“That was years ago. However, I’m going to try to abide by his wishes.”
“So, what do we do now then?”
“I don’t know,” Cole admitted. “I have to give the Lord something, and if we don’t figure out a way for it to beyou, he’s going to destroy the Gloaming. I can’t let that happen. If it comes between you and the thousands of fae who live there, there is no choice. I have to protect them.”
“So, let’s give the Lord a body,” Sahira said.
Brokk chuckled, and Cole’s eyebrow rose. Sahira had never struck him as cold-blooded; she was tough and protective of Lexi, but she wasn’t callous. Orin shot her a disgruntled look.
“I’m sorry I screwed you and forgot you, but do you have to throw me under the bus they just decidednotto run me over with?” Orin inquired.
Sahira folded her arms over her chest. “I’ve never met you before in my life, and you know it. Now, you can continue to be a giant prick, or you can listen to my suggestion.”
“Your suggestion has me dead.”
“No, it doesn’t. I’d much prefer it that way, and I’m sure most everyone who knows you would too, but there is another option.”
“And that is?” Brokk inquired.
“The harrow stone,” Sahira said.
“What’s that?” Lexi asked.
“Isn’t it cursed?” Cole asked.
“Sort of,” Sahira hedged.
“What is the harrow stone?” Lexi demanded.
“It’s a stone that can duplicate another, and whoever creates the duplicate can do anything with it. It doesn’t create a real being, but in a way, it does. But, if we want to duplicate Orin as a dead man, we can do that,” Sahira said.
“Where is it?” Brokk asked.
“It’s located in an outer realm and guarded by a crone witch. I would have to convince her to let me use it, and I have to return it, but it could be the answer to saving this jackass and the Gloaming. If that’s what you want to do?”
When Brokk and Cole exchanged a look instead of responding, Orin scowled.
“Of course it is!” Orin insisted.
“Eh,” Brokk said, and Sahira laughed.
“What do you mean it’ssortofcursed?” Lexi asked.
“There are rules that must be obeyed if you’re granted use of it,” Sahira said. “If one doesn’t abide by those rules, then the harrow stone makes them pay.”
“No,” Lexi said. “I’m not going to let you risk your life for him.”
Orin rolled his eyes. Cole studied Orin and Lexi as they stared at each other. If there was something between them, it wasn’t love.
“Thanks, Kitten,” Orin said.
“She’s the only family I have left. And I’m not risking her foryou,” Lexi retorted.
“But you riskedyourselffor him,” Sahira said.
Lexi cringed before sighing. “He was injured, and I couldn’t leave him out there to be hunted and killed. And then, when he came back, he brought the refugees with him, and I couldn’t turn them away. He’s not here because I trust him or think he’s a great guy; he’s here because we have the same goal.”
“And that is?” Brokk asked.
