Page 20 of Gifted Destiny

When we reach the roof, Zosia’s wheelchair is waiting. I set her down gently and reluctantly, deciding to pull Bren aside while Ansel recovers from the climb.

As I get my brother’s attention, I can’t help but notice the beautiful autumn evening. The puddles from earlier have disappeared, but the air is heavy with moisture and the scent of rain still lingers.

I hadn’t realized the view was so beautiful from the top of the library. Without a single cloud in the sky, the orange and pink shades of the sunset are brilliant. The woods appear to be on fire, especially with the changing colors of the leaves.

“I’ve made up my mind, Rhett. I’m going to do it.” Bren starts speaking before I can open my mouth. His tone is defensive.

We’ve only retreated a few paces away from the group, but I’m not concerned about maintaining privacy. “I’m not trying to change your mind. I just wonder if you’ve considered the possible outcomes. I don’t think you realize the extent of your power. What if something goes wrong? What if Kodi or Zosia gets hurt?” I hope the calm in my voice delivers my warning clearly.

Bren’s pale green eyes meet mine briefly, and I note the subtle spark of neon blue. The shade is generally unstable for a few days after his magic erupts, and he’s more volatile during the recovery. He could spiral into another explosion or sink into depressive melancholy with little provocation. Neither is favorable while under BSP surveillance, but I don’t want this to force him into a hasty decision.

Addington seldom mentioned the enforcement agency when we were younger. He grumbled about their inclination to stick their noses where they didn’t belong, but he also expressed rare envy toward the shifter detectives. If they’re typically incorruptible, we should consider an individual as opposed to the organization as a whole. One had definitely exhibited moretwitchiness. At the time, I’d thought it might be a bad cop – good cop scenario, but the ruse should have been less conspicuous.

“Sage will protect Zosia. The library is stronger than me, and she’ll be able to control the flow of magic. Kodi ….” Bren frowns with confusion. “He’s already dead. As long as I don’t wipe him from existence ….” His voice is full of uncertainty, and he pauses to rub at his temples.

“My visions have been more scrambled than usual the last two days,” he admits in a softer voice as he leans closer to me. “Everything is unclear, but one scares me more than others. If I’m taken to the bureau for questioning, Addington wins, and it doesn’t end well for anyone. The other possibilities might be murky or have negative consequences, but this one is the worst. You know as well as I do, Rhett. We have to avoid it.”

He’s right. Since the first detail Bren shared with me, our life has revolved around disaster prevention. We aren’t necessarily finding the best outcome for us; we’re trying to minimize the damages of Addington’s rule. His success begins a cascade of horror that results in apocalyptic scenarios. Through it all, I’ve trusted Bren. He’s the reason I’m here right now.

I sigh. “Okay. I’ll stop hounding you. Just don’t put your magic into an object – that would be like asking for trouble.”

Bren grins and nudges me with his elbow. “I agree, and it’s why I’m willing to take the risk with the library and Kodi. I trust them more than a rock.” His grin widens. “What about me being capable of biblical disasters, though? Pretty awesome, right?”

I nearly choke on my spit at his joke. “Let’s just avoid being written into Christ’s second coming, or the rapture, or whatever the religious books say. Yeah?”

He laughs, but it lacks true amusement because we both know it’s possible.

We rejoin the others. I’m still full of worry, but a simple conversation won’t erase my fears. Just like I told Zosia, actionsspeak louder than words. I’ve built my strength to protect the people I love. If I can also protect the world, I won’t complain. I might have a massive hero complex, but it’s who I am. Besides, someone has to take responsibility. If no one steps forward, nothing changes.

Chapter 12

Zosia

The gargoyles possess a similar, albeit simpler, sentience to the library. As far as I know, there are no others like them in the world. The captain, Etienne, appears to understand that his position as leader is different and more important from the others. He also gives the impression that he knowswhyhe’s guarding the library. It might be a small distinction, but my brain insists it’s important. His massive body unfurls from the central front position the moment Bren and Garrett rejoin us.

My distraction regarding the brothers’ quiet conversation dissolves as stone grates on stone, and I can’t disguise my amazement. The harsh sound is softened by magic as Etienne’s wings extend to either side of the man-shaped beast. The bat-like wings are the only anatomical difference, as far as I can tell. A flap of stone neatly hides his junk, and I doubt the modest covering was the library’s idea. She doesn’t usually consider human propriety.

The gargoyle’s movements lack a human’s fluidity, but the motion isn’t stiff. Even awake, the gargoyle retains the matte gray color of the stone it was formed from – a mixture of granite and quartzite, according to my librarian brain. Kodi’s ghost formis also primarily gray, but various shades and hues shift with his movements, whereas the gargoyle stays the same.

His eyes are the most alien aspect, though. Like the goblins, they lack pupils or irises, but they don’t reflect light. Shadows cast by the dying light make it appear as if he has two black holes instead of eyes. It should be unnerving, but my inner senses understand that the gargoyles are part of the library – just like me. We’re connected.

“Thank you for greeting us, Captain.” Awkward uncertainty leaks into my voice. I don’t know what to say or if I’m addressing him correctly. I can’t bring myself to ask‘Which of you craves eternal rest?’with a straight face.

The shifter – my father – leans against the half-wall that borders the rooftop’s edge. He is plagued by more than exhaustion; death hovers over him like a shroud.

Learning about my parentage didn’t significantly alter my feelings toward him, but I am grateful for the closure. Ansel is a known factor and doesn’t add more difficulty to my newly complicated life. I don’t have to worry about the possibility of someone else appearing, claiming the status, and demanding something I can’t give.

The living statue stiffly inclines his head toward me before turning to the new recruit. Without pupils, it’s impossible to know where his attention is focused unless he turns his head. In comparison, the goblins’ eyes, which appear to be composed entirely of a pupil, observe everything at once. Both are equally freaky.

“Welcome to our clan, Ansel Horus Briar. You joined our ranks the moment your blood touched the contract. We exist to serve the library. Are you prepared to give your entire being?” The question sounds ominous, but Ansel nods without hesitation. The words probably echo his contract.

“I am.” The shifter musters enough strength to straighten and stand without support. The effort impresses Etienne. I don’t see any sign of the emotion, but the library transfers it to me.

The gargoyle’s head inclines again as he communicates wordlessly with the others. The sound of stone scraping on stone alerts everyone’s attention to the gargoyle in the front right corner. I couldn’t imagine crouching in the same position for days. I wince with empathy before I remind myself that the creatures can’t feel pain.

Dimly, I sense envy within Garrett as the beast moves toward us. His body is as hard as living flesh can be, but he can’t attain the literal rock-hard physique of the gargoyles. He might think this is a weakness, but I’m grateful for it. I can’t cuddle with a stone block. When Garrett holds me, I enjoy the softness layered over his firm muscles.

“George will pass his duty unto you. His location will become yours.”

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