Page 94 of Seduced By Moonlight

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE – KAYDEN

HOLDING HANDS, Kayden let Ward pull him along the winding corridors of the castle. His heart pounded with anticipation because he was really going to see Ward turn to stone—he was going to watch as the sun claimed Ward for the day.

At last, they reached a slender spiral staircase that twisted its way up to the tower’s peak, providing access to the rooftop. Years of use had left the steps worn.

Ward’s grip was firm yet gentle, urging him upward with a quiet insistence. The cool night greeted them when they emerged at the top.

The vast sky stretched above them, dotted with countless stars twinkling like distant diamonds, but Kayden could see how the sky lightened as daylight approached.

The rooftop stretched wide, offering a sweeping view of the surrounding land. There were other gargoyles, and Tank waved at them as Ward pulled Kayden away from the crowd. They definitely received some odd looks.

“Are you sure about this?” Ward asked.

Kayden nodded enthusiastically as the first light of dawn teased the horizon, streaks of pink and orange cutting across the sky. “I’m completely sure.”

He couldn’t look away from Ward. His excitement mingled with awe and nervousness as he watched the first rays inch closer, casting long shadows across the stone floor. Everything felt surreal in the early morning light.

Ward held Kayden’s face in his hands, eyes full of warmth and gratitude. “I’m glad you’re here.”

In response, Kayden pulled him into a fierce embrace. “Me too.”

They stood there for several seconds.

Then Ward stepped away. “Stand back just a little.”

Reluctantly, Kayden retreated a few steps but kept his eyes locked on Ward.

Ward positioned himself. As the light touched him, he smiled at Kayden one last time before his midnight-blue skin started turning a dull gray, the color of stone.

Kayden watched in breathless wonder as Ward’s expression, not merely frozen but comfortably at ease, gradually transformed. Intricate granite patterns emerged, weaving across his skin like a master artist’s work.

These stony designs spread along his arms and chest, until, in a breathtaking moment, Ward became stone.

Kayden released a quivering breath, utterly captivated by a beauty that defied comprehension and left him speechless. But it was also kind of sad because until the sun went down, Ward was gone from him.

Moving forward tentatively, he let his fingers brush against Ward’s arm—the smooth texture was cool beneath his fingertips despite being in full sunlight now.

Somehow, in this form, Ward looked more like the creatures one would see on the roofs of old churches and such. And yeah, he looked terrifying.

Heart brimming with emotion and his mind swirling, Kayden stood beside his stone mate, relishing the beauty of the sunrise. Of course, only one of them could truly savor this breathtaking sight.

He patted Ward’s arm. “Good night. I’ll see you soon.”

Yawning, Kayden made his way down the stone staircase and went to his room.

The enormity of what he’d just witnessed seeped into Kayden’s thoughts, the memory of Ward’s transformation vivid and overwhelming.

Exhausted yet exhilarated, he barely had time to process it all before he succumbed to sleep.

KAYDEN WOKE later that afternoon, disoriented for a moment by the quiet stillness surrounding him. He stretched languidly, his mind skipping back to the rooftop.

The morning came rushing back to him—the grandeur of the sunrise and the unforgettable moment when Ward turned to stone before his eyes.

He showered and dressed quickly. It was almost time for Ward to wake up, and he wanted to be there.

When Kayden emerged onto the rooftop, his eyes went straight to the other gargoyles who waited for the sun to set, but he wasn’t interested in them. He hurried to where Ward squatted.

Relief that he got there before the sun set mingled with affection as he approached. He circled around Ward as best he could, drinking in every detail of his mate’s stone form. His fingers grazed over Ward’s cheek.

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