Page 17 of Eggsactly the Right Gargoyle

“You know what this means, don’t you?” Talia turns to me, her face alight with excitement. “If we can wake the Lumina blossoms, we can wake the entire grove together.”

The thought is both thrilling and terrifying. To see the Glimmergrove restored to its former glory, to fulfill my duty as guardian once more... But also to risk failure again, to open myself to that pain...

“I don’t know,” I say honestly.

“What’s holding you back?” she asks gently. “Fear of failing again?”

“Partly.” I look at the blooming arch, then back at her. “And partly fear of succeeding. If the grove awakens fully, I’ll be bound to it again. Responsible for it.”

“You wouldn’t be alone this time.” She says it simply, as if offering to share guardianship of an ancient magical grove is no more significant than offering to help with the dishes.

I stare at her, this sun witch who crashed into my life with her cheerful determination and stubborn optimism. “You barely know me.”

“I know enough.” She smiles. “I know you care deeply about this place, even after all this time. You carry guilt that isn’t entirely yours to bear, and you’re a grump with a good heart.”

The last comment is so unexpected, I laugh. It’s a short, rusty sound that surprises even me. Her eyes widen as she laughs too, the sound bright and musical in the quiet grove.

Chapter 5—Talia

THE NEXT MORNING, Iarrive at the Glimmergrove just as dawn breaks. The air smells differently today. Fresher and more alive. Yesterday’s work with Dorian has already started to take effect. The blossoms we revived now glow with a soft, pulsing light, their petals unfurling toward the morning sun. The Lumina vine has also grown and is producing yellow and orange blossoms.

“Good morning,” I whisper to them, running my fingers gently across a bloom. It shivers in response, releasing a tiny shower of golden pollen that dances in the air around me.

I set down my basket of supplies containing fresh seedlings, enchanted soil, and a thermos of lavender-infused coffee to take a moment to appreciate the quiet. This early, the grove feels like it belongs just to me. Well, to me and—

“You’re early.”

I turn to find Dorian standing at the edge of the clearing. He’s wearing a simple cream sweater today, the sleeves pushed up to reveal his forearms. Something about seeing him dressed so casually makes my heart skip.

“So are you,” I say, smiling. “I wanted to check on our progress before we get started for the day.”

He moves closer, his footsteps surprisingly light for someone made of stone. “The seedling we created yesterday has already grown a foot.” He gestures toward the center of the clearing, where our little vine now stretches upward.

“Hello, little one,” I say, kneeling beside it. “You’ve been busy overnight.”

The vine curls one of its tendrils around my finger in greeting. “Sun warm. Ground good. Growing fast,” it says in its tiny, rustling voice inside my head.

Dorian kneels beside me, his massive form dwarfing mine. “I’ve never seen a plant grow so quickly without magical intervention.”

“Maybe it’s because it was born from our combined magic?” The vine releases my finger and reaches toward Dorian. He extends his hand, and the tendril wraps around his stone finger, seeming to hum with contentment.

“Perhaps.” He looks at me, and I see his eyes are calmer today, like honey in sunlight. “Or perhaps the grove is more eager to return than we realized.”

A rustling sound from the path interrupts our moment. We both turn to see Atlas Mountainheart, the enormous mountain troll who owns Fae Fitness, ducking under a low-hanging branch. He’s carrying what appears to be a yoga mat made for someone three times human size.

“Good morning, sunshine friends,” Atlas booms, his voice echoing through the trees. Tiny flowers bloom on his bald head as he smiles. “Word travels fast in Evershift Haven. Grizelda told me you two are restoring the sacred grove, and I thought, what better way to help than with some sunrise yoga?”

I glance at Dorian, whose expression has shifted from peaceful to mildly horrified.

“That’s very...thoughtful of you, Atlas,” I say, trying not to laugh at Dorian’s discomfort, “But we were just about to start planting—”

“Perfect timing then.” Atlas unfurls his massive yoga mat. “Nothing connects you to the earth better than a good stretch.Fifteen minutes to align your chakras, and then you’ll plant with renewed purpose.”

Dorian looks at me with an expression that clearly says,“Save me.”

I shrug helplessly. “I guess a quick session couldn’t hurt?”

Atlas beams and more flowers bloom on his stone-like head. “Excellent. Dorian, my friend, I brought an extra mat for you. Don’t worry. It’s reinforced for stone bodies.”

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