“When this is over, you can guarantee that you have safety in Daramveer. You are free to travel to my kingdom as you wish.” I remove the dark green stone from my pocket and set it on the table in front of us.
Cyrus freezes, along with Silas.
“And, I have this.”
The green stone shines in the dim lighting and demands attention. Its beauty surprises me each time, and I swear the table warps under its weight.
“The stone of Andorwood. We are going to gather all the stones from the kingdoms. Once we learn how to control them, or at least this one, you can have it. I’m offering you power.”
Cyrus’s face contorts as he thinks.
“Can I trust you?” he asks.
“Yes.”
He smiles as he takes the cup in his hand and finishes the ale.
“Can I trust you?” I question back.
“You’ll just have to see, won’t you?” A sinister smile spreads across his aged face.
He slams the cup down and stands up. The sudden movement takes me aback, and I notice that Silas is, too.
“Cyrus,” Silas nearly growls.
“I don’t say this often, but meeting you, Miss Blackbyrne, was a pleasure. I most enjoyed our drink together.” Cyrus walks toward the door, placing the cloak back over his head. “We should meet for drinks more often.”
“And your decision?” I question.
His hand pauses before reaching the rusty doorknob. “I have things to discuss with my people before I agree to anything. If we move forward with what you have suggested, you will know. If we decide not to, you will know.” Cyrus flashes a look toward Silas. “Give my regards to Warrick.”
“Cyrus,” I call.
He slowly turns. “What?”
“If you have, in fact, ever loved someone in your life, I think I know who it is.”
His body goes rigid.
“And he also needs your help.”
Cyrus doesn’t turn to meet my words. Instead, he swiftly exits the room, leaving a trail of light behind him. The room's glow dims as his magic moves further away, but the candle continues to burn, casting a shadowy light around us.
Silas sits back in his chair and sips the dark liquid in his cup. “I may need a second drink after that.”
I look at him, taking my cup in hand as well. “I kind of like him.”
Silas laughs. “There is no surprise there. He is almost as big of a smartass as you are, my love.”
I laugh, taking another drink.
“No way are you giving him that stone.” Silas looks at me.
I smirk, unable to hide the pride on my face. “We have an exact duplicate, remember?”
Silas laughs. “He’ll likely kill us on the spot if he finds out.”
“Good thing he won’t. Well, not until we are long gone.”
