Page 5 of Cherished By the Gargoyle
Without another word, his massive wings beat once, twice, and then we rise into the night sky, the air brisk and biting against my skin. Below us, the village shrinks, golden lights shimmering in the velvet darkness.
We land heavily on the stone ledge outside our cavernous home, carved deep into the cliff wall, at the edge of town.
From here, I can see the roof of Aurora’s cottage in the distance, including the back garden and the tree I often sit in when I stand guard outside her window.
A waterfall cascades from the top of the mountain, near the entrance to our family cave. It feeds the winding river that skirts Auri’s home before continuing through the village.
Mist from the roaring falls spreads through the air like fog. Inside, the fire crackles low on the hearth in the corner of the main living area, casting dancing shadows along the jagged stone walls. Various gems embedded in the rock wash the chamber in faint jeweled colors.
Father’s footsteps echo loudly as he moves deeper into our dwelling. His silence is deafening, oppressive. I brace myself for the inevitable reprimand, ready to face his judgment.
“You know better than this, Thalric.” His voice is heavy with disappointment, which is far worse than anger. “You just turned twenty-three a few weeks ago. You’re finally of age where you can begin your training at the capital as one of the royal guards. And yet, your actions tonight make me question if you are truly ready for such a position.”
My jaw tightens, shame twisting in my gut. Because I do know better. I always have. It has been my ambition since childhood to become a member of the royal guard, like my parents and grandfather before me.
But even more than this, it’s my dream to take Auri as my mate. And because I feel this way, it’s hard to deny Aurora anything, especially things that make her happy.
“Are you truly so naïve as to believe the festival is safe?” He looms closer, the shadows sharpening his harsh features. “You endangered her tonight. You snuck out with her, even knowing it was wrong.”
His wings snap tight behind him. “There were strangers there. Slavers and thieves could have been walking among the crowd. Aurora is human, Thalric. Her kind have no natural defenses. They have pitiful blunt claws and flat teeth instead of fangs. She could have been hurt or taken by any number of unsavory characters.”
His words strike deep, the truth of them undeniable. My wings twitch with restless guilt, and I lower my gaze, accepting the weight of his rebuke.
“You’re right, and I’m sorry,” I rasp, my throat tight. “I will not allow it to happen again.”
He studies me carefully before he sighs, the disappointment in his expression softening a bit. “I’m not angry, my son. But Iamworried. I know she talked you into going.”
I start to deny it, but he holds up his hand, silencing me. “It’s been this way since you were fledglings. She has a knack for finding trouble, and you always follow her straight into it.”
He gives me a pointed look. “And I know she’s your friend, but you cannot allow your feelings to cloud your judgment. If you truly care about her, youmustkeep her safe, Thalric.”
“I would give my life to protect her.” Raw emotion stabs at my chest. “She is mysavryl.”
The sacred term of endearment leaves my mouth before I even register I’ve spoken it aloud, and I realize my mistake immediately as my father’s jaw goes slack.
“Thalric.” His tone is cautious and controlled. “Do you truly have such…feelingsfor her?”
My wings tighten instinctively, a defensive reaction I cannot hide. I could deny it. Lie. But the hesitation betrays me, laying bare my truth before his watchful gaze.
“This cannot be.” He exhales slowly, running a hand roughly through his dark hair. “She is human, Thalric.”
“What does that matter?” The defiance in my voice surprises even me.
“Gargoyles and humans do not mate,” he replies firmly.
“But there are several mixed couples in the village,” I point out. “Why not us?”
“This is different.” His tone leaves no room for argument. “She is not meant for you.”
The words pierce like talons, burrowing deep into my chest. “I don’t understand. You encourage me to protect her. Yet, now you say she cannot be my mate. Why?”
“I seek to spare you pain, my son. She is human, Thalric,” Father says, quieter now, sorrow edging his voice. “And you are stone-born. You must trust me. It cannot be.”
“He’s right,” my mother’s voice drifts toward me as she walks into the room. “Humans are too fragile compared to our kind.” She rests a hand on my shoulder, her silver eyes studying me intently. “There are many Gargoyles in the king’s royal guard. Perhaps you may find a mate there when you go for your training. After all, it’s how I met your father.”
I’ve heard this story many times. My parents trained together before they became a mated pair. Shortly after my birth, they decided to leave the bustling city for a quiet life here in Oakvale.
“Trust us, my son,” she adds softly. “We only want what is best for you.”
