The Bloodstone Oracle (The Dark Gifts Companions) Read Free Page B

her mother standing at her side.
    “My love, you must find the dark-haired Vampire before the Harvest Noon.  You must entreat him to watch over our descendants.  In the end, he is the only one who can save the last.  His love for her will keep her safe,” Edana whispered.
    Tears spilled down Marie’s cheeks as she spoke.  “You are gone from me then?”
    Edana smiled sadly and shook her head.  “Never, my love.  Never gone, always I will be with you.  Fulfill the task.  Be certain the stone will remain with your child and her children after.  From your line on, there will only be one.  It is the blessing and curse of the Bloodstone magic.”
    As her mother faded from view, Marie closed her eyes.  When she finally opened them again, she found herself back in the upstairs room of the Inn.  Pulling up the hem of her skirt, she dabbed the hot tears from her eyes and cheeks. 
    They w ere all gone.  But not just her own family; if the vision was accurate, the Lockhearts had paid dearly for their help.  An unfathomable, completely terrifying price.  And how in the world could she ever bring herself to tell them? 
     

Chapter Three
    The gentle touch of her husband’s hand on her shoulder roused her from an uneasy rest.  Her eyelids, heavy and swollen from weeping, fought against her as she forced them open.
    “Darling, if you are well enough, we’ve been invited to dine with the Lockhearts this evening.  Hannah wishes us to stay in their home instead of rooming here at the Inn.”
    At the mention of the girl’s name, memories flooded back and haltingly, Marie relayed the visions to Damien.
    Jaw clenched in anger, he paced the room as she spoke.  Even after she had finished retelling the tale, he continued walking back and forth.  Several minutes passed before he broke the silence.  “We cannot pass this information along.  If it is as Edana says and our time is limited to the Harvest Moon, we must find this Vampire and his consort right away.  Without the Lockheart’s help, I fear we will not make it in time.”
    Tak en aback at her husband’s grim logic, Marie struggled to lift her cumbersome body from the sofa.  “We have no right to keep this to ourselves.  Whether they continue to assist us or not, they have already paid dearly for such a small part in this undertaking.”
    Damien stared at her, his expression continuously revolving from anger to worry and back to anger again.
    Laying her hand against his well-muscled chest, she spoke softly.  “My love, we can expect nothing but backlash if we abandon the primary law of magic.  Harm none, do what ye will, remember?  We have already inflicted immense injury, whether intended or not.”
    Sighing in defeat, he leaned down and pressed his lips against her brow.
    ***
    Marie tried desperately to smile and nod while Hannah chattered away about loca l society, balls, and the city’s most eligible bachelors.  The men had excused themselves some time ago to retire to the library for brandy and cigars.  At times Hannah’s words filtered through her thoughts and worries, causing her to feel as if she’d somehow stepped out of reality altogether and had somehow ended up in a dream.
    Finally, after what seemed like several hours, both Damien and Randle returned.  Lockheart’s forced smile belied the haggard look in his eyes as he spoke.  “Dear Sister, I imagine our friends are in need of a good night’s rest.”
    Hannah’s face clouded with worry and embarrassment. “Oh yes, of course!”  Leaning across the table, she squeezed Marie’s hand and smiled.  “Do forgive me, won’t you?  It’s been ages since I’ve had the occasion to speak from the heart.” 
    Marie returned her smile and nodded.  “It is nothing.  You are good company.”
    Randle cleared his throat.  “Well then, we’ll see you at breakfast.  Seven o’clock sharp.”  Try as he might, he couldn’t quite keep the harshness from his voice. 
    Hannah