Free A Kiss of Darkness (Gothos Series) by Selena Wolfcastlin Page A

voice she looked at him, shaking herself out of the large shock. “My name is Sera. I am the protector of the stone of healing. I was raised at the Hall of Clothos. You’re not going to kill me are you? “She asked with trepidation. Shaking his head he frowned even deeper at her question. “No, I have no desire to drink your blood. Humans think we cannot stay sustained without blood. We feed off the essence from the life’s blood, but the royal family has learned to go centuries without gorging ourselves on it.” He told her, folding his bat like wings around his form a bit. “I have to admit that I am glad to finally have company after the self-imposed isolation. That amulet you wear around your neck is from one of the same stones that the humans protect to this day. It was the stone of immortality that was hidden away and pieced off and hidden away during the conflict between my father and the humans”. Sera shifted in the spot she stood. “You have been hidden here this whole time?” she asked her voice being stronger then it was before. Argos sighed as he bowed his head, his shoulders hunching a bit. “I admit that I am a coward to be hiding here well the rest of my kind are hunted down. I have spent centuries reasoning in denial that I being the royal line had to stay and go on, but in truth it wasn’t noble. “he said quietly, his expression filled with shame. The look on his face broke her heart as she looked at this figure of the man again expressing absolute despair. “I don’t think you are a coward. I think you are trying to survive the worst of times. When I was a young initiate at the Hall of Clothos, I was told of the story of your father and King Ursa and how society broke down under fears and suspicion. What really happened?” she asked knowing that it wasn’t the best time to ask, but the questions rose in her and wouldn’t subside. She could hear the audible sigh that rippled through his body causing his long wings to shiver slightly. “It would take a very long time to explain the full truths that lead to the disillusion of humanity, and the thoughtless blood thirst of my kind” he told her and glanced toward the window. “Your library collection is very impressive” she said changing tact. In time she figured he would open up to her. He blinked at her words then his eyes golden eyes lit up. “You like to read?” he asked with a child-like curiosity. Seeing that they have a common interest made her smile widely. “Yes, I have always loved to read and learn since I was a small child” she replied. Argos seemed to be considering her words carefully, knowing that it would be dangerous if he made a miscalculation in welcoming her here. Her being able to come to this place using a piece of the Omeron stone was no mere coincidence. Another mystery that he would have to discover over time. “You can come and read from these tomes and books when it pleases you” he suggested and smiled at her warmly. Sera nodded her head and looked into his golden eyes feeling glad that she could change his mood so greatly at least for a time.  “I would like that very much “she said after a long moment of considering what she said. She knew that coming here would be dangerous. If her husband and the others of the Golgothian Knights found out they would kill him and see it as the greatest victory.  Reading her face he let out a soft sigh “You fear that you will put me in danger in coming to visit me. I know they are here. “He said softly.  “They are searching for the ancient sword made by my father centuries ago. I wouldn’t worry too much about it” Argos waved his hand and walked to the window and looked out. “I want you to come and see me. The silence is almost maddening” he told her wearily.  Sera walked up to him and placed her hand on his arm, feeling the muscles flexing under her fingertips.  He turned his head from the image of the breathtaking scenery and looked at her.