Page 6 of Fated to the Gargoyle
Dumontexhaled with a rumble that seemed to originate deep within his chest. “Ireceived intel that others are back.”
Isucked in a shaky breath,Anyamuttered, “no,” in a strangled voice, andHugosnapped straighter.
“Who?”Iasked, my tone edging higher.
“Themen who chased you that night, those wereCalix’sminions,”Dumontexplained. “Demonhybrids.”
Igasped. “Demons?”
“Yes,” he replied with a thunderous scowl. “Thosetwo have been destroyed, but others have been spotted coming this way.”
Myheart thudded faster, andIplaced my hand over my chest.Thevivid fear of being chased by those monsters was fresh in my mind.Myfeet itched with the urge to run again.
“That’swhyHugofound me in the library earlier,”Anyaexplained. “Towarn me.”
Mybreath came quicker. “Warnyou of what exactly?”Myvoice came out at a higher pitch. “Whatdo they want?”
DumontandHugostared at each other for so long, it was as if they were communicating somehow.
ThenDumontturned to me. “Theone thing we know is thatCalixwanted the book.”
“Butyou said he’s dead,”Ibarked out, an edge of panic in my veins.
“Asfar as we know, he is, yes,” he said.
Iblinked at him. “Whatdoes that mean?”
Dumontrubbed the back of his neck. “Whereare you staying,Eloise?”
“Astudio onRueSherbrooke.”
Dumontgroaned. “Idon’t think that’s safe, considering what we learned.”
Crossingmy arms,Ijutted my chin up. “I’mnot in any danger,”Ideclared as if that was fact, when in reality,Ihad no idea what was going on, consideringI’djust learnedCalixwas a sorcerer who could shift into a fire-wielding phoenix and had demon hybrids as his minions.
“Itwould be best if both you andAnyacame back with us.”
“Wha—”Inmy shock,Icouldn’t even finish that sentence.Thatwas not at all whatIcould have anticipated him saying. “Areyou kidding me?Idon’t even know you.I’mnot going anywhere with you.”
Dumontwinced as if pained.AnyaandHugoexchanged a meaningful glance.
“It’sto keep us safe,”Anyasaid.
Mybrows drew together in stark surprise. “I’dbe better off just leavingMontreal.”Istepped backward, refusing to believe this was happening.
“Don’tleave,”Anyainsisted. “Wehave the best protectors in the city right here.”
“ButIdon’t have the book.There’sno reason for anyone to come after me for it.Idon’t even know where it is anymore!”
“Butthey don’t know that,”Dumontreplied. “Thatbook contains an immense amount of power.Inthe wrong hands…Ifthey were connected toCalixand know you brought it to the library, they may come after you to get it.”
Ipressed my fingertips to my temples. “Isimply came here to introduce myself to my sister, hoping we could get to know each other, but now you’re telling me thatImay be hunted by—demons?”Ishook my head. “Thatcan’t be right.It’sabsurd.”
Anyastepped closer to me and put a hand on my shoulder. “Eloise, please consider this,” she implored. “I’veseen whatCalixcan do.”Sheclosed her eyes as if pained, then reopened them. “Ifthese beings are connected to him, it could be”—she huffed—“devastating.”
Blooddrained from my head to my toes. “Noooo.”Myvoice came out as a shaky whisper. “Inever should have come back toMontreal.”
Aheavy silence followed.Anyabroke it several seconds later. “Comewith us for a little while, at least until this all blows over.”Sheforced a smile. “Didn’tyou find me so we could get to know each other?”
