Page 24 of Stone Heart
Larina cried, struggling as the witch tugged her away from her mother, who closed her eyes at Larina’s cries for her.
Larina reached out for her mother, not understanding why she was being taken from her family, her home, and the people she loved. She was to be the future queen. She was powerful. She could help her father like he had helped his father. She loved sitting at his feet as he told her about riding into battle with his father.
“Mommy!”
“Larina?” a soft voice broke through her memories.
She recognized the voice. It was her protector. Her foster mother.
Solana.
Rina turned her head and met the dark eyes of the woman who’d taken her in and raised her. Apprehension clouded Solana’s eyes as she clearly waited to see what Rina’s reaction would be.
Rina wasn’t sure if she should call her Mother, Mom, or by her given name. She knew Solana had loved her as a mother would.
“I have to admit, I’m not sure what to call you.” Rina smiled softly. She didn’t want to break the woman’s heart for she knew they’d been close as she’d grown up.
Solana smiled, tears falling down her face. She grabbed Rina’s hand in hers. “Let’s just start off with Solana and we’ll go from there.”
Rina returned her smile, but a strong presence in the room gained her attention.
She turned her head, and her gaze landed on the tall brooding figure who stood next to Solana.
Rhodack. Clan leader of the gargoyles.
The room seemed smaller with his presence alone. His broad shoulders displayed his strength.
She remembered from childhood her father telling her stories of the strong gargoyles. They were a powerful race that were the protectors of the Terra realm.
Her breath caught in her throat at the pure hunger in his eyes. They were intent on her as he waited for her reaction. Her breasts tingled at the intensity of his gaze. She remembered being angry at him for having a harem and the kiss they’d shared.
But that was the human Rina reacting.
She was Larina Omaris, powerful Elven woman. Future queen of Faery.
“Rhodack.” She returned his gaze.
Power radiated from his body. He was a strong gargoyle, if not one of the strongest. His body called to hers. She held in a snort. She’d been conscious for two minutes, and already her body was awakening in other ways.
“Rina. How are you feeling?”
She shifted in the bed, needing to sit up. Solana helped her, adjusting the pillows behind her so she could sit back against the headboard.
“My brain is in overload right now.” She turned back to Solana and grabbed her hand. “Thank you. For everything. I’m truly grateful for everything you’ve done.”
The waterworks broke free as Solana leaned forward, grabbing Rina in a tight hug. She returned the hug and squeezed Solana to her. She owed this woman so much. She’d kept her safe and had allowed her to have a full childhood and life. Rina’s eyes met Rhodack’s, and she knew they needed to have a conversation.
One for just them alone.
She pulled back and turned to Rhodack. “I need to speak to my parents.”
