Page 96 of The Demon's Discovery
“There she is! Greta, you did so well. How do you feel? Are you hungry? Do you need anything?”
Vassago growled in warning, and Magnus rolled his eyes at the sound, but did return to his seat and tamped down his exuberance. “You’re very much like your brother at times, demon. Ophelia was not wrong about that,” he muttered.
“I would love some breakfast,” I managed, making eye contact with Lovette, who nursed a cup of coffee across the table from her father.
Vassago kissed the top of my head before going over to the tables of food and selecting several things for both of us.
“Don’t let him run roughshod over you, hear? You just tell him to hush and let you eat.” Grace winked at me from her seat next to Magnus, and he blustered, pretending to be offended. I knew better though; that was the way this pair communicated more often than not.
They all tried not to stare, but I felt the curiosity.
“So. How did we do?” Lovette asked.
“It healed perfectly, thank you. I was always a slow healer before, but everything seems great.”
“Perfect. I’ll take another look if you like, but it sounds like you’re all set.”
Magnus puffed his chest out proudly, telling the group how I’d gone right off into stone sleep like I’d been doing it my whole life.
After breakfast, I let Lovette check me over once again. “Is Gaius well?” I asked, seeing the empty bed.
Lovette snorted. “He’ll survive. He was taken to a nearby hut. The elixir helped, but his limbs were already mostly stonewhen he got here. There was a strange poison or something…” She frowned thoughtfully and shook her head. “I’m afraid their function was permanently debilitated, though they were successfully reattached, which is hopeful.”
“There’s more elixir. It could be used properly this time. We have another vial?—”
Lovette placed a warm hand on my shoulder, shaking her head. The gentle smile on her face felt like a warm hug. “Vassago gave it to me already, we’ve tried everything we could. You did more than your share, Greta. He’s got to do the rest for himself.” Her expression changed, a hint of spiciness in it. “With my help, of course. I’ve yet to fail a patient, and I’m not about to start with him.”
I thanked her for all her help, and she wrapped me in a tight hug. “Absolutely my pleasure, Greta. Come back soon, okay? We have plenty more to talk about.”
“I will. You are always welcome to come to d’Arcan, too. I think your father would like that, actually. And Grace.”
After that, all that was left was to prepare to go back to d’Arcan. Our whirlwind of a visit had come to a close.
Imogen knocked on the door to our hut as we were packing up.
“I’ll give you a moment,” Vassago offered, stepping out the door as Imogen came inside, a cloth bundle in her arms.
“The aunts sent a gift for you,” she said, setting it on the bed.
“Oh?” I untied the ribbon and pulled back the covering to find the silver gown. “I thought these stayed with the clan?”
Imogen smiled. “Usually, they do. But it’s tradition for brides to keep theirs.”
My mind stopped functioning for a moment at the word, which made Imogen laugh. “Congratulations, cousin. This dress is yours. Wear it well.”
“Thank you,” I breathed, suddenly overcome with emotion. I’d never owned anything as lovely and felt honored they’d trust me with such a precious heirloom.
“And this…” She frowned as though considering her words. “My mother gave this to me for safekeeping many years ago. I didn’t think I’d ever find its owner until you got here. I can’t explain how she knew or why she put me in charge of it, but I know it belongs to you.” She held her hand out, dropping the contents into mine. As I got a good look at the item she’d given me, I was lost for breath.
It was a necklace. One like Calla wore. The opal in it matched my new ring, and it was a perfect fit for the piece that Henrik had hired Vassago to seek out. The one that Bea now wore around her neck.
Imogen pulled me in for a hug, then turned for the door. “When you’re ready to choose a blade, let me know. It would be my honor to make one for you. And come visit whenever you like, okay? There’s still plenty to learn about being a proper gargoyle.”
“I will,” I promised. I put the necklace on, the heavy pendant warm against my skin when I tucked it inside my shirt.
I marveled at the gown a moment longer, then packed it safely in my luggage, knowing I was leaving the conclave a vastly different version of the Greta that had arrived and all the happier for it.
Chapter 38
