Page 68 of Cherished By the Gargoyle
Malvara turns toward him, a wicked smirk on her lips. “You truly believe you can save her, Gargoyle?” Her gaze flicks dismissively to Ryllen. “Ah, the promised prince. And you, Maribel—you thought your little alterations could undo my curse?”
Maribel straightens, refusing to back down. “I am certain.”
“No, you’re not.” Malvara’s smile fades, replaced by cold, deadly seriousness. “My magic has always been stronger than yours. I can see the fear in your eyes. You’re not sure your spell can counter mine.”
She looks at all three Fae sisters. “This is your last chance. Give me the girl, or my curse will take her from you. She will prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel, and despite your pathetic attempts at protection—”her gaze narrows at Maribel“—she will die.”
With a fierce roar, Thalric’s father lunges toward Malvara, but she flicks her wrist dismissively, throwing Eldrin violently against the wall.
Fiora, Lyria, Maribel, and Ryllen all unleash their magic simultaneously, a storm of power crashing toward her.
Malvara snarls, green smoke swirling around her as she struggles to deflect their combined magic. “The Princess’s life is mine, and I will have her,” her voice echoes cruelly before she vanishes into thin air.
My entire body trembles uncontrollably as my heart hammers against my ribs.
Malvara’s words replay in my mind. The knowledge that my fate could be death instead of an enchanted sleep shakes me to my very core.
Ryllen turns toward me, his eyes filled with quiet concern as he pulls me into his arms.
My gaze flickers toward Thalric. For a heartbeat, our eyes lock, his expression raw and filled with anguished longing. But I tear my gaze away, my throat burning with unshed tears.
I want so much to go to him… to have him wrap me up in his arms. Despite everything, my traitorous heart aches desperately for his comfort.
Drawing in a deep breath, I try to calm my rapidly beating heart. Sending a silent prayer to the gods, I ask for courage and wisdom. No matter what happens, I refuse to give up.
My life and my future belong to me; not Malvara. And I’m determined to find a way to break her terrible curse.
CHAPTER 45
THALRIC
The air still hums with Malvara’s foul magic. It clings to the stones, making my wings twitch restlessly, my claws aching for something to tear.
Every instinct in me roars the same command:Protect her.
Aurora stands a few paces away, her skin pale beneath the golden light of the sconces, eyes wide with lingering fear.
I long to pull her into the shelter of my wings, to block out the world and every threat it holds. To breathe in her scent until the trembling inside me stops. But I can’t.
She’s not my mate. She is not mine to hold anymore.
Her eyes flick toward me, and for a heartbeat our gazes lock.
My chest tightens as she looks away, and I know it’s my fault.
I drew this line between us. I told her I could not comfort her like before, that I must keep my distance. I said the words and watched them break her. And now, when she needs me most, I am the one who cannot move.
The queen’s voice shatters the stillness. “How could you?” she demands, turning on her husband. “How could you keep this from me? Fromus? You’ve cost us our daughter all these years!”
“You were dying,” the king replies, his voice thick with emotion. “I would have done anything to save you. I never imagined what it would truly cost us. Please, forgive me.”
The queen presses a trembling hand to her mouth, tears glistening in her eyes.
Aurora steps forward and takes her father’s hand. “I know what it is,” she whispers, “to love someone so much you would do anything… sacrifice anything to save them.”
My heart clenches as her gaze flicks to me. Because I know exactly what she means. And I know she’s not only talking about her father.
That single look is enough to break me all over again. My tail lashes behind me, my talons scraping the floor. If I could rip my heart out and offer it to her, it would hurt less than this.
