Immortal Stonekeeper (2022) Chapter 10: Chapter 10: Unfinished Business

Read chapter 10 of Immortal Stonekeeper (2022) by Mercynarie on NovelPedia.

Jonathan did not stop running until he was in the alley just below their house. He did not feel a hint of exhaustion, even though the journey took a whole two seconds. Anya was staring blankly at the wall and Jonathan panicked for a moment, fearing that he had forgotten to absorb the G-forces into himself while carrying her. And then she turned around. “What the hell, Warner? How did you do all of that? What are you? Are you a vampire too?” Anya exclaimed. “There had better be a fantastic explanation for this!” “I…” Jonathan’s mind spun, trying to come up with yet another lie to cover everything up. It stopped after a while; she deserved to know the truth. Anya was silent throughout his recount of the recent events, and that left him wondering if she actually believed him or had simply tuned out from listening to such an outrageous story. Fortunately, the inspector was experienced enough to tell when he was lying. “So… you suspect the gem you stole from Harred’s place somehow merged with you, which is why you have these powers now?” Anya’s voice was surprisingly calm. “Yes,” Jonathan replied. “The auctioneer died because of this gem, and I’m willing to bet whoever killed him will be coming for me soon too. We’re dealing with supernatural beings now, and that’s out of your jurisdiction. Perhaps I should just move out to keep you safe—” Anya cut him off with a tight hug. “I can’t believe I lost you that night,” she said in a thin voice. “I’m such a useless cop and a worthless friend. You were killed, and I didn’t even know—” “I’m still here, alright?” Jonathan tried to sound as bright as he could while he patted her awkwardly. “I got a second chance at life, and I don’t intend to squander it. Chin up, buddy. Let’s move forward.” “R— Right. We'll face this together, alright?” Anya wiped away her tears. “Oh, there’s another thing I want to tell you. I’ve seen Michael O’Cornell at a black market auction; he won the bid for the Lily Noir. I didn’t tell you because…” She looked away. “Because it’s not good for a cop to be seen there. I didn’t want to risk losing my credits and…” She paused for a moment as her shoulders sagged. “I’m sorry for not being truthful, Jon. You were right about me being a hypocrite.” “No, you’re not. You’re human, Anya.” Jonathan said kindly. “Who am I to judge you when I’m participating in this system as well?” “Anyway, I think we should pay a visit to Harred.” Anya changed the subject abruptly. “The Lily Noir is clearly the key to all of this, and we could start by visiting someone who used to possess it.” “Good call, officer.” Jonathan gave her a mock salute. “Shall we head home first?” ~ ~ ~ Speak of the She-Devil… “Hullo!” a cheery voice greeted the pair walking back to their apartment. “Cute little pooch you own there, Warner. Never took you for a pet lover.” “He’s not my pet; he’s just a friend I met on the streets,” Jonathan muttered as Oscar greeted them, wagging its tail excitedly. “What are you doing here, Lucy?” “Who is that?” Anya asked, her voice full of suspicion. “Greetings! Lucy Carpenter, at your service. Pleased to meet you.” Lucy curtseyed. “You must be Mistress Warner.” “What?” Anya’s face turned bright red. “N— No, I’m not!” “Oh, how embarrassing of me.” Lucy giggled and covered her mouth with her hand. “I take it Jonathan’s your brother then?” “Beg your pardon?!” “Enough, Lucy. We’re just roommates.” Jonathan sighed exasperatedly. “But…” Lucy frowned. “But you two are not of the same gender…” “Terribly sorry, but who exactly are you?” Anya placed her hands on her hips. “And what are you doing outside of my house?” “I’ve come to pay my colleague a visit; I have a favour to ask of him.” Lucy regained her composure quickly. “Won’t you invite me in?” “It’s alright, Anya.” Jonathan turned to his friend, who was still giving Lucy hostile glares. “She’s a colleague from my— Uhm… personal security agency . Come on in, Lucy.” Anya was still scowling as Lucy walked into the apartment, marvelling