Page 97 of Grotesque Love

Wherever they are, is where I want to be.

“Something on your mind, little hellion?” I gasp as Mal’s teasing tone penetrates the fog of my thoughts.

The large gargoyle climbs through the window, tucking away his wings and smirking devilishly at me.

“H-how?”

“Apologies for not being here when you woke up, Ari,” Sax adds, coming through behind him. He’s holding back a grin.

I shake my head. Jas joins us, a huge smile stretching across his face. “We couldn’t resist the call of the sun and lost track of time.”

“Y-you’re not stone,” I stammer, trying to comprehend what was happening before me and failing. “How are you here right now? Am I dreaming? Am I dead? I’m dead, aren’t I?”

“You’re not dead, little dove,” Sax says with a soft chuckle, closing the gap between us and scooping me up into his huge arms. His skin feelswarmagainst mine.

“And if you’re dreaming, then we all are, and it’s the most amazing dream I never want to wake up from,” Jas adds with a relaxed sigh.

“I don’t understand.”

“Neither do we,” Mal states. “The sun rose, and we didn’t turn to stone. It’s the first time I’ve ever felt the sun on my wings in this form, my first time flying in daylight. It was amazing.”

Tears prick at my eyes. I’m so happy they got to experience that.

“I think our curse is broken,” Sax tilts his head and glances out the window thoughtfully. “I think we are no longer bound to the estate like we once were.”

“What does this mean?”

“It means we never have to leave you!” Jas cheers, plucking me from Sax’ arms and spinning me around in the air until I’m giddy and giggling.

“Jas.” Sax’s tone is sharp. A warning.

My happiness fades a little as Jas puts me back on my feet with a sheepish apology, and I take in the serious expression on Sax’s face. Mal looks mad, but that’s pretty standard for him. Jas looks crestfallen.

What’s happened? A second ago the three of them were the happiest I’ve ever seen them. Now…I don’t know what’s changed.

“Ari,” Sax begins. My heart thunders. I don’t like his tone at all.

“Love…”

Why does he sound heartbroken?

“I’m afraid this may be the last time you see us like this,” Sax continues, his voice heavy with emotion. “The curse binding us to this place has lifted, yes, but it also means you are free to leave. To move on.”

My heart plummets at his words, a cold dread settling in my stomach.

They’re my protectors, my companions. It doesn’t matter that the threat they were protecting me from is gone. I can’t be without them.

“No,” I whisper, shaking my head in denial. “You can’t leave me. I c-can’t go. I have nowhere else to go. I need you.”

Sax’s eyes soften, but his resolve remains unyielding. “And we need you too, Ari. But you cannot stay here forever. It’s time for you to find your own path, to explore the world beyond these walls which have held you prisoner for so long.”

Jas and Mal stand beside him, their expressions a mixture of sorrow and determination. I can see the conflict within them, torn between their loyalty to Sax and their love for me.

Tears blur my vision as I reach out a trembling hand towards them. “Please… don’t make me leave. I really do want to stay with you all. I love you.”

Sax steps closer, taking my hand gently in his own. “You are strong, Ari. Stronger than you realise. You don’t need us to protect you anymore. It’s time for you to spread your wings.”

Shaking my head, I take a step back before sitting on the bed with my arms crossed. “If you don’t want to be with me, that’s fine. But you can’t force me to leave this place. I’ll rebuild the house if I have to. I’m staying.”

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