Page 30 of Protected By the Gargoyle
Janie sat but drummed her finger on the armrest. “Wait, I thought of something. It’s risky but…”
“Janie.” Larissa used awhat-kind-of-trouble-are-you-suggestingtone.
She pictured the books in the library. “The book.”
“What about it?”
She raised her index finger. “If it showed how to summon a demon, it should also show how to do the reverse.”
Larissa tapped her chin as she considered it. “Maybe. Let’s go.”
Janie winced and released a hissing sound. “Not me.”
“What do you mean?” Larissa’s brows furrowed.
Janie shook her head. “I don’t want to get anywhere near that book after what I did.”
Larissa gestured at her. “But you just had an idea—a good one.”
Janie gave her a weak smile. “You’re the witch. It’s safer that you deal with a book of spells.” She grimaced. “Who knows what would happen if I got near that terrible book again.”
Larissa pressed her lips together. “Okay, I get it. I can’t even access it right now. Roman locked it up for safety reasons.”
Janie grunted. “Good call.”
Larissa exhaled from her nostrils. “It’s going to be fun trying to convince him to let me take a look.”
The next fewhours dragged by despite how she tried to distract herself. Larissa had gone to talk to Roman and returned later that afternoon.
When she returned, she met up with Janie for tea. After a few minutes of chatting, Larissa’s gaze turned unfocused and her lips parted. Seconds later, she said, “Your room’s ready.”
Janie cocked her head. “Are you telecommuting with Roman?”
“Yes. He was checking in to make sure we’re okay.” She stood. “He was just with Arto.”
Janie’s heart took a strange beat. “That means he’s okay?”
“Right.” Larissa gestured. “Come with me. I know which room it is.”
As they walked down the halls, passing rooms of the sentries, Janie slowed as they approached Arto’s.
“You’re next to Arto.” Larissa opened the door. “He insisted.”
A small sigh escaped her. Being near him was reassuring—if he was ever in his room. Janie stepped into the small room where she’d stay for the time being. The off-white walls were bare save for a replica of an impressionist painting. The furnishings were basic—a small dresser and nightstand next to the bed. “Cozy.”
Larissa closed the door. “Yeah, you know the sentries—they barely spend time in their bedrooms, but at least the bed coverings are plush.”
“I’m not complaining. It’s nice.” She plopped onto the bed. It was as soft and comfortable as it looked. “Funny.”
Larissa furrowed her brows. “What is?”
“I almost thought the beds would be as hard as stone,” she quipped. “Like them.”
One side of Larissa’s mouth curled up. “Fortunately, not. My bed is super comfortable. Hope yours is too.”
“It is.”
A knock on the door drew her attention. When she opened it, Arto stood there, worry creasing his eyes.
