by Shane Morgan
Like a natural reflex, I gave his hand a comforting squeeze. “I’m so sorry.”
He smiled appreciatively then straightened as he glimpsed something behind me. “Ah, there’s Lars.”
His name made my heart sprint. I swiveled on the stone bench to look at him.
Lars was in his gargoyle form. He kept his eyes on Obel as he nodded in respect, but continued walking without acknowledging me.
My stomach plunged.
What the hell was that about?
“Hmm. Interesting.”
Scowling, I spun back to Obel. He had a mischievous smile on his face.
“What do you mean by that?” I asked.
He patted my hand and said, “Never mind, go to Sarayas.” He stood and chuckled knowingly. “Your training starts today.”
Lars’s words from the night before popped into my head. She won’t take it easy on you.
Good. I didn’t want her to. I needed to be ready for Rahel, so I could pay her back for what she did to Shari.
A teen gargoyle led me from the larger training area past the trees to a small opening surrounded by shrubs and a wooden rack with sparring sticks.
Sarayas stood by the rack in her human guise, reddish-brown hair in a tight ponytail, and dressed in her usual black warrior attire. She kept her hands behind her as she regarded my workout top, tights, and flats, then nodded as if satisfied.
“Good. You are dressed for the occasion.” Turning to the sticks, she grabbed two and tossed one to me.
“Ohh…” I caught it, albeit sloppily.
The young gargoyle chortled under her breath before leaving us.
Sarayas entered the concrete covered circle and gestured for me to do the same. “Demons are elusive. Quick. And they always have tricks. I’ll teach you how to fight them, but first, we need to work on your guard.”
“I don’t just want to learn how to fight them,” I retorted. “I want to kill those monsters.” The anger was evident in my tone.
She sighed. “Leave the killing to us, Calissa.”
Gripping my hands, she steadied them into the correct form as I continued holding my stick.
Sarayas stepped back and positioned herself. She nodded in a way to say, “Follow me.”
I mimicked every move, from hands to feet. Whenever she slashed the air, I’d do the same but mess up and had to try again.
It frustrated me at times. Still, I pushed myself to try harder because I knew gargoyles trained for years before they were able to become skillful warriors.
Besides, it wasn’t as if I could pause or give up, anyway. Sarayas wouldn’t let me.
The accuracy of everyone’s subtle warning became more apparent the longer we trained. She was a tough teacher, but I knew it was for my own good.
“Again!” she pushed when I lost balance for the umpteenth time and fumbled my stick.
“Ugh! Damn it!” I scolded myself and snatched the stick up aggressively.
Sarayas studied my features. “Your anger will get you hurt. I know it’s hard, but you must manage it.”
I sucked in a deep breath, body shivering as I exhaled. “Let’s go. I’m ready.”
My fingers were beyond tired from holding the stick. My arms and legs felt sore.
Shit. This was only the first day.
She nodded for me to begin again.
By the time I’d finally gotten down basic moves, I was dripping sweat, and the bright and sunny day had transitioned into evening, the air turning cooler.
“That’s enough for today,” Sarayas said, at last, collecting my stick.
Relief crashed over me.
“Thank you…God…” I muttered through pants, fighting for air. I steered my gaze over her. “How is it…you barely…broke a sweat?”
Sarayas shrugged. “I do not sweat. I sparkle.” She chuckled afterward.
“Hey, that was a joke,” I gasped, straightening with my hands on my hips.
“Yes, I know. I have a sense of humor, Calissa.” She placed the sticks back on the rack and motioned for us to start walking.
Outdoor lamps dotted everywhere, allowing us to see each other and our surroundings clearly.
Sarayas and I remained quiet as we strode, but then I got curious about her.
“So, how are guardians chosen?” I asked, lightly running my fingers over roses as we passed them.
“All gargoyles are trained for combat from the very moment we take our first steps. But it is our generals who decide which of us has what it takes.”
Yet another thing they weren’t able to choose for themselves.
“Then,” she went on, “once we become the age of sixteen, we take the oath and drink water from the sacred fountain. Our weapons are gifted from the pool after.”
I recalled her shiny silver sword.
“How are weapons decided?”
“From how well we wielded them during training.” She slowed to a stop and smiled at me. “Are you planning on becoming a guardian, Calissa?”
I snorted. “Will I be paid? I’m pretty sure I no longer have a job at the lounge, much less if I even want to go back to Brighton.”
This resulted in a frown. “It must be so difficult for you. I’ve always known who I am and where I belong. But it is not so for you, is it?”
Her words held so much weight. So much truth.
Shrugging, I managed a smile and said, “Let’s go. I am in dire need of a long bath. Plus, I’m hungry.”
Sarayas nodded, and we resumed walking.
When we emerged from the trees and entered the courtyard, I glimpsed Ezio and Lars in their human form, coming from the stone path. Both stalled when they saw us.
“Calissa, you made it through your first training,” Ezio teased, hand at his hip.
“Don’t sound so surprised,” I quipped. “I’m tougher than you think.”
He chuckled. “We’ll see.”
I couldn’t stop myself from looking at Lars, feeling butterflies as our eyes connected.
The intensity settled when he blew out a troubled sigh and nudged Ezio for them to continue toward the massive stone building.
“Ugh…” I shook my head in wonder and muttered under my breath, “What’s up with him?”
Sarayas bumped my arm. “Go and soak your muscles, or you won’t be able to train tomorrow through the discomfort.”
I nodded. “Thank you for taking the time.”
She waved it off. “It is the least I can do after what happened.” She didn’t need to expound. I knew she meant Shari.
We separated in the courtyard, and I ambled to Lars’s private spa after retrieving a towel.
I peeled off my sweaty clothes and slid into the hot and creamy water, leaning my head back against a rock to stare up at the star-speckled sky.
Training had left my body so exhausted, I drifted off and ended up taking a more extended bath than expected. Although I didn’t mind reveling in the sweet scent of lavender and loved the feel of the water on my skin. It was a struggle to climb out.
While drying off, I realized I had forgotten to bring a change of clothes and couldn’t head to the dining hall from here.
“Ugh…” I wrapped the towel around my body, and returned to the room, surprised to find a tray of food and water on the stone table. My heart warmed at the thoughtfulness.
I quickly hauled on my nightshirt and wolfed down the sandwiches with gratitude.
Someone tapped on the door as I was about to climb into bed. Elation coursed through my body when I saw Lars standing outside.
“Hey.” I moved back for him to enter the room.
He glanced at the empty tray and cup. “I noticed you hadn’t eaten, so I left you dinner.”
“Thank you.” I couldn’t help smiling at him.
His eyes appeared so warm, observing me like he’d never seen anything more interesting. But then suddenly, his features twisted as if in distress. I felt a prick in my chest when he dropped his gaze.
I decided t
o come out with it. “Is something wrong, Lars? You’ve avoided me all day, which is crazy after you’ve been keeping such a close watch.”
He released a low growl and walked to the opening, taking a seating position with his legs over the edge.
I joined him shortly, leaving little room between us. My blood pumped faster when I caught just a whiff of his fresh cotton linen scent.
The waterfall was starting to seem like a romantic backdrop for us.
Lars peered up at the stars and heaved a long sigh that unnerved me.
“What is it?” I asked, eager to learn what was going on in his head. “You seem so troubled.”
He looked at me with a sad partial smile while taking my hand into his. I shuddered as he tenderly stroked my face with the other. At his gentle touch, my body heated like I sat near a fire.
Leaning his head to one side, he studied me. “I feel so drawn to you, Calissa. I do not understand these emotions.”
I rid the tightness from my throat to speak. “Well, maybe I can help if you tell me what you’re feeling.”
He shifted closer, lessening the remaining space between us. “The more I’m with you, the more I feel this intensity inside. A fire I have never felt before.”
Lars likes me.
“Oh.” I swallowed hard. “That’s…interesting.”
The elders’ warnings popped into my head. I couldn’t possibly be with Lars. He was a gargoyle, and I…was lost.
Conflicted, I turned from his yearning gaze and dropped my eyes to my lap. He placed a finger at my chin and lifted my head.
A questioning look appeared in his grey eyes. They glistened in the moonlight. “If this were your world, and if I was human and we were out together under the stars like this, what would happen next?”
My lips quivered. I moistened them and whispered, “You would probably kiss me.”
Lars drew a sharp breath. “Then perhaps I am more human than you think.”
He didn’t waste another second. Pressing his warm lips to mine, he kissed me slow and sensually. As he swathed his arms around my body, a tingly force flowed through my veins. I brought my hands to his neck, trailing my fingers across his skin.
Our kiss deepened, and hungry moans seeped from the both of us. I wanted more; to be utterly consumed by Lars. But as my hands traveled, I noticed he started to feel different. His tousled hair faded beneath my touch, and all I could feel was rough skin. I steered my fingers to his ears. They felt a tad larger than before.
“Ugh!” I yelped when I opened my eyes and quickly pushed back into the room.
Lars had changed into a gargoyle. Seeing my uneasiness, desolation warped his features. He glanced over his pale, muscular gargoyle arms and released a sad sigh.
Guilt crept up on me. “Wait… I’m sorry, I...”
Clearly hurt, Lars huffed, then jumped down from the edge and flew away like his life depended on it. I watched as he disappeared behind the massive waterfall.
Rules aside, it was evident we couldn’t be together. Not without me accepting his gargoyle form. It hurt to know I’d proven that tonight.
14
Lars
Calissa looked utterly frightened. Of course, she’d be. In the middle of what should have been a beautiful moment, my intense emotions reverted my body to its true self and obliterated the connection.
There was nothing wrong with that. I would never feel ashamed of being a gargoyle.
But after seeing the startled look on her face, I’d felt hurt. Undeserving. It didn’t matter that Calissa tried to explain. I was already bruised and had to get away from her.
What had gotten into me, anyhow?
I couldn’t possibly be with a human, no matter the other side to her. It was forbidden.
And I was matched to Anya. My actions would surely hurt her and anger the leaders.
But Calissa’s lips... The taste was exhilarating.
Living in the Gargouille kingdom, I was surrounded by endless beauty. Yet, nothing as exceptional as hers.
Those damned eyes—that were the stunning shade of our kingdom’s cocoa—snatched my breath whenever she gazed at me. They provided a peek at her beautiful soul and how gentle it was. And the way she’d smile, so small and yet so genuine. It twisted my chest, increased the rate of my heart, and made me tremble. It was maddening to be around her and not want to touch her.
Despite trying to stop these feelings, I wanted to kiss Calissa again. I’d never enjoyed anything more, and it was all I desired at the moment.
My feelings had sprouted unexpectedly, starting from the very first moment I laid eyes on Calissa in that park.
She was the first human to intrigue me so much, and the only one I’d ever carried in my arms.
Her flowery scent and the feel of her body against mine was undeniably invigorating. Whenever our eyes met, I had to fight to stop myself from whisking her away.
Seeing her partly unclothed that time, before we went to the mountains, had only intensified the hunger, and I couldn’t suppress the torment in my gut from craving to glide my hands over her radiant golden-brown skin.
Blast!
I needed distance to clear my thoughts and push away these emotions—this need for the human woman who had no idea how special she had become to me.
Ezio caught my attention in the courtyard as he headed toward the edge with Tomei and Finn, two low ranked guardians.
“Ezio!” I called out, hastening over. My blood was pumping fast; I wanted to be in action. “What is the order for you to go out during the daylight?”
“Rogue demons in an abandoned warehouse outside the city. It is but a small number.”
“I will provide assistance.”
Tomei and Finn widened their eyes in surprise.
Ezio angled his head. “But, you asked the general to allow you to stay here and watch Calissa.”
I clenched my jaw and fists. “Calissa is safe. Others are not. Let me assist you, my friends.”
He huffed a short breath then shrugged. “Well, I was starting to miss fighting alongside my brother.” He raised his hand, gripping mine with honor before we turned to the edge and took flight behind the other two.
Perhaps being on duty and fighting demons would rid my mind of this crushing desire for a woman I could not have.
We cautiously descended from the clouds, landing among trees and using them as cover.
The area was isolated, neglected buildings on the outskirts of the city, withering from being disregarded.
“Simeen followed one earlier,” Ezio whispered as we crouched and studied the surroundings. “She reported to the general that these rogue demons were luring humans to the warehouse for a sickening idea of fun.”
“What about the families of these humans?” Finn queried. “Surely, their disappearance would draw questions from authorities in this world.”
Ezio shook his head. “It is possible they are homeless or…” He paused and looked at me, then finished, “Orphans.”
My mind drifted to Calissa.
“Let us put an end to these demons and free those tortured souls,” Tomei seethed, tightly gripping the hilt of his sword.
We nodded to each other and slowly filed out; Tomei and Finn went around to the back of the warehouse, and Ezio and I headed toward the front.
Music came from inside. A foul scent mixed with smoke, alcohol, and drugs seeped out.
Signaling me with a quick glance, Ezio burst through the door, and we hastened into the dim building.
Three demons sprang from a worn sofa, eyes turning red and pulling out knives to fight us.
I looked at the humans splayed across the floor with unsightly cuts all over their bodies. Some were unconscious, others were in a daze.
“Turn a blind eye, guardians,” one of the demons sneered. “We aren’t causing any trouble. These vermin are worthless. Women who sell their bodies in the dark, and men who live on the streets.”
“They are human beings!” I bark
ed through gritted teeth. “They do not deserve this!”
He waved a hand. “But we didn’t turn them. We’re keeping them alive.”
Ezio grunted. “That is even worse than death. They are being tortured.”
Fighting resounded from the back of the building, alerting the room. Finn and Tomei had probably encountered more demons.
The ones before us fumed.
“Kill them!” the leader demanded, then he bolted.
I cut down the first and helped Ezio finish off the second before chasing after the leader into the shadows.
He had not made a black hole and escaped. It was evident because his filthy demon scent permeated the air.
We spotted him ahead, hurrying toward the back exit. He came to a halt as he saw Finn and Tomei with four burly demons.
They spun at our approach and roared in anger at Ezio and me.
“Get rid of the guardians!” the demon leader ordered. He dashed up the stairs. I made to go after him, but the demons blocked the way, and it was careless to fly and leave my comrades in a fight.
Using their distraction as an opportunity, Tomei swiftly drove his sword through the thick neck of one of them. Flames consumed the demon instantly.
The four of us took on the other three.
I growled after a kill, adrenaline shooting through my veins from the thrill of a battle.
Ezio and Finn did the same as both pushed their weapons into a demon. Guttural cries filled the air when the evil being submerged in flames.
Tomei took on the last. Finn hurried to assist him since the demon was a tough opponent.
I remembered the rogue leader and veered off on my own, flying up to the second level of the building.
“You had plenty of time to escape,” I remarked while searching the shadows for him. “Why have you not?”
Ezio and the others flew up then and looked around with me.
“You cannot use the dark against us,” Finn mocked. “Gargoyles have impeccable vision.”
The demon scent suddenly became stronger. I paused in place, anticipating what I knew the rogue would attempt.
I felt the subtle swoosh of air on my right and swerved in time to block his blade. I knocked him back with my spear.