Page 18 of The Gargoyle's Captive

We both jump as Bram climbs in through my window. I have nothing to feel guilty for, but I can’t help scooting away from Ramanu. Those few extra inches between us don’t feel like much with Bram glowering down at us. He’s halfway across the room, but it doesn’t seem to make a difference. I’m notscaredof him, but I’m not a fool; of course I’m wary.

Ramanu, on the other hand, seems unconcerned that Bram is looking at their throat like he wants to rip it out with his teeth. They reach over and twine a lock of my hair around their claws. Bram is so focused on that hand, he doesn’t see them slip the ring into my other. “I came to check in on the well-being of Azazel’s human.”

“She’s nothis.”

I don’t understand Bram. There are times when it feels like I can almost read his thoughts, when I feel a connection deeper than skin and bone, but then he turns around and does something to act against the little box I instinctively put him into. The man glowering at us is not the same man who offered me his throat without reservation. He’s dangerous.

I start to sit up. “Bram—”

“It’s fine.” Ramanu releases me and rises with a fluid grace that sets alarm bells pealing through my head. “Bram may be reckless, but he’s not a fool. To lay a finger on me is to directly challenge Azazel. He can’t afford to do that because he won’t win.”

The comment should fill me with relief, but all I feel is anger at the defeat that flickers over Bram’s expression. I might not know which way is up and which way is down in this current situation, but I know a shit-starter when I see one. Ramanu might technically be here to check on me, but they’re also here to stir the pot. That’s the last thing I need. “I think you should go.”

“Ah, but I haven’t finished telling you everything you need to hear.” They hold up two long crimson fingers tipped with black claws. “One. Bram didn’t want to take the deal, but he had no choice. None of his people will have him. They believe he’s cursed and that anyone who gets close to him will become victim to the curse.” Bram makes a choked noise, but they ignore him. “Two. Azazel understands your motives for being here, but make no mistake—you are expected to hold to your end of the bargain. If you do so for the agreed upon time, he is prepared to tell you everything you want to know about your mother.”

It’s a low blow. Azazel knows exactly how desperately I want that information, so of course he’s willing to hold it over my head to ensure good behavior. Unfortunately for him, I wouldn’t know good behavior if it bit me in the ass.

Considering Ramanu offered to see me to the bargainer territory earlier, it’s easy enough to read between the lines ofthisoffer. If I go with them, there’s a decent chance Azazel will never answer my questions. I grit my teeth. Iwillget answers. I’m so close, it makes me a little sick to my stomach.

Resolve solidifies inside me. I will stay here, and I will find my own way to answers. “I understand.”

Their mouth quirks into a strange little smile. “Aren’t you the entertaining little liar? This is going to be great fun.”

Next to them, Bram is practically vibrating with fury. “Get. Out.”

Far from being intimidated, Ramanu just laughs. “Darling, there’s only one person I take orders from, and it’s not you. It’s cute that you try, though.” They pat Bram on his shoulder and waltz out of the room with a little sway in their hips.

Through it all, they didn’t technically do anything threatening or wrong, but that doesn’t change the fact that I feel threatened. This might’ve been a check-in to ensure I was safe, but it’s blatantly clear that Azazel doesn’t trust me even though he also wants to protect me. Or something. The longer I think about this tangled web of bargains and promises, the less clear it seems. I’m missing something obvious and important.

Maybe he intends to honor the specific words of the bargain, but not the spirit of it. I’m sure there’s some clever loophole I’m not seeing. Something like him telling mewhathappened, but notwhyit happened. Or, gods, what’s to keep him from lying? His word? Don’t make me laugh.

Azazel is playing as many games as Ramanu.

Bram is still glowering at me in a way that makes me fight a shiver. I can’t even pretend it’s fear, when I can still clearly feel the memory of his tongue inside me. That, more than anything, gets my mouth running before I can think better of it. “I’m surprised you didn’t tell them what happened last night. They’re already aware I’m a problem child. Maybe you could’ve switched me out for a more compliant human.” I don’t know why I say it. If I wanted to go back to the bargainer territory, I would have taken Ramanu up on their offer.

He moves to stand between me and the door “You’re right. If they knew you were trying to escape, they would take you from me.”

He’s only echoing my own thoughts. It still feels like a slap in the face. “Yes, I believe that is exactly what I just said,” I snap.

He doesn’t move toward me, but the way he shifts his wings makes the room feel significantly smaller. “We discussed this last night, Grace. This is between you and me. You can try to escape to your heart’s content. I will track you down and bring you back to my bed every single time.” Without another word, he turns and walks out of my room, shutting the door softly behind him.

11

BRAM

I’m not remotely surprised to find Ramanu waiting for me at the bottom of the staircase. They lean against the wall, the very essence of unconcerned. It’s a lie. I can see the threads of gray worry flickering through their energy. I’ve had enough interactions with them over the years to know they can hide their emotions when they feel the need, so they’re intentionally letting me know. One of their parents is a distant cousin of mine, and that should be enough to create a bond between us, but Ramanu is too cunning to trust. They always seem to be playing games at a level beyond anyone else in the room.

It irks me.

“You haven’t told her about what happened to your family.”

Even expecting this conversational turn, I have to fight to keep from snarling. I don’t have a problem with Ramanu normally, but finding them in Grace’s bed has not endeared them to me in the least. “I told her what she needs to know.”

They shake their head slowly. “I argued against this. You’ve got too much baggage when it comes to humans, and while Grace is hardly a normal human, the fact remains that sheisin danger every moment she spends with you. You can read my emotions. I can read yours. Let’s not dance around this. You’re a danger to yourself, Bram, and if you’re careless with yourself, you could hurt Grace.”

They aren’t wrong, but that doesn’t mean I’ll admit as much out loud. “I would never hurt Grace.” I can’t argue that I’m not a danger to myself, because I am. I can’t even pretend I’m not a danger to others, because while I might never intend to hurt those around me, my cowardice ensures I’ll never help them either.

“Maybe. Maybe not.” All the playfulness is gone from their voice, leaving only a hard edge. “Azazel may have agreed to this bargain, but part of that agreement is regular check-ins with me to ensure Grace’s well-being. I don’t know what the fuck happened with the two of you, but if she’s still twisted up the next time I come, I will take serious consideration into removing her from your care. Regardless of whether or not she wants to leave.”

---