Page 99 of Stone Temptation

A soft rumble sounded within the darkness of the mote vent. A cluster of violet particles drifted out, sucked away on the wind.

“Second masked human,” Asher spoke in my head. “Wish I could see how this all links up.”

“Me too.”

“You good?”

“Bit creeped out by the mote vent.”

Hot, sickly-sweet air blew out of the darkness every minute or so, a belch from beneath.

“Wanna leave?”

“No. I’m fine.”

“First sign of danger we’re out of here. You’re my priority.”

God, that sounded so awesome. “Let me know if you need me to do anything.”

“Just stand there looking pretty.”

Idiot. How dare he make me blush. I turned slightly to hide my face, smiling at the same time.

He thinks I’m pretty and cute…

Get a grip on yourself!

“I’m taking off the mask,” the woman said.

I took a step back, opening and closing my hands.

“Should’ve done it earlier,” Grumpy Gargoyle grunted.

“We were being cautious,” the woman answered curtly.

Grumpy moved first, yanking off the gas mask without much grace.

I stepped back again, bumping into Asher. He took me by the shoulders, giving them a reassuring squeeze.

I liked to think of myself as stronger than this. I mean, I lived in a world plagued by monsters and motes. I shouldn’t spook so easily.

It’s that damn vent!

“Whoa,” Asher said, moving closer.

Strange orange markings were tattooed across the dead man’s bald head.

“Look like flames,” Grumpy said. “There’s something wrong with his mouth.” He prized it open. “No tongue.”

“What the fuck?” I said.

“Weirder and weirder,” the woman intoned.

The vent rumbled again, louder this time.

Uh-oh.

“Think I’d better get you out of here,” Asher said.