soft as they settled on the fae.
Mirrowind made a soft ‘o’ with her luscious lips. “Yes, of course. I forget sometimes the effect I have on non-fae.”
Levi cleared his throat and dropped his gaze, and I couldn’t help but notice that his hands were clasped in front of his crotch. Bloody hell.
Shar shook her head and blinked several times before speaking. “Were you using fae mojo?”
“Not intentionally,” Mirrowind said. “This is who I am, but my essence can be…intoxicating. I try to remember to mute it wherever I can, but it can get tiring to do so, and sometimes I slip.”
“What are you?” The question popped out before I could think to phrase it more politely.
She turned her attention to me. “I think I should be asking you the same question. You’ve changed. I sense…kindred…” She canted her head, a slow smile taking control of her mouth. “You have Baobhan sidhe in you.”
So Willowman had been right. “You can tell that from looking at me?”
“Yes, dear, I can, but I should not be able to. Fae blood in humans should be too diluted to have any effect, but then…you’re not human. You’re a gargoyle halfblood, so the rules do not apply.”
“You said kindred,” Levi pointed out. “Kindred as in another fae, or as in another Boabhan sidhe?”
“Both.” She looked me over. “You have the blood of my people, and I assume it is causing you some discomfort. I assume that is why you’re here. Unless this is about the ghost?” She looked to Yarrow who shook his head.
“No, I’m here about this fever.” I filled her in on the needing and how it was almost painful now.
“How often are you overcome?”
“Around the sidhe moon. The week leading up to it mainly.”
