Read Online The Temple of Indra’s Jewel: by Rachael Stapleton - Free Book Online Page A

like he was lost in his thoughts. He sat across from a dark-haired man in an oversized chair. They faced away from me, thank goodness. It must be his brother, the one he’d been looking for when he found me , I thought. They looked nothing alike. Liam’s head turned as if he sensed my presence, and I jerked back out of sight.
    “So, speak up, boy. What else was in the dreams? It’s been years since you mentioned them.”
    “Well, there’s a dark castle all shrouded in mist. Eerie like. The next thing I know I’m in this room full of gaudy panels, and there’s this hidden case of gems. She’s there, Sophia, but her hair—actually it’s different. In the dream it’s light and curly as a pig’s tail.”
    I bit my lower lip and leaned my head tight against the wall. No way. He can’t have known of Sapphira.
    “And there’s this man with eyes as angry as all hell. He wears an oversized silver ring on his finger with a viper symbol. I don’t know why but I always notice the ring. I wanna punch him straight in the gob. There’s somethin’ inside me, somethin’ that needs to protect her. Like I’m the only thing standin’ between her and death.”
    “Bloody hell. Did ye tell her about the death thing?”
    “No. She seemed scared enough.”
    “Good. ’Cause ya sound like a bleedin’ idiot. I think ya best keep yer gob shut or she’ll be runnin’ fer the hills.”
    I paused, thinking about what he’d said: a viper ring. A snake. That was what Sapphira had written. Why hadn’t I looked for a symbol? He was probably right in front of me the whole time. I scooted back up the hall and leapt onto the bed when I heard movement. I was lying still when I heard someone enter the room. Cullen, I presumed. A deep breath escaped from his lungs as he pulled the blanket up over me.
    I opened my eyes and feigned a yawn. His cool, laid-back smile immediately put me at ease.
    “I’m glad to see yer up. Here, Ma made you a cup of tea with honey in it to warm ye.”
    “I fell asleep again.”
    “That you did, so I just let ya be.”
    “Thank you,” I said, reaching for the cup. “For everything.”
    I sat up and pressed down the folds of my skirt. I wanted to ask him about his dream, but how could I without mentioning that I’d been listening? The tea hadn’t even cooled when Cullen’s mother knocked and entered, carrying a tray of delicious-smelling food.
    “Well, hallo there. I brought the two of you some pastries and scones; thought maybe you could both be using a little sustenance. I also brought your suitcase up in case you wanna be a touch more comfortable.”
    “Thank you.”
    She left the room, and Cullen held the plate out toward me.
    “These look delicious.”
    “Oh, Cullen.” She popped back inside. “Da and I are after leaving now fer the boat. Are you coming?”
    “Oh, I don’t want to keep you. I’ll just be on my way.” I attempted to stand, but my head spun, and I teetered.
    “You’re not going anywhere. Can you manage without me, Ma?” Cullen said. He grabbed my arm and helped me sit back down.
    “Oh, yeah. Your cousins—you know they’ll do a fine job, to be sure. You can find your own way to dinner, then?”
    “I can.”
    And with that she closed the door.
    “Your mother’s very lovely.” I paused, playing with my pastry.
    “Yes, and very pushy.” He laughed. “So you better eat whilst you’re talkin’.”
    I took a deep breath and began. “So—everyone seems to agree I’m crazy.”
    He furrowed his brow. “Nah.”
    I paused, taking a bite. “The truth is I really don’t know what to believe anymore.” I swallowed hard, my doubts circling like vultures overhead. “It’s okay if you want me to leave,” I said, feeling incredibly vulnerable.
    “Now that’s the craziest thing you’ve said all day. How ’bout I’ll help you ring your family?”
    The tears spilled down my cheeks as he reached toward me and gently handed me the phone.
    The call with Gigi went