by Shane Morgan
“Goodnight, Calissa.”
Lars resumed his transformation. Within seconds, his body had hardened into a stone statue, concealing even his dark attire, frozen in place on the edge of the opening.
“Woah.” I wandered over to his back and tapped one of his wings. As solid as a rock. “Freaking amazing.”
A low growl came from Lars, indicating he could still feel and hear me.
I hopped back in surprise and apologized, “Sorry.”
Sighing, I walked to the bed and lay down. For some reason, knowing Lars was close and watching over me helped put me at ease, and before I knew it, my lids started to feel heavy with sleep.
5
A rough hand jolted me awake.
Startled, I jumped up and braced against the wall, gripping the sheets at my chest. Lars was standing above me. He switched into his human form, seeing my surprise.
“Sorry,” he said in a considerate tone.
I caught my breath. “No…uh, just still getting used to you.”
He held his gaze on my face. “Do all humans make such loud sounds when they sleep?”
“Excuse me?” I dipped my head and peered up at him with narrowed eyes. “Are you saying I snore?”
Lars pondered a moment then nodded. “Yes, you snore rather loudly.”
“No, I don’t,” I scoffed and climbed off the bed, pushing past him.
I fluffed out my curls and fixed my gym top. A sweaty odor caught my nose. It hit me then that I hadn’t showered since yesterday, hours before going to the gym.
Looking at Lars, I felt embarrassed. Could he smell me?
He crinkled his brows and asked, “Is something wrong, Calissa?”
“Um…” I chipped at my nails. “Could I please take a bath?”
An understanding smile reached his lips. It was the first time I’d seen his features so relaxed since meeting him. Considering he was fighting demons to keep me alive, it would have been odd at that time to smile.
Still, I couldn’t help staring.
He was impeccably good-looking. The kind of attractive face that stopped you in your tracks and sucked the air from your lungs.
An awkward spell settled around us. Lars broke out of it, cleared his throat, and motioned for me to go with him.
“I’ll show you where,” he said, leading me out the room and down another passage different from the way we came.
Reaching the end, he opened the wooden door to a garden spa with a hot spring and a small waterfall, encircled by endless red roses and wild vines. Sunlight emitted through the plant-like coverings above.
I was in awe. “God. This place is breathtaking.”
“Someone will bring you fresh clothes,” he said, and walked away, shutting the door behind him to give me privacy.
Moseying around the spring, I peeled off my overnight sweaty gym clothes and tested the water with my toes before settling inside fully.
The water felt invigorating against my skin, creamy, like no other bath I’d taken before. I splashed my face and moved under the chute, letting it wash my curls.
Moments later, the door opened, and the wavy-haired woman from last night entered. She smiled warmly as she approached. Awkward, I hugged myself.
A smile parted her lips, and she asked, “Incredible, is it not?”
“Yes. It’s amazing.”
She placed a floral summer dress, a bodysuit, and a towel on the rocks and handed me a small bar that looked like soap.
“These clothes are from your world,” she stated.
“Thank you.” I brought the soap to my nose and sniffed. “Mmm, this smells really good.”
“Lavender,” she informed me. “We make it here.”
“Cool. It’s Ilris, right?”
“Yes.” Her gorgeous copper-toned skin glowed in the light shining down into the garden spa. “I hope you find answers, Calissa.” She nodded respectfully and went on her way.
I hope so, too.
Following my bath, I slipped into the bodysuit, the dress, and my gym sneakers then worked on drying my hair with the towel as I walked down the passage.
Lars was waiting in the dining hall. He straightened when he saw me and carried his eyes over my dress.
Becoming shy under the depth of his gaze, I balled up the towel in my hands and picked at the fabric.
Lars harrumphed and offered me a platter with food and water.
“Thank you.”
He took the towel from me and left it on the table where he was sitting. “We’ll eat at Obel. We don’t have much time before my father’s guards enforce his orders.”
That twisted my stomach. “Geez.”
Lars turned, almost knocking into the petite blonde from last night. She cocked her head to one side and formed a sly grin.
“Anya,” he said politely, greeting her.
“Lars.” She wore a scornful expression as she looked at me. “Any news about the human?”
Wow. She spoke as if I was invisible.
“Not yet,” Lars answered. He shifted to me. “Calissa.” Then he stepped past her. Was he reminding her of my name?
I caught up to him, asking when we were out of her earshot, “Who is she?”
“Anya,” he replied simply, opening the door for me to go out first.
“I know, but you mentioned last night about mates. Is Anya yours?”
He stopped and glanced at me. “Let’s focus on your predicament.”
“Right, of course.” He resumed walking. I ate along the way.
There were several gargoyles training in the massive clearing next to the courtyard. Ezio and Sarayas were among them. The way they wielded their weapons, from spears to swords, it was impressive.
Most of the gargoyles stilled and looked at me as we walked by, making me nervous.
“Am I the first human to ever step foot in your world?” I asked Lars.
He answered with his back turned. “The first in centuries. The second overall.”
That revelation piqued my interest. “Really? What happened to the first?”
“The elders dealt with him. That was long before my time. We don’t speak on the past, Calissa.”
I dropped the topic as we continued down the steps and followed the path toward Obel’s dwellings.
Gosh, the beauty of this kingdom was incredible. Flowers were in bloom, the trimmed grass looked unnaturally green, and peaceful, dashing tunes of waterfalls and rivers resounded in the air. This was paradise. I fell under a spell as I stared about, entranced with it all.
I didn’t even realize I’d stopped walking until Lars said my name. He stood sideways with his head at an angle, watching me. We lingered in quiet for a moment until he let out a low growl and gestured for me to come along.
“Oh.” I fell in step behind him again.
We entered Obel’s house shortly. There were books scattered all over the stone table in the middle of the room. He’d been searching all night, it seemed.
A frown masked his features when he gazed up at me. He drew a long, regretful breath, and said, “I have found nothing.”
“What does that mean?” I asked, voice low. I turned to Lars. “Are you taking me back? Are those…monsters going to keep coming after me?”
He cut away from my gaze and spoke to Obel. “What about asking my father for more time? He’ll listen to you.”
Obel shook his head. “He already sent his guard to see me. I’ve disclosed that my research was unsuccessful.”
They both stared at me with empathy. I went to the bench and sank down, placing the platter next to me.
“Perhaps they became interested in you because you have no family. Rahel likes those types of humans. No one would miss you if you disappeared,” Obel explained. “Every now and then, demons take pets. Mostly homeless or drug-addicted humans.”
My head shot up. I glowered at Lars. “You just let them do that?”
“Of course not. It is our oath to watch over your world,” he reminded me. “B
ut that doesn’t mean they don’t succeed at times.”
I slouched. “No one would miss me…” Shari and Mrs. Crawley popped into my head. “My best friend and neighbor would. Shari’s probably calling me right now and getting worried. She may not be blood, but she’s family. We’ve been friends since high school.”
Lars exhaled deeply. “You won’t be without protection, Calissa. I’ll stay close. No demon will harm you.”
“I’ll ready the formula,” Obel stated, straightening the books on the table then prepping a bottle.
Confused, I screwed up my face. “What formula? I’m not in pain.”
“An elixir to forget,” Lars clarified. “Calissa, you’ve seen our world. I’ve revealed myself to you. My people will not let you leave with that knowledge. It endangers us.”
“But…” The thought of forgetting everything I’d seen, especially this world and him, placed a sick feeling in my stomach. “I wouldn’t tell anyone. You can trust me, Lars. I promise.”
His grey eyes gleamed at my words. But he didn’t speak.
“It’s ready,” Obel said, coming over to us. He handed Lars a small clear bottle with blue liquid inside.
Lars twirled the bottle in his hand, contemplating.
“You must give it to her,” Obel advised. “It’s either that or the king will have his guard toss her over the waterfall.”
I gasped. “Well, don’t sugarcoat anything on my behalf. Please.”
He shrugged. “All we can do now is keep an eye on you from afar and try to figure out why they’re after you.”
“Fine.” I got up from the bench. Lars reached the bottle to me. “Before I drink this, could you please show me your kingdom? I didn’t get a good look last night.” I lowered my eyes to the ground. “It’s just…when will I ever get the chance to see or experience anything this amazing again?”
“Even though you’ll forget?” Obel quipped.
I rolled my eyes at him. “Yes. I still want to see everything.”
“It’s all right,” Lars muttered. “I understand.” He gave Obel the bottle. “We’ll return soon.” Reaching for my hand, he said, “Come with me.”
Without fear, I slipped my hand into his and allowed him to lead the way.
We came to a stop at the edge of the courtyard. I peered over and swallowed the tautness in my throat. It was a long way down. A gust of wind blew my dress and made me lose balance a tad.
I yelped in my fear, but Lars grabbed my arm. When I turned, he transformed into his gargoyle self.
A cocky grin emerged on his face. “The best way to see my kingdom is from above. You won’t enjoy it if you’re afraid.”
In one swift movement, he collected me in his arms and leaped over the edge.
I screamed from the sudden drop.
My gut clenched with panic.
But I relaxed again when he flapped his wings and carried me over the river; water so bright I could see the rocks at the bottom.
Giggles burst out of me once I calmed and started to bask in the view.
Like a vibrant painting that had come to life, the kingdom was beyond spectacular. Free of pollution, so clean and refreshing to breathe in.
A sweet, floral scent permeated the atmosphere. Lars smelled similar but better with our bodies so close. Feeling a nervous shiver, I blinked out of it and paid attention to our surroundings.
Gargoyles were tending to flowers and vegetables in the field, others stood guard alongside the river, and quite a few were flying about as if enjoying the lovely day. They looked at us with curious expressions when they flew past.
“Ooh…” I trembled in the brisk wind and tightened my grip around Lars’s neck as it pushed him back a bit.
“Do not worry, Calissa,” he assured me. “I’ve got you.” And I believed him.
He soared above a long bridge, another impeccable stone structure evidently built with diligence, that arched over the enormous cascade. Water blown in the wind splashed on our faces and my dress. I didn’t mind, too excited by it all.
My lips parted in astonishment as he coasted over trees and foliage that went on forever. Beyond that was a dark forest and eerie mountains that I would never dare venture.
When he swerved around, I glimpsed a clearing filled with broken stones arranged in rows.
“What’s that?” I shouted for him to hear.
His features hardened as he explained, “Fallen brothers and sisters from wars in the past, and those who lived full lives.”
A burial site for gargoyles.
He shook his head as if he could read my mind. “It is a place you cannot enter as a human.”
The mood lightened again as Lars carried me over more rivers, dwellings on the lower lands, and fields of flowers. The kingdom seemed endless, and undeniably, had a serene ambiance.
It reminded me of a question I’d asked Lars the night before but had received no answer. I went for it again. “Are there many other kingdoms?”
He turned his head. “This is the only one. Our kingdom can connect to any place in the human world. Anywhere gargoyles are sent to take up duty.”
“Oh, I see.” My eyes traveled to the splendor below, and I murmured to myself, “If I was born here, I don’t think I’d ever want to leave.”
When I looked up at Lars, I noticed a small smile at his lips as he stared straight ahead.
Perhaps he’d heard me.
By the time we touched down in the courtyard again, I was overflowing with delight from his one-of-a-kind tour. My titters dissolved when I saw King Deo and Queen Vaira approaching us, their guards and Obel following closely behind.
King Deo huffed at my sight. “Lars, what are you doing? Return this human to her world now.”
“Father, I insist Calissa remains here,” Lars implored. That warmed my heart. “Something is amiss with the dark ones.”
“Enough, son,” Queen Vaira interjected. “It is nothing out of the ordinary. Take her back to her kind and return to your duties as guardian.”
Lars glanced at me and sighed. Regret blanketed his features.
Obel stepped forward and handed me the bottle. “Sorry, I tried to give you more time to enjoy it.”
I took the bottle from him. “It’s okay. Thank you for trying. Hopefully, it’s like you said, and they’ll leave me alone. Now that I have guardians watching me.” I looked at Lars as I said the last part.
He nodded. “We won’t let them harm you.”
“I’m holding you to your word.” I popped the cover and drank the bitter liquid. It instantly made me dizzy.
My legs became spaghetti, and I fell over. Lars’s strong arm reached underneath me, lifting my body.
While trying to look at his pale face, my vision turned distorted. No matter how I fought to keep the memory of this place and its magical beings in my head, I couldn’t help closing my eyes and allowing the black hole to swallow me.
6
I’d never experienced a more splitting headache. “God…” I hunched over at the side of the bed and massaged my temples while dry heaving. It was dark in my room and hot. Had I fallen asleep from the heat?
Like a zombie, I dragged myself into the living area, turned on the lights and AC, then went into the fridge to grab a bottle of water. My throat felt so dry. The cold liquid soothed my body and quenched my thirst.
After draining the bottle, I tossed it into the recycle and searched for my phone.
My gym bag was sitting by the side table next to the couch. Hm…
I screwed up my face and peered down at my clothes. I was still in my activewear. But I felt as if I had on a bodysuit underneath.
Why would I wear a bodysuit for the gym? And why in the world was I sleeping in my workout clothes?
I walked over and scoured inside the gym bag for my phone. I had missed calls from Shari.
Plopping down on the couch, I called her back while trying to piece together what happened after leaving the gym.
Shari sounded conce
rned when she answered. “Girl, I’ve been calling you since this afternoon. Where in the world have you been? Another few hours, and I would’ve reported you missing.”
I released a long breath. “Calm down. Think I passed out from the heat or something. I just woke up. I’m still wearing my gym clothes.” I paused as I considered her words. “Wait, you said you’ve been calling since this afternoon? We had lunch earlier today.”
“What? Calissa, it’s Friday. We met up yesterday.”
My eyes expanded. I moved the phone from my ear to check the date. “Shit…”
“Oh, my gosh!” Shari gasped into the phone as if realization had just hit her. “You’ve been out cold since last night? Are you okay? Do you need to go to the hospital?”
“No…I’m all right.” I think.
I rubbed my forehead, struggling to remember what had happened the night before and giving myself a migraine in the process.
Touching a few loose curls, I realized they felt a bit damp. I ignored it. “Woke up so damn thirsty. I cannot wait for the weather to get cold.”
She sucked her teeth. “Speak for yourself. Summer’s my favorite season. I take better pics.”
A bizarre feeling came over me. I looked at the window. It was too dark outside to see anything, but it felt like I was being watched.
I got up and sauntered to the window, making sure it was locked.
“What are you doing tonight?” I asked afterward.
“No plans. Hakeem’s meeting friends. What do you have in mind?”
“Club Tease,” I decided. “I need to drink and dance off whatever the hell is haunting me.”
Silence filled the line for a few seconds before she asked, “What’s going on? Talk to me.”
I swallowed and decided to come out with it. “Think it’s happening again.”
“What is?”
“Blacking out and waking up with no recollection.”
Shari sighed intensely. “But I thought it was just that one time when you woke up on the grass. Weren’t you sleepwalking or something?”
“Yeah. It feels different now. Like the other night when I left work—I mean, I remember leaving work, but I don’t remember reaching home or changing out of my clothes. I can’t even tell you what happened after leaving the gym yesterday…” My voice trailed as I recalled seeing Kyle.