Immortal Stonekeeper (2022) Chapter 20: Chapter 20: Ancient Feud (Part One)

Read chapter 20 of Immortal Stonekeeper (2022) by Mercynarie on NovelPedia.

Jonathan stood around uselessly while Anya sifted through the notebook that every hardworking detective always seemed to have with them, no matter the occasion. Lucy bent over beside her with an equally serious expression on her face, explaining something under hushed tones to the nodding detective. “There can be no other explanation,” Lucy said firmly. “All these charms he bought, it’s definitely for a dark exorcism. But since he’s missing Axtrrpuq’s charm, it might take a little longer to complete.” “But didn’t you say that the elixir of life cannot be exorcised normally?” “I… I don’t know! A dark exorcism pulls out the soul from a body, giving the foreign astral entity full reign over the body.” Lucy’s voice grew desperate again. “It makes no sense to me either, but we gotta try! Duncan doesn’t have much time left; we don’t even know where he could be!” “Calm down, are there any conditions that need to be fulfilled for this exorcism to take place?” “Ngh…” Lucy scrunched up her face, searching her memory. “A dark place… Somewhere that has seen lots of death would increase the chances of success for the exorcism.” “Michael’s house!” Jonathan and Anya piped simultaneously. “It’s beside London’s last graveyard,” Jonathan continued. “He’s gotta be there.” “Then I hope this place is homey enough for you, Anya.” Lucy grabbed Jonathan’s wrist and turned to him. “You do know how to get there from our headquarters, right? Let’s not dawdle any longer.” “Lucy—” “— Wait!” Jonathan’s voice echoed around the stone walls of the headquarters. “We may not be strong enough to take on….” His voice trailed away. Electricity crackled through his body threateningly. “Are you here to finish the job?” Jonathan glared at the intruder in front of Lucy, sounding like a badly autotuned robot with all the electrical distortion in his voice. “Sorry to break it to you, but you don’t have the necessary qualifications.” “Glad I got the location right.” The auction night assassin unfolded his arms to show his empty palms. “I’m just a weak mortal, and I know when I’m outmatched. Stand down, I’m here to help.” “Prove it,” Lucy said, still training her pistols on him. “I believe you seek Michael O’Cornell, am I right?” Quentin said. “I have something that can help you.” “What’s that to you?” Lucy snapped hostilely. “Exactly, why should we trust you?” Jonathan’s eyes glowed fiercely. “You tried to kill us at the auction.” “I didn’t. I was going after Michael, and you were simply in the way,” Quentin replied. “Also, I’m not giving it to you for free. I have but one request.” “Spit it out, and we’ll consider pardoning your trespassing.” “Kill him. I’m leagues away from even touching him, but you can.” Quentin pointed at Jonathan. “The last Lily Noir herself has chosen to bond with you for eternity. Only you are powerful enough, descendant.” He took out a shiny cross from his coat and handed it to Jonathan. Lucy hissed quietly and backed away. Quentin raised his hands in a surrendering position as Jonathan received the cross reluctantly. “How’s that for a peace offering?” he said. “It’s useless,” Jonathan muttered. “The red gem makes him immune to traditional vampire weaknesses.” “Not anymore.” Quentin shook his head. “Not since you took it from him. You are its wielder now.” “Wait, how do you know—” “I suggest you two crack on,” Quentin interrupted Jonathan. “I’m sure whatever he’s doing won’t take all night to complete. I’ll see you soon.” ~ ~ ~ And here I thought his house could not get any creepier… Jonathan’s footsteps echoed loudly in the huge house; no need for skulking around anymore. Lucy had the same idea. She stomped into the living room, fully intent on announcing their presence as loudly as possible. Jonathan ignored the demonic symbols carved into the walls that were now glowing an ominous red. They resembled nothing like arrowheads, but Jonathan felt like he could oddly decipher where the symbols were leading. “Leo!” Lucy yelled at the cloaked figure