Page 28 of The Stone Survival
“I doubt it. They lost too much closing it. And they aren’t the only magic wielders. We have mageri—who cloistered themselves in the city after the whole debacle—and we also have alchemists.”
“Alchemists don’t use magic,” Orix said. “Some of them have abilities, but it’s not magic, it’s a chemical anomaly in their brains that allows them to use telepathy. They’re just human.”
“Humans who crave magic,” Palia said. “Who used science to get to it. Science that centuries ago may haveseemedlike magic. Science that could fake a mating and activate a curse maybe?”
Silence fell, heavy and pregnant.
“But how would they have known about the other world?” Ginia asked.
“Alchemists are renowned for their knowledge,” Shar said. “Knowledge of what they call the multiverse.”
Palia shot her an approving look. “Correct. It makes sense.”
“And if you’re right, and the alchemists are the ones behind all of this, then we’re screwed,” Orix said.
“Why?” Derek asked.
“Because gargoyles can’t harm a human.”
Another wave of silence pressed down on us, but I’d finished my coffee, my brain working overtime, and the answer came to me sudden and bright.
“Gargoyles can’t harm humans, but halfbloods can.”
Everyone stared at me for several beats before Serath spoke. “We need halfbloods as a backup.”
“And how do we access the registers?” Sharniza asked.
“Even if we could, someone higher up would find out,” Curi said.
“We’re probably being watched.” Palia looked around the room as if she expected an alchemist to jump out and shout “Boo!” at any moment.
“We might be being watched…” Orix agreed, “but Willowman isn’t. I can get a message to Calista without anyone knowing. I’ll do it from one of the bases. And if he’s?—”
“Hello.”
We all jumped and looked down the table at Melanie’s ghostly form.
She looked around the room. “I always wondered what it looked like in here.”
Most everyone in the room had met Melanie at some point, but just in case… “Everyone, this is Melanie…my mother.”
“You told her?” Shar looked stunned.
Crap, I hadn’t filled everyone in on that yet.
“I encouraged her to,” Curi said. “And Melanie can help us.”
Melanie lifted her chin. “I can and I will.”
“Why don’t you join us?” Orix said. He pulled out a seat then winced. “Sorry.”
“No, don’t be,” Melanie said. “It’s nice to be treated…normally. I can hold a solid form for a little while, if need be, but it takes energy. I don’t want to siphon from anyone unless Ineed to.” Her gaze settled on Serath. “You must be Serath. It is so nice to meet you…to meet you all.” She beamed at everyone. “My daughter’s family.”
“We’re your family now too,” Derek said.
Melanie’s smile wobbled. “Thank you.”
“You’ll stay here in the tower,” Orix said. “This is your home for as long as you want it.”
