Myths and Gargoyles by Jamie Hawke (interesting books to read in english txt) 📕

away, I laughed, remembering that I was still supposed to go to college. “Getting A’s shouldn’t be too difficult.”

“We’re so far past A’s, the whole alphabet is a dot at this point.” Galahad grinned, then thrust the book at me.

Glancing down, I was actually interested to see this one. “Magical Runes and How to Use Them?”

“We’ve had one or two Rune Wakers in our service in the past,” he replied. “They were kind enough to jot down what they learned. Considering your skill set, I imagine you’ll have much to add. Along with much to gain by absorbing the information within.”

I eagerly reached for it, but he scooted it aside.

“On your own time,” he said. “First, we have to ensure that your cover won’t be blown, and you don’t have much time.”

“Before…?”

“Senator Funai is expected at several social events, but also in the Senate itself before too long.”

“Right.” My throat went dry, but I nodded, taking the next book and breathing deep, ready for more learning.

“The Order has been infiltrated,” he reminded me. “Your work here will be instrumental in weeding out the enemy from among our ranks.”

I leaned over the desk, going through the books as fast as I could. At times, my mind felt like it would either melt or explode. Instead, it simply absorbed, grew stronger… evolved. Crazy? Maybe a little.

127

Night brought with it the beautiful sound of gargoyles waking. The stunning sight of those beautiful creatures breaking out of their stone skins and the alluring scents of each, pulled my senses to new levels of alertness. Maybe it was more than the sight and smell, but an awareness, a connection.

I was about sick of studying, so I’d taken a little nap in anticipation of the others waking, then stood with them waiting for the moment. It was definitely worth it. My mind craved relief from economic graphs and debates on trade agreements and defense spending. Seeing these ladies in the flesh, and damn fine flesh at that, was the relief I needed.

Aerona was the first to see me staring. She tilted her head and gave me a a half smile, then walked over to the window to glance outside.

“I have to wonder if the next time I wake will be in daylight, and all of this will be over.”

“In what way?” I asked, glancing from her to the sexual way that Ebrill was stretching, certainly knowing exactly what she was doing to me with her movement.

“Maybe it’ll all have been a dream. Or… we’ll wake up and find ourselves in the afterlife, the statues that hold us during the day smashed to bits.”

“God, I hope not.”

“If there’s an afterlife,” Ebrill said, now moving to my side and wrapping an arm through mine.

“You mean, other than the Dark Lands?” I asked.

“Right. Because, what happens when someone dies in there? Such as…” She glanced at Aerona.

“We don’t know,” Kordelia chimed in, the last to fully wake, and still in a crouched, thoughtful stance.

“Know what?” I asked.

The other two looked at Aerona, clearly waiting to see how or if she wanted to answer that.

“The reason I’ve been hesitant, compared to the others,” Aerona said. “Hesitant with you. I’m not totally sure what has happened.”

“Draedar is gone,” Kordelia said.

Ebrill left my side to comfort her friend, but a strange unease was boiling up inside me.

“The other guy, with Riland?” I asked.

Kordelia looked up and nodded.

“He’s not… completely gone,” I said.

“What?” Aerona’s eyes were wide and confused as she stared at me.

“I mean, shit. I don’t want to get your hopes up—maybe it’s just a chance for closure, to say goodbye? I’m not even sure. But… We really should get Riland up here.”

“Do it,” Ebrill said.

I sent a mental ping his way, and a moment later he came running in, Steph, Megha, and Shisa with him. Shisa came to me and let me scratch him between the ears while I turned to Riland and asked, “Is Draedar still there, in any capacity?”

Riland frowned, eying Aerona. “He was fading even when I was there, but… there might be a chance.”

“We’re going,”

“And finding Yenifer?” Megha asked.

“This won’t take long,” Riland promised.

“We have to do it,” I added. “For Aerona. But actually, maybe you can try to see what you can find on Yenifer’s whereabouts while we do.”

“You don’t all have to come with me,” Aerona said. “This can be something I do, alone. No?” She addressed Riland for that last part.

“Actually, you might need Jericho’s help getting there,” Riland admitted.

Aerona’s gaze in my direction was vulnerable, maybe even… ashamed? I gave her my most reassuring smile, trying to put myself in her shoes. If I’d lost a lover many, many years ago, started to hang out with someone new and even shared a kiss, only to find out there might be some element of my lover still alive? Confusing emotions, certainly.

“Wait,” I said. “If we got there, won’t the army that Fatiha was trying to raise be there, too, waiting?”

“We foiled her plan with the portal,” Steph said, shaking her head. “My guess? She’s moved on, trying something else now.”

Megha held up a finger, eyes going black for a moment. “Actually, that checks.”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“Well, my powers let me pull on those ‘spirits,’ for lack of a better word, that aren’t claimed. When she was pulling them into our world, she had to sort of claim them first. Right now, I’m sensing an immensely large number of available spirits to summon.”

“Which only means they aren’t hers,” Ebrill pointed out. “They could still be hostile.”

“That’s fine.” I nodded to Riland. “Let’s not waste any more time.”

“Agreed.”

He stepped over to me, one hand in mine, one in Aerona’s. “The three of us will have the best shot. In and out.”

“You’re sure?” Ebrill asked, eyes on Aerona.

“We’ll be fine,” Aerona said, taking my hand.

I closed my eyes, my other hand going to Riland’s and, as I heard Megha exit the room, the three of us were swept away. Pulled through darkness.

Only, something