The Darkest Touch

“I feel them both,” Tase said, allowing a sharp smile of satisfaction. He could taste the weakness within them at the same time he felt the power of the black diamond surging to life. “My fellow brothers, it’s time to move. They are vulnerable.”

“Our demons are in place and ready,” Aron said. “We can move in now.”

Tase raised his hand. “Be patient. Instruct them not to move too quickly.”

Aron frowned. “We can take them.”

Tase shook his head. “Not yet. One will come to us. All we have to do is wait. The other we will have to fight for. But wait until the time is right. Too soon and we will lose what we came for. I don’t want to do that.”

They were so close to having everything. Everything.

Soon the Realm would lose all they held dear.

And for the Sons of Darkness, supreme rule would begin.

As they approached the old church, Angelique felt a sense of peace settle over her. That’s how she’d known this would be the perfect spot to hide the black diamond. It had felt right, and when she’d met Father Vintaldi she’d known immediately she could trust him.

Though he was old-had to be in his seventies at least-Father Vintaldi looked healthy and robust and more than fit enough to defend his church. In fact, there was a sparkling vitality about him that made him look youthful. Maybe it was his engaging smile.

He’d welcomed her at the gates, brought her inside the church, and she’d been surrounded by a peaceful calm the entire time. She’d felt safe there, and knew the black diamond would be as well.

She’d confided in him that she was in trouble, that dark forces were after the rock-and really, that’s all it looked like, a useless rock. For all she knew he thought she was an utter lunatic, but he swore he’d hide it in the church until she returned for it, and he’d give it to no one but her.

She’d believed him.

“I can’t believe you handed over the black diamond to a stranger,” Ryder grumbled as they pulled up to the front gate.

The town was so small the road wasn’t even paved, and as they parked and got out, a hot breeze kicked up and a cloud of dust swirled around their feet.

“I went with my instincts, Ryder,” she explained. “Sometimes you just have to trust people.”

He rolled his eyes at her as they pushed the ancient iron gates open. They gave with a rusty creak.

The church stood proud and beautiful, its stone facade and white spire the tallest thing in the small town. Perched high on a hill overlooking-or, as it seemed, protecting-the homes and townspeople, it stood guarding the giant volcano Mount Etna, which towered over the church. As she stood back and admired the architecture, Angelique was awed by the fact that, despite constant eruptions and lava flow, this church had stood the test of time.

They had just reached the double doors of the church when they opened. Father Vintaldi’s grin greeted her.

“Miss Deveraux. So nice you have returned to us.”

“Buona mattina, Padre,” she said. “Come siete?”

“Benissimo. Fine. Fine.” He waved his hands, motioning them all toward him. “Come inside, per favore.”

“Grazie, Padre.” Once inside the cool shade of the church foyer, she said, “These are my friends. Michael, Ryder, Dalton, Mandy, and Trace.”

“Buona mattina. Any friends of Angelique’s are welcome here. Please, come in to my office. I have coffee.”

Michael cleared his throat. “Grazie, Padre, for the offer, but I’m afraid we can’t stay.”

Father Vintaldi’s face fell. “Oh, that’s too bad.” His lips lifted in a genuine smile again. “We don’t often get visitors here.”

Angelique’s stomach clenched. “I’m sorry. I wish I could stay longer. I just came for the. . rock you’ve been holding on to for me.”

“Ah. Yes.” He nodded. “It’s been quite safe here.”

“No one has come inquiring after it?”

The priest turned questioning eyes toward her. “Of course not. Just you bringing it here and now showing up again to retrieve it. We get very few visitors except for the town’s parishioners. Follow me.”

Angelique slanted a smug glance at Ryder, who shrugged and followed her.

Father Vintaldi led them into the church, down the main aisle, and up to the altar. Angelique crossed herself and genuflected as they climbed the cracked marble steps and turned to the left.

“I hid it in a secret room under the altar,” he said, keeping his voice hushed. “It’s accessible through my office. Un momento, per favore.” He took out a key, unlocked the door, and stepped inside a dark room. Moments later, he returned with the bag Angelique had originally placed the black diamond in. “Here it is.”

“Thank you, Padre. I will come back and visit soon. Now we must go.”

He motioned them to a side door. They exited into the bright sunshine and down the walkway.