Page 25 of Fated to the Gargoyle
“Yes.”Shesmiled and took my hand. “Don’tworry.Ihave much to show you.”Asshe led me to a hidden nook, the scent of fragrant herbs hanging from strings surrounded me.Shestopped before a cozy space with old leather-bound books, a burgundy velvet sofa, and tons of jars with herbs and whatnot. “Thisis whereIhid the grimoire—they call this spaceAdelaide’sAttic.Thegargoyles said that with many wards of protection in the library and in her hidden room in particular, that this was the ideal place to store it.”
Isnorted. “I’dsay.”Tiltingmy head,Iadded, “Itwould be the ideal place to hide.”Evenif it was out in plain sight, it would likely blend in with all the other ancient-looking books.Mygaze arrested on an old ornate mirror on a silver stand. “Isthat—”Ileft my question unfinished.Thatmemory must have been the most terrifying of her life, as was mine withCalix.
“Yes,” she said, her voice a notch lower. “That’sthe mirrorIused onCalix.”
Istared at it, amazed, before meetingAnya’seyes, which now appeared haunted by the memory.Tosnap her out of it,Ireminded her, “Andyou defeated him.”
Aftera pause, she uttered in a lower voice. “IthinkAdelaidehelped.”
Itipped my head. “How?”
Anyastared at me for several seconds before saying, “Itmight sound crazy, but…IswearIheard her voice in my head.”
Mylips parted beforeIwhispered, “Incredible.”Riveted,Iprodded, “Tellme everything.”
Shetold me about the struggle withCalixin more detail. “Hementioned a prophecy about a witch coming into power.”Whenshe got to the part about using the mirror, she lifted it.
“Iwant to learn everything.”Ipressed my fingertips together. “Considerme your eager student.”
Shegave me a sheepish grin. “Idon’t know ifI’mthe right person to teach you sinceI’mjust learning myself.”
“Thenmaybe we can practice together.”
Wespent the next few hours talking while going through the various magic books.Anyashowed me what she’d been able to do with the spell book, andIpracticed basic spells.Wheneverwe found a note fromAdelaide, we shared it.Shewas our grandmother, whom we never knew, and that left a gap that could never be filled.Butmaybe we’d discover whatever we could about such a fascinating woman.
“Oneof the demon hybrids had mentioned a prophecy. ‘Awitch will rise in power with the aid of grimoire.’”
“You?”Isaid. “Itmust be, considering you defeatedCalix.”
Sheshrugged. “Thatmight have been a fluke.”
Igrunted. “That’sone mighty fluke!”
Shemotioned to me. “Itcould be you.”
“Ha!I’mnot even a baby witch at this point.”ButIwas eager to learn more about our family’s connection to magic.
Footstepsapproached, and my heart rate sped up.
“Ladies, it’s just me,Hugo,” he called. “Thedriver is ready to take us back whenever you’re ready.”
“We’llbe out shortly,”Anyareplied.
Havingonly just started exploring this new, magical world,Ididn’t want to stop.ThenIremembered whatIhad planned tonight—seeingDumontagain.Istood and smoothed out my clothing while my body tingled with anticipation.
CHAPTER 10
ELOISE
Anticipationturned to disappointment.Dumontwasn’t able to join me that night.He’dsent a note and invited me to stay in his apartment, whichIaccepted, but it was strange to be here without him.Iwandered around his place, remembering the details of the last timeI’dbeen here with him.AtleastIhad time to recover from the soreness.WhatIhadn’t expected was how muchI’dwanted to be with him again.
I’dhoped he’d come back during the night, but no luck.WhenIawoke, the massive bed remained empty beside me.
IjoinedAnyaandHugoin their apartment for breakfast and sipped a hot café au lait while enjoying the sunny view from one of the picture windows.WasDumontstill out there somewhere?Icould askHugo, but perhapsIwas being too impatient.Afterall,Dumonthad already sent me a note.
Hugocarried over two baskets—one with warmFrenchbread and another with jams.
Anyabrought a tray of various cheeses. “TrytheCamembert,” she suggested. “It’sdelicious.”
