Page 24 of Stone Temptation

I wouldn’t rule it out, though. “Maybe. I’ll see how I feel.”

We’d been friends for a year, starting at Midas Cherry on the same night. I enjoyed his company as much as I did Maren’s, grateful to have two friends getting me through the days. And sometimes the nights.

Tom removed his arm, stretching both of them above his head. “No worries.” He rubbed his light gold face, his brown eyes heavy with sleep. “Might be better. I’m done in. Sleep’s been shit.”

I batted him gently on the arm. “Go get some rest.”

He yawned again, scratching his mousy brown curls. “Fancy him kissing you like that. “

“Mouth hurts a little.”

Tom smiled, glancing up at the sky.

There weren’t any stars out tonight.

“Think it will snow?” he wondered.

“Don’t know.”

“Want me to walk you to the tower?”

“I’m fine. But thanks.”

Walking would be quicker than driving. Brinecrest consisted of many one-way streets, especially around the gargoyle tower. Even at this hour, it would be a headache.

Tom hugged me tightly. “Text me when you’re home. And take care.”

I struggled for oxygen. “Can you ease up a bit?”

“Sorry, mate.” Tom might have a skinny build, but his hugs were epic.

Too epic sometimes.

“Promise you’ll text me?”

“Promise.”

He used his power, plucking a chocolate cupcake from thin air. “Something for the road?” He held the generously frosted treat out to me.

“I’m good, thanks.”

He took a big bite. “Mmmmmm.”

With that, we went our separate ways.

I walked the gently sloping streets of the town, sucking on a strawberry cream. On my way I passed a few police officers, two gargoyle knights, and no monsters. Motes swirled past me in a variety of colors, one particularly bright blue particle landed on the tip of my nose. It absorbed into my skin, making my veins and cartilage purr. One day, it might contribute to a future power. Or just drift through me like most motes did.

Brinecrest sloped up and away from the sea, gradually becoming steeper until it reached the observatory and the library at the top. The tower sat in the middle of it all like a monolithic hub.

A gargoyle knight stepped out of the shadows. Dressed in gray, brandishing a spear, she towered over me at almost seven feet tall.

“Evening,” she said.

Blood-curdling screams pierced the night somewhere in the distance. My scalp prickled, panic setting in.

I pulled my coat tighter around me. “What was that?”

“Terror. Don’t worry. It’s been contained. On its way to the terror house right now. Killed a couple of teenagers over in the dunes.”