Page 310 of The Spider Queen
“I was kidding about vampires. Everyone knows they’re not real.”
“Yes, they are. Of course they are. They like their blood young, virginal…sweet.”
“I’m not a virgin anymore,” I snapped. “So how is my blood still sweet?”
“Fuck if I know,” he growled back. “It’s not really important.”
“You’re right. We should be talking about how you just ripped the flesh from my body.”
“You’ll heal. Besides, I ripped hismarkfrom your body. But you regenerate since you’re immortal, and it will only be a matter of time before the mark grows back. By the way, this is the part where you say thank you.”
“You’re unhinged.”
He grinned. His teeth were stained with blood. My stomach revolted and I turned my head and threw up.
“Didn’t take you for a woman with a weak stomach.”
I discreetly wiped my mouth and wished for some water. “Who is the Smith?”
“He’s”—he paused—“kind of like the Sibyl.”
“He’s an oracle?”
“More like a smith of all trades. Wordsmith, metalsmith, allegorysmith. Just wait. There’s no real way to describe him.”
He took my hand and we started jogging.
“Wait! Why aren’t we flying?” I demanded.
“You prefer that mode of transportation, do you?” he asked in amusement.
“Seems pretty convenient.”
“We can only find The Smith on foot. He’s on the other side of harpy terrain. If we get to him before your mark grows back, you might have a chance.”
“A chance? At what?”
“Of getting out of here,” he said. “Of breaking the bargain between Lucifer and your parents.”
My mind whirled. I could be free again?
Find the three.
“It’s about the three pearls, isn’t it? They’re a part of this?”
“Yes. I was going to tell you what I knew, but then he…came to you.”
“Do gargoyles blush? I swear you’re blushing.”
“You’re like the little sister I never wanted,” he teased. “How’s the neck?”
“It’s no longer bleeding, I don’t think.” I grimaced. I wanted to wash the gross off me.
“Okay, let’s pick up the pace.”
“Pick it up? We’re already running.”
“Yeah, and we have miles to go before we get to the Smith. You won’t tire, immortal one.” He laughed. “I’ll tell you the story of the three pearls to keep your mind occupied.”
