Page 26 of Fated to the Gargoyle
Ismeared the creamy cheese, my mouth watering as it softened on the warm bread.WhenItook a bite,Imoaned.
“You’reright.Sogood.”AfterItook another sip of my milky coffee,Iasked, “Areyou going back to the library today?”
“Yes.”
Eagerto learn more about magic and not wanting to mope around here, wondering and worrying aboutDumont,Iasked, “CanIgo with you?”
“Ofcourse.”
“Ipromise to stay out of your way.”
“You’renot in my way,” she dismissed with an easygoing wave.
Afterbreakfast,Ireturned to my room to get my stuff.Asudden knock startled me.Icracked the door open to seeDumont.
Hestared down at me, concern gleaming in his bright eyes. “I’msorryIcouldn’t get back last night.”
“Don’tbe.Iunderstand.”AlthoughItried to keep the disappointment from my voice,Iwasn’t sureI’dsold it. “Iseverything okay?”
“Fine.”Heaverted eye contact. “Nothingto worry about.”
Somethingabout his tone rang as forced.Washe keeping something from me?
“Areyou sure,Dumont?”
Hefaced me again and flashed a smile.
“Idetected your scent recently in my room.Ihope you were comfortable there.”
Hissense of smell was acute.Yethe seemed to be avoiding my question.Perhapsfor good reason.Afterall,I’msure he couldn’t tell me everything he did as a commander.Iraised a shoulder in a small shrug.
“Iwas.Butit wasn’t as enjoyable without you.”
Hiseyes gleamed. “I’llbe back as soon asIcan,Eloise.That,Ipromise you.”Hetook my hand and kissed it. “Pleasefeel free to make yourself at home in my place.Ilike knowing that you’re there—and safe.”
Yes,Iliked being there but couldn’t stay cooped up waiting.
“I’mgoing back to the library today withAnya.Sheshowed me some of my grandmother’s belongings, andI’dlove to learn more about her.Afterall, she was my grandmother andIknow nothing about her.”
Dumontstudied me for a few seconds before he gave me a solemn nod.
“Iunderstand.”
“AndIpracticed spells—which worked!”Isaid, beaming with pride.
Hegrinned at me. “Ihave no doubt.”Thenhe placed a hand on his heart and tipped forward. “I’llensure you get there safely.”
“Thankyou,Dumont.”
“Eloise?”
“Yes?”Icocked my head.
“Whenyou come back, will you stay in my room again tonight?I’lldo my best to return as soon as possible.”
Anothernight with this protective gargoyle.Mylips twitched into a smile.
“Yes.”
