Page 6 of Eggsactly the Right Gargoyle

“Plants are conduits for my magic. They probably provided the easiest path.” She picks up her egg, cradling it carefully.

I cross my arms over my chest, staring at her with what I hope is my most intimidating gargoyle glare. The eggs continue their harmonized melody, which now sounds suspiciously like a wedding march. Perfect.

“This is ridiculous,” I say. “These eggs appeared out of nowhere, playing romantic music, with cryptic messages about stone and sun. There’s clearly some kind of magical mischief at work.”

Talia picks up both eggs, cradling them in her palms. The glow intensifies in a mixture of pink, gold, blue, and silver light. The effect makes her brown skin luminous, highlighting the golden rings around her irises.

“Magical mischief or not, we need to figure out what they are and why they chose us.” She holds them out to me. “Take yours.”

I reluctantly accept the pink and gold egg, which immediately warms in my stone palm. The music swells, adding a triumphant flourish that makes me want to crush the thing.

“We should consult with Grizelda now that we have two, and we see what they do together. She might recognize these from some ancient text or tradition.”

“Fine. You go talk to Grizelda. I’ll stay here and continue my research.”

Talia shakes her head, her enchanted scarf shifting to a stubborn orange. “The message specifically mentioned stone and sun together. I think we both need to investigate this.”

“I don’t do town visits.”

“And I don’t do gargoyles, but here we are.” She grins, the expression lighting up her entire face.

I blink, taken aback by her directness. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means I didn’t expect to spend my morning in a stone chapel with a grumpy gargoyle, discussing magical singing eggs.” She steps closer. “Sometimes magic has other plans for us.”

The egg in my hand pulses warmly, as if agreeing with her.

“These eggs are connected to us both. The sooner we figure out what they are, the sooner we can go back to our separate lives. You to your solitude, me to my herbs.”

She has a point, though I’m reluctant to admit it. The faster we solve this mystery, the faster I can return to my peaceful existence without cheerful sun witches invading my space. “Fine,” I concede. “We’ll investigate together.”

Her smile widens. “Excellent.” She moves toward the door, then pauses. “We should go now, while the town is quiet. Fewer people to bother you.”

She’s trying to be considerate, which only irritates me more. I don’t need her consideration. I don’t need anything from her except help solving this egg mystery. I secure my egg in a small leather pouch and follow her outside, automatically folding my wings tight against my back.

“Your home is beautiful,” says Talia, pausing to admire a cluster of luminescent mushrooms growing at the base of an ancient oak.

“The path to town is this way,” I say with a grunt, moving ahead to lead.

The forest gradually thins as we approach the town’s edge. I slow my pace, tension creeping into my shoulders. It’s been months since my last visit to Evershift Haven proper, and that was only because Grizelda insisted she needed a specific type of stone that only I could identify for some spell or other.

“We’ll go straight to Grizelda’s shop,” says Talia, noticing my hesitation. “No detours.”

I nod, grateful for her understanding even as I resent needing it.

The town of Evershift Haven spreads before us, a picturesque collection of magical buildings arranged around a central square. The Heart of Haven—an ancient, sentient oak tree—dominates the square, its branches currently adorned with spring blossoms that shimmer with magical energy. Various shops line the cobblestone streets, their enchanted signs moving and changing to attract customers.

We’re barely past the town’s edge when the first curious glance comes our way. A young elf carrying a stack of books does a double-take, nearly dropping his load. He whispers something to a passing fairy, who immediately turns to stare.

“Ignore them,” says Talia quietly. “They’re just surprised to see you.”

“This is why I avoid town,” I mutter.

More stares follow as we make our way toward the Enchanted Emporium. A group of gnomes stop their street sweeping to gawk. Two witches outside the Enchanted Espresso pause mid-conversation, their eyes widening.

“Dorian Thorne in town?”

“With Talia Brightwell?”

---