Page 43 of Fated to the Gargoyle
WhenIdid, she paused for a few seconds whileIhovered with my hands aloft.
“I’mokay,” she said. “Don’tworry,Iwon’t fall.”
Ilowered my hands and stepped backward.
“I’llbe right outside the door if you need me.”
Sheclosed the door.Aftershe’d finished,Itried to carry her again, but she brushed me off.
“Ican walk.”Shetook small steps back toward the bed, butIinsisted on holding her arm to ensure she had her balance.
Onceshe was back in my bed and propped up by pillows, she drank the entire glass of water.Sheglanced around before her gaze met mine again.
“HaveIbeen in your room this entire time?”
“Yes.”
“Haveyou been here with me?”
“WheneverAnyawould let me,”Iresponded with a gentle smile. “Shesaid she sometimes needed time with you.”
Hergaze drifted off. “Ithink—IthinkIheard her.”Shetilted her head. “Shewas talking about magic and the elements and howImust have an affinity for water.”
Thatmade sense after whatI’dseen.Andher scent had always reminded me of the ocean.
Eloisesighed. “Eitherthat orIdreamed it.”
Iwatched her face, still riding the high of breaking through the fear she might never wake.
“No, that sounds right.We’vebeen discussing what you were able to accomplish, and that was what fascinated us the most.Thatwas incredible,Eloise.Youare incredible.”
Sherubbed her temple. “Dumont, remember that nightmareIhad in your room?I’ddreamed of something like the battle outside the library.”
Iadded that piece of the puzzle to the one we’d been trying to solve.
“Perhapsyou’re gifted with foresight, likeAdelaide.”
“Whoknows?”Sheraised one shoulder before she grimaced, as if she’d eaten something sour. “WhataboutCalix?Anysigns of him returning?”
Ishook my head. “He’sgone.”Iglanced at her with awe, pride rising in my chest. “Whatevermagic you have inside you is”—Istumbled, searching for the proper word— “extraordinary.Youare a far more gifted witch than you realize.”
Uneasedrifted from her face, and her lips fluttered into a half smile before she met my gaze. “RightbeforeIwoke,Iheard you say something.Youcalled me your—mate.”Shefurrowed her brows. “Idefinitely dreamed that, right?”
Myheart pounded against my ribcage, and my skin tingled with awareness.Revealingthis to her would make me vulnerable, open to rejection.Afteralmost losing her, it was a riskIwas willing to take.
“Youweren’t dreaming,Eloise,”Isaid in a slow, measured tone.Itook a deep breath and steeled myself for her reaction. “Iknowthat might be too much.Toointense.Andscare you away.IfIdid so at theVaultand that’s why you left…”Iswallowed. “I’msorry.Inever wanted you to leave. "
Sheshook her head, mouth tight. “Youdidn’t scare me away.Ioverheard you talking toHugoaboutCalixbeing back and…well,Ifreaked out.Imade the worst decision by running.”Shesighed. “I’mthe one who’s sorry.”
“Noneed to be.Ishouldn’t have kept anything from you.Wehad suspicions about sightings, butIdidn’t want to worry you.I’llbe more open from now on.Ijust want you to be happy…Thetruth is…”Igulped. “Ilove you,Eloise.Andfrom the momentImet you,Iknew you were the one for me.”Hereyes widened. “Theonly one.Mymate.”
Shegaped, not saying anything for several heart-pounding seconds during which timeIfearedI’dscared her away.
“Wow.”Hervoice was barely audible. “I—uh—didn’t know.I’mnot even sure what to say.”
Myheart sank.Idefinitely blew it. “Youdon’t have to say anything.Youdon’t have to even acknowledge it.I’dnever push you.”Itook a deep breath and exhaled. “Justplease…Don’trun again.”
Sheshook her head. “I’mdone running.Iwant to be brave like you.”
