Total pages in book: 63
Estimated words: 58321 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 292(@200wpm)___ 233(@250wpm)___ 194(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 58321 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 292(@200wpm)___ 233(@250wpm)___ 194(@300wpm)
Bram seems to embody the actual stone gargoyles that haunt the eaves of old churches and buildings. Hunched over against the elements, watching from above and isolated. I never felt sorry for those statues. I shouldn’t feel sorry for him. He’s choosing to stay here.
He is . . .
I stop short as a gargoyle steps into the hallway in front of me. They’re built short and robust with a barrel stomach and thighs that look like they could crush boulders. Like the other gargoyles I’ve glimpsed in the distance since I’ve come here, their only nod to modesty is a wrap around their hips. Gargoyles don’t have the same hang-ups about chests that humans do. It makes sense when one accounts for how challenging it must be to create clothes that accommodate wings.
They don’t say anything, which has the hairs on the back of my neck rising. “Can I help you?”
They study me for a bit too long. “I’m Luna. Their Noble Highness. My family line dates back to the founding of this territory.”
I wait, but they don’t say anything further. “Congratulations?”
They sigh like I’ve disappointed them. “You seem different than the humans I’ve met in the past. I’m hoping so, because I’d like to give you a piece of advice.” They shift their wings in a way that I’m not sure how to decipher. Is it supposed to be comforting or threatening? I don’t know enough about gargoyles to say for certain. “Bram and his family are cursed. He’s not the last of his family line because of a series of unfortunate turns. Anyone who gets close to that family will die horribly. I highly suggest you put some distance between the two of you. And don’t have his child.”
Their tone seems honest enough, and their energy reflects nothing but sincerity. I know better than to trust that, though. If they’re really one of the nobles, they likely learned to lie in the cradle. Learned to hide their energy from the time they were a child. I don’t trust Bram, but I certainly don’t trust a stranger. “Why would you warn me? You don’t know me.”
“Like I said, you don’t seem to be a monster. Everyone knows that you’re trying to escape. That pendant around your neck is a good start, but it’s all too easy to remove. If you have a child with him, the child will die. No one deserves to experience that loss.”
A chill slides down my spine. “Are you threatening me and this theoretical child?” I have no intention of getting pregnant, but that doesn’t stop the strange surge of protectiveness that I feel in response to their words.
“What? No!” To their credit, they sound genuinely horrified at the thought. “To do violence against an heir to the territory is unthinkable. The curse would pass to my family line and kill everyone I care about. I only meant to offer my assistance.”
“Assistance,” I echo.
They nod, some of the tension leaching from their shoulders. “Yes, exactly. As I said, your attempts at escape have been noted by those who witnessed them. We would like to offer assistance. One of us can take you wherever you want to go.”
I refuse to feel humiliation over the fact that people aside from Bram witnessed my pathetic escape attempts. But I’m ridiculously embarrassed it never even occurred to me that others might see. I’ve barely seen anyone at all in my time in the castle, and fool that I am, I actually let myself believe it meant we were practically alone. I won’t make that mistake again.
I can’t trust this gargoyle. Right now, my presence here is the only thing that might provide Bram with an heir and displace any of the ambitious noble families who think they have a chance at leadership. They wouldn’t even have to actively murder me. All it would take is a slip while flying high, and gravity would do the rest.
More than that, accepting help feels like cheating. If I’m going to escape, I’ll do it on my own.
“While I appreciate the offer, I think you must understand why I can’t accept it.”
Luna shakes their head in disappointment. “You’re making a mistake, but the offer stands. If you change your mind, you can find me in the east wing on the top floor.”
I stand there and watch them walk away, then wait several more minutes to ensure I’m alone. I knew the situation was thorny, but I’m beginning to realize just how tangled things could get. Again, I wonder at my reluctance to leave the entire thing behind. I’ve been offered outs several times now, and every time, I resist. It doesn’t make any sense.
Nothing about this place makes any sense.
I know better than to let my anger drive me, but I have too many fucking emotions right now. Anger is the easiest. And I know just who to bring it to.