Page 35 of Cherished By the Gargoyle
THALRIC
Aurora’s scent of honeysuckle and lavender surrounds me as she wraps her arms around my neck, her body pressing into mine with a fierceness that makes my chest tighten.
My breath catches, not from pain, but from the sheer intensity of the way she clings to me, as if she had feared I’d never wake up.
I want to hold her, to wrap my arms around her, to bury my face in her hair and lose myself in her warmth. But pain flares in my side as she squeezes me tightly, and I bite back a wince, holding my tongue because I don’t want her to stop touching me.
She pulls back just enough to cradle my face in her hands, brushing damp strands of hair from my forehead. “You’re awake,” she breathes. “I thought—” Her voice breaks, and she swallows hard. “I was so afraid I’d lose you. Can you sit up? How do you feel?”
Gritting my fangs, I push myself up to sitting. “I’m fine.” I flex my fingers, assessing the damage. The pain is still present, but not nearly as bad as it was before.
Movement catches my eye and I immediately stiffen when I notice a Dark Elf behind Aurora, his piercing blue eyes studying me warily as he crouches nearby.
Aurora follows my gaze and clears her throat. “Thalric, this is Auren.” Then she gestures toward the red-haired woman behind him, seated on the back of a Direwolf nearly twice the size of a horse. “And this is his wife, Vivienne. They found us and he healed you with his magic.”
Auren rises smoothly to his feet, his movements effortless and graceful, exuding a quiet confidence. He places a hand over his chest and inclines his head slightly. “It’s an honor to meet you, my friend.”
He gestures toward the red-haired woman scowling at him from the Direwolf’s back, a hint of a playful grin on his lips. “And this radiant, utterly charming female is my beloved wife, Vivienne, the greatest gift the gods have ever bestowed upon me.”
Vivienne lets out an indignant scoff, tossing her hair over her shoulder. “You mean the greatest trick you’ve ever managed to pull.”
Auren beams at her, looking positively smitten despite her sharp tone. “That too.”
I snort out a laugh but quickly cover it with a fake cough. The Elf clearly has a difficult wife on his hands, and yet he looks at her like she hung the stars.
Aurora, meanwhile, presses a hand to her mouth to hide her amusement.
Auren turns back to me, his smirk fading slightly. “The magic is working, but you’ll need to rest until morning before you’re fully healed. Vivienne and I will stay the night to keep watch. I’ve heard there may be Ogres in these woods. We’ll guard you and your mate while you recover.”
“Thank you,” I tell him, not bothering to correct him that Aurora isn’t my mate. “I appreciate your help.”
“You’re welcome.” Auren dips his chin in a subtle nod and then strides toward Vivienne. “We’ll make camp here, my dear wife.”
Vivienne throws up her hands in frustration. “Of course we will. Why not? Let’s just sleep in the woods like wild animals!”
Auren chuckles, unbothered by her sarcasm, and gently helps her down from the Direwolf’s back. “If you have any other grand ideas,mellimë,I would love to hear them.”
Vivienne puts her hands on her hips. “How about a nice warm bed in an actual inn?”
Auren just smiles. “One day, perhaps. Until then, I shall do my best to ensure you don’t perish from mild discomfort.”
She huffs dramatically but allows him to pull her close long enough to steady her on her feet.
I watch their interaction with interest. There is an undeniable fire between them, one I don’t quite understand. She argues with him at every turn, and yet he looks at her like she’s the only thing in the world that matters.
Auren turns back to me, gesturing to a bundle of supplies he pulled from his saddle. “I’ll set up a tent for you. You can have mine.”
While I appreciate his offer, I don’t want to inconvenience them. “I wouldn’t want to take the tent from you and your bride. Perhaps you could simply make some space for Aurora to rest, and I could remain outside?”
Auren shakes his head. “Vivienne has her own tent. We haven’t seen any, but I’ve heard there may be Ogres in these woods. So, I’ll sleep just outside the entrance tonight to make sure she’s safe.” A faint smirk curves his mouth. “She refuses to share a bed with me.” He glances over his shoulder at her where she’s setting up blankets inside the other tent. “For now.”
“Try never.” His wife scoffs.
My mouth drifts open as I look up at him. “I… errr… how exactly did you two come to be wed?” I ask because they hardly look the picture of a happy couple.
“It’s a long story.” Auren smiles and rolls his shoulders as if the venomous look she’s giving him doesn’t bother him in the least. “She’s still adjusting to marital bliss.”
I snort out a laugh before I can stop myself. “Pardon my expression, but she seems a bit… fiery, that one.”
