Page 84 of A Highland Gargoyle's Lucky Star
“Alternatively, if they were to capture you and force you to share your power, they could break through that way.”
Well, fuck. Now I have even more to worry about.
Clearly, I need to stay glued to Elryk’s side so we can keep each other safe. And that’s what I’m going to do whether he likes it or not.
“But if we dinnae defeat them when they attack,” Elryk continues, “they’ll head to Loch Ness next—and that node doesn’t have the same level of protection.”
“Double fuck,” I mutter. Then I pause as a thought occurs to me. “Wait. I thought only a Conduit can access or tap into the power of the ley line, so wouldn’t it just destroy them if they did?”
In which case, I say let them fry themselves.
Elryk’s expression darkens. “Unfortunately, there are some species that can safely absorb power from the line without having the gifts of a Conduit. Those that are blood-related to the fae and the dragons are among the few that can. Their natural affinity, as you noted earlier, prevents the magic from incinerating them on the spot. Indeed, your own fae ancestry is part of why you are a Conduit in the first place.”
Le sigh.
“So the Sluagh would be able to use the power without being obliterated.”
“In theory, yes. Although, to my knowledge, it’s never been tested. However, we dare not give them the chance to find out.”
“That makes sense. But then what about those two—” I stop my own train of thought. “Oh right, they were trying to kidnap me soIcould give them access to the line. Duh. So not fae or dragons. Just sleazy mages.”
Elryk growls and pulls me closer. “Aye, they were, and I’m afraid to say they won’t be the last. But I swear on the Goddess that we will keep you safe here in DarkWing Castle no matterwhat threat may come. I know this is all new to you, but the life of a Conduit isnae always an easy one. There will forever be those who would seek to use you for their own gain.” He cups my cheek and looks into my eyes. “I promise not to take advantage of you, either. While you are my mate, and I hope you will want to use your powers to help me as your partner to keep the line and our clan safe, I’ll never force you to do so. If you want to leave here one day and find a life somewhere else, I’ll understand. It’ll kill me inside, but if you cannae be content here with me and with this life, I want you to be able to find wherever and whatever will make you happy.”
The tears are back in full force, dammit. “Oh, Elryk. You’re a bit of a noble idiot, aren’t you?”
He gapes at me.
I chuckle wetly. “Babe, you’re far too willing to give up anything and everything for others, including me. But you should fight for what you want, too. You’ve put me on a pedestal that isn’t realistic. I have flaws. I’m sure there’ll be times when I get frustrated and when I’m an annoying little asshole. But I still want you to fight for me.” I take hold of his hand and bring it to my lips so I can kiss his rough, scarred knuckles. “To fight for us. Because I know I’m willing to fight for both of those things—and so should you.”
He searches my eyes with an intensity that leaves me breathless and a
deep rumble rolls up from his chest. “Are you giving me permission to fight for you and for us?”
“Hell yeah, I am.”
His eyes glow in the dim light of the cellar. “It’s a promise, and believe me, gargoyles take such things very seriously. I’ll remind you of your words anytime you forget. I’ll fight for you with my dying breath if I have to.”
I wipe at my eyes with my shirt sleeve. “Let’s not talk about dying. It’s far too early in our relationship for any of that morbid thinking. Now that the barrier’s fixed, what’s next?”
Elryk grins. “We see if you can use your powers to assist us in battle.”
He gets to his feet and pulls me up on shaky legs.
“It’s time for some training outside.”
Chapter eighteen
Elryk
When it comes to warriors, few species can compete with the strength, power, and tenacity of a gargoyle. Their durable skin, while not impenetrable, is difficult to pierce, especially at the height of battle when their outer dermis has hardened into a natural kind of battle armor. No doubt this is where erroneous human legends of gargoyles turning to stone came from before they spun wildly out of control. Talk with your average gargoyle and they’ll have a good laugh about such myths. However, gargoyles are not to be trifled with on the battlefield. Indeed, it is far better to have a gargoyle as your friend than your foe.
—Guardians of the Line: A Hidden History,by Dr. Targan Wildethorne
As we head outsideinto the cloudy afternoon light, I’m still dazed from what happened in the cellar of the castle.
After years of struggling to maintain the barrier since my grandfather’s death—and, if I’m honest, even before he passed—Noah and I were able to repair and recharge the barrier to maximum strength with the aid of his abilities.
And in thirty minutes, no less.
