(Storm Glass (The Chronicles of Ixia) (The Glass Series)) [By: Snyder, Maria V.] [Sep, 2013] by Snyder Maria V

Author:Snyder, Maria V. [Snyder, Maria V.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Paranormal, Adventure, Science Fiction
Amazon: B00SLV7JRC
Goodreads: 132699803
Publisher: MIRA Ink
Published: 2009-08-18T07:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 19

I groaned. Pazia detested me as much as I disliked her. It would be difficult to become a team and convince a black market diamond seller to reveal his source.

“What’s the problem?” Zitora asked.

“She thinks I’m worthless. A One-Trick Wonder,” I blurted.

“You’re not…” She paused. “Hearing it from me won’t change your perceptions. If you want to believe you’re a One-Trick Wonder, fine by me. Just don’t say it to me ever again. Understand?”

Stunned by her order, I drew in a breath before replying. “Yes, sir.”

“Good.” Zitora leaned forward in her chair. “You’re an adult now, Opal. In order to be successful with this mission, you’ll have to overcome your differences with Pazia. She’s a strong magician. Maybe a Master. I’m certain she will behave in a professional manner toward you, especially since you’re going to pretend you’re best friends when you meet the diamond sellers today.”

“Today?” Why did troublesome events have to happen so fast? Why couldn’t I digest the information first, and then spring into action?

“This afternoon you’re to meet with Fisk and Pazia at the Unity Fountain. Do you know where it is?”

“Yes.”

“Once there, Fisk’ll take you to a place to change and be briefed before he leads you to the seller. Do you have any questions?”

“Change into what?”

“Expensive clothes and obnoxious jewels. You’re supposed to be rich, too.”

“How will I tell if the diamonds are fake?”

Zitora opened her desk drawer and removed a small box. She handed it to me. “Open it.”

I lifted the red velvet-covered lid. Inside a diamond the size of my fingernail sparkled. Clear as glass, yet the light played deep within the stone, obscuring the red velvet behind it. I marveled at the reflections jumping from the many facets on the diamond.

“You can touch it.” Amusement colored her voice.

I pinched the diamond between my thumb and forefinger. Cold stabbed my finger pads and a brief image of snow-covered mountains filled my mind. Then heat seared my hand as the mental image transformed into burning mountains. A mere second later, the gem cooled to body temperature, and a slight vibration hummed against my skin.

My tongue stuck to dry teeth. I swallowed, and the hard motion scratched my throat. “Do you feel a…flash when you touch it?” I asked.

“Flash?”

“Feel cold through your fingers and get a mental image?”

“No. If I charged it with magic, I could feel the potential, but right now, it’s inert.” She studied me. “Does the flash mean you’ll be able to tell the difference?”

“Yes.” I closed the lid.

“Any other questions?” Zitora placed her hand on my shoulder. Her comforting gesture reminded me of Ulrick.

“What should I tell Ulrick?”

“Nothing about the diamonds. The fewer people who know, the better.”

“He’s not going to like the idea,” I said. Even though there was plenty for him to do in the glass shop. Equipment and supplies were being delivered every day. Soon the shop would be ready to use.

“You’re just going to have to convince him.” She smirked. “Good luck with that.

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