Page 60 of Cherished By the Gargoyle
Across from me, Ryllen rests quietly, his chest rising and falling evenly, his torso wrapped with bandages.
His injuries were far worse than mine, and I insisted he be treated first.
The healer’s voice is soft but firm as she finishes applying a salve to Ryllen’s chest. “Rest for a few hours, both of you. Your wounds need time to close completely.”
She rises gracefully, leaving us alone as the heavy oak door closes with a quiet click. Silence stretches between us, broken only by the faint murmur of raised voices from the adjacent room. I recognize the king’s voice—Aurora’s father—harsh with worry and frustration.
“How did Malvara’s magic breach our wards?” he demands. “I want answers, and I want them now!”
“We’re looking into it, Your Majesty,” Fiora’s calm, steady tone responds soothingly. “For now, we’ve ordered torches to be lit throughout the castle and along the walls. The shadow creatures recoil from the light.”
My jaw tightens, claws curling into my palm. I should have known. I should have protected Aurora better. I should have never left her side, not even for a heartbeat. Guilt wraps tightly around my chest like a crushing weight. If something had happened to her, it would’ve been my fault.
Ryllen shifts slightly, drawing my gaze. I study him through half-lidded eyes, replaying the image of him standing bravely between Aurora and those monstrous shadows, his magic blazing fiercely.
He’d been willing to throw himself between her and death—a woman he barely knew. Respect stirs in my chest, tangled with the bitter taste of jealousy and something quieter, harder to name. For the first time, I see more than a rival prince. I see a man driven by the same fierce devotion that beats within me.
“You fought well,” I tell him.
“So did you.” Ryllen turns his head toward me. “If you hadn’t come along when you did, I’m not sure what would have happened.”
“If not for you, she would have been hurt,” I admit, guilt twisting deep within. “You protected her before I could get there. You were willing to give your life.”
“Despite the rumors, my people aren’t all just charm and good wit.” He grins, and I recognize a teasing glint in his eyes. “We do know a bit about fighting.”
My lips twitch. “So it seems.”
“So that’s it?” Ryllen smirks. “Is that a Gargoyle’s idea of a compliment?”
“Yes.” I decide to joke with him in return. “Don’t expect me to repeat it.”
He chuckles under his breath, and for the first time since the battle, the air doesn’t feel quite so heavy.
“So does this mean you approve of me?” Ryllen’s expression turns serious. “Because Lorys told me he thought you might have your doubts.”
It’s true, but not for the reasons he believes. “Gargoyles are protective of those under their care. It’s in our nature. I only want what is best for her.”
“I do as well,” he replies. Lifting his gaze to the ceiling, he sighs heavily. “I’ve known my whole life I was supposed to save her, to be her mate. But I wondered what it would feel like, meeting this woman I’d only known as an idea… a name. And when I saw her—” He pauses, a gentle smile tugging at his lips. “I knew without a doubt I would do anything to keep her safe. She is intelligent, kind, fierce, and honest. All the qualities that will make an excellent ruler.” He clenches his jaw. “But there’s a problem: her heart belongs to someone else.”
I still, unsure why he is telling me this. Either he knows it is me or he is fishing for answers, hoping I’ll provide them. Instead, I remain silent.
“I’ve heard stories of your kind,” he adds. “Of gargoyles’ unmatched strength, bravery, and above all, loyalty. Aurora called out for you during the attack. That told me all I needed to know. She trusts you completely. There was no doubt in her mind that you would protect her.”
His gaze meets mine. “I envy that. You’ve forged a bond with her, a lifetime of memories and trust. I want to win her heart, not because she’s supposed to be mine, but because I genuinely care for her. If I fail, she might suffer for it, and it would be my fault.”
Guilt twists deep within. I was wrong to dislike him. Ryllen truly is a good man, deserving of Aurora’s love. He would be an honorable mate, someone who would put her safety andhappiness above his own. The realization burns, bitter but undeniable.
“I haven’t known her long enough to love her yet.” He looks down at his hands. “But I’ve known her long enough to care deeply, enough to know I’ll do whatever it takes to protect her. To make sure she survives.”
Sadness stabs through me like a blade. My duty is clear. Ryllen is willing to sacrifice everything for Aurora… just as I am.
“You are a good man, Ryllen,” I finally manage. “I saw how you defended her today. You put her safety above your own.”
“Thank you, Thalric. Coming from you, that means a lot.” A hint of a smile crests his lips. “Perhaps we’re not so different, you and I.”
I dip my chin in a subtle nod. “Perhaps not.”
Silence settles between us as we lie quietly, two warriors bound by loyalty, duty, and love for the same woman. And in this moment, I can already imagine the years laid out ahead of us.
