Total pages in book: 47
Estimated words: 44211 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 221(@200wpm)___ 177(@250wpm)___ 147(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44211 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 221(@200wpm)___ 177(@250wpm)___ 147(@300wpm)
“Cage?”
“Something lives inside the stone, and your blood has triggered the spell that was keeping it there.”
Everett’s heart skipped a beat. “You mean it can get out now?”
“What it means is that your blood bound you to whatever this being is and to the spell that imprisoned it. It also means that others will be after this—and you—because your blood connected you to the spell. Only you can release whatever this being is.”
He stared at the nephrite in horror. “Yeah, I don’t want to do that. If a being was put inside that, I’m sure there was a good reason.”
“As am I.”
“So do you think that’s why I was attacked at that restaurant?”
“No doubt. The bite of the chimera’s snake head paralyzes a human. You would have been unable to move, but perfectly capable of answering questions. Whoever was controlling the chimera wanted this stone. And they will be relentless now if they learn you’re actually blood-bound to the spell. You must stay with Dax at all times.” Xavier looked at Dax. “I’m going to send Ivor and Emory to patrol the grounds around Everett’s house, but you must stay with him constantly. I’d expect them to bring in warper wizards.”
“What’s a warper wizard?” Everett couldn’t help but ask.
“A wizard who uses magic to teleport anywhere they choose. They can blink into being right beside you and whisk you away.”
“Seriously?” Everett glanced up at Dax, whose face held a fierce frown, before looking back to Xavier. “They can get in anywhere? Like, even if I’m in the shower?”
Xavier inclined his head. “Anywhere.”
Utter fear swept through him and made him feel dizzy. His legs buckled and he sank into one of the chairs in front of the desk. He put his face in his hands.
Dax’s hand gently pressed into his shoulder. “I won’t let them get to you,” he said softly.
Everett opened his eyes as Dax came around and squatted in front of him. He stared into that beautiful face and worked hard to focus on the man and not the terror slicing through his insides. “This has all been a bit much, Dax,” he whispered. “It’s a lot to take in.”
“I know. You’ve learned there’s a whole other part to the world than you knew about, and that you’re in danger from that world. But there will be three of us watching over you now, Everett, and you need to understand something. I will not let anything happen to you. I would walk through fire for you.”
Everett could see the truth of that statement in Dax’s expression. Warmth curled inside him, chasing away the terror. He forgot that anyone else was in the room and reached out to touch Dax’s face. “Fire, huh?” he whispered.
Dax nodded, expression solemn, but his eyes blazed with a mix of determination and affection. “You will be safe.”
Chapter Thirteen
Dax
Everett was unnaturally quiet the whole drive back with Emory and Ivor following them. The sun was setting as they pulled into the drive. Dax looked over at the silent man, taking in his pale skin and pinched lips. He reached out and put his hand over Everett’s. Everett surprised him when he turned over his hand and threaded their fingers together.
“At least we know what’s going on,” Dax said.
“But do we?” Everett’s eyes were wide. Bleak. “My blood triggered a spell, and we have no idea what that spell is. Xavier said I’m tied to whatever is in that nephrite. So not only did I learn that I’m surrounded by magical beings, I’m somehow caught up in some kind of dark magic. I’ll admit, I’m scared.”
“How about we go inside? This time, I’ll cook for you.”
The corner of Everett’s mouth lifted. “I’d like that.” He let go of Dax’s hand and reached for the door. He got out, but before he even closed the door, he let out a loud yell. “What the hell are those?”
Dax jumped out of his vehicle as Ivor and Emory raced toward them from the other car. Emory shot into the air, and Dax whipped his head up to see what he was after. And what Everett was pointing at.
Five large perytons circled above them.
They were terrifying creatures with massive red-tipped black wings and long talons on their feet. Their stag heads with heavy black antlers and glowing red eyes made them look like something that had sprung from Hell—if that place actually existed. To Everett, they had to seem like something from his worst nightmares.
Dax had encountered them before, which in turn had made him study them. They tended to hunt in packs—mainly because they had tunnel vision. He could exploit that weakness. As well as the fact that the lower portions of their wings were gossamer. Delicate.
One of the perytons dove toward Everett, who still stood, mouth gaping in utter shock.