Total pages in book: 129
Estimated words: 121324 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 607(@200wpm)___ 485(@250wpm)___ 404(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 121324 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 607(@200wpm)___ 485(@250wpm)___ 404(@300wpm)
The gothic garden was ripe with various kinds of flowers all in shades of black, burgundy, and scarlet red. Several of the plants only bloomed at night, when they’d exude intoxicating scents. There were also ancient herbs, many of which were often used in forbidden magickal spells.
Most were unnerved by the garden. Not Wynter. To his surprise, she found it as relaxing as he did. She liked it better for its imperfections, gothic nature, and lack of plentiful colors. Which pleased him immensely, because it meant that they could both sit out here and relax together; that it was slowly becoming their place.
“I don’t like what a fantastic job Saul’s doing of evading the search parties,” said Azazel. “They’ve explored the town and the surrounding land. They’ve checked every cave, since they know that Aeons rarely go out in the sunlight and so would seek somewhere dark to hole up. He leaves tracks behind, but said tracks always end abruptly.”
“He likely uses the wind to relocate himself whenever people get close to him.”
“Has he succeeded in prodding Wynter to ask you uncomfortable questions? Because that seems to be another of his aims.”
Yes, Cain had noticed that. So had she. But his consort wasn’t so easily manipulated. “She doesn’t push me for answers because I’ve already assured her that I’ll tell her in time. She accepted that. My witch has her own secrets to guard.”
“I doubt hers are quite as big as yours.” Azazel stepped away from the tree. “Has she done anymore sleepwalking out here?”
“Not since the time Kali spoke to me by possessing Wynter, telling me that She and I have similar goals. I still can’t work out what She meant by that.” It nagged at Cain day and night that he had no idea what the deity wanted with his witch. “I’ve been reading up on Kali, trying to discern Her history and figure out what it is She could want with Wynter. The trouble is . . . not much is written about Kali. She’s quite an elusive deity.”
“It has to have been Her who was making Wynter sleepwalk out here. Kali must have been possessing her each time.”
An aggressive hiss caught Cain’s attention. He looked to see two snakes on one of the wall ruins eyeing each other in a rather unfriendly way. Not unusual. “Kali said that ‘other things’ drew Wynter out here, but I’m not inclined to believe that. Kali’s a deity, She could have prevented ‘other things’ from bothering one of her Favored if She so wished.”
“Exactly. It makes no sense that She’d allow it to happen. And like She told you, She knows what we hide here. She might have been indirectly threatening to lead Wynter into the temple if you ever cross Her.”
“It does seem the most likely explanation, though deities aren’t known for making indirect threats. Particularly Kali.” They were incredibly bold beings who, considering themselves superior to Earthly creatures, wouldn’t hesitate to throw their weight around.
“She also isn’t known for creating none-too-normal revenants and hiding Her mark from their skin ninety-nine percent of the time.”
“Touché.” Cain licked the edge of one incisor. “I’ve asked myself time and time again what Kali’s game could be. I just don’t know.” He hated having that blind spot.
“Are you certain that Wynter is partly in the dark as she claims?”
“Yes. She has no reason to lie about that, because she knows I’d accept the situation either way.”
“Good point.” Azazel went to speak again, but he hesitated on hearing footfalls heading their way.
Moments later, Maxim appeared, an odd expression on his face. “Sire, a conduit from Aeon is here.” The aide paused. “He claims that Abel wishes to speak with you. You and only you.”
Cain tensed, and his creature’s head snapped up. “Does he now?” Well, well, well. He exchanged a quick look with Azazel before sliding his gaze back to the aide. “Where is our visitor?” A rare species, conduits were able to provide a psychic space that would allow people in separate locations to project their consciousness to said space and communicate.
“The blue parlor of the manor, Sire,” replied Maxim.
“Thank you.” Cain rose from the bench. “Please inform the staff at the manor that I’ll be there shortly.”
The aide nodded and then stalked off.
“I suspected that the Aeons would send a conduit so they could speak with one or all of us,” said Azazel. “But I thought it would be Adam who’d request the meeting.”
Cain gave a fluid shrug. “It could be that he wishes us to believe that he isn’t much moved by the current situation.”
“Possibly. Whatever the case, we can be certain he hasn’t yet realized that Eve, Rima, and Noah are missing. Adam would have definitely wanted to be present for the meeting if he knew the trio was here.”