Ileus sat back in his chair and tilted his head. He picked up the river stone in his hand and whirled it on the table as Biham watched him with anticipation. Ileus said, "Has Lara ever told you about the soul stone that she is wearing around her neck?"

Biham's body froze with shock. "Wh-- what soul stone?" The hair on his nape rose as goosebumps pebbled his skin. What Ileus was referring to was very dark magic. And his daughter was its victim? His heart missed a beat. His gaze darted between Rolfe and Ileus as if his whole world was about to crash.

"Lara wears a chain around...