Page 17 of The Gargoyle's Captive

Even if they didn’t inhibit him from finding me in seconds after I got snared by that web.

“No. Damn it,no. I can do this.”

I’m still examining the problem from various angles when sleep sneaks in and takes me.

I awake some time later to the sound of movement in my room. I don’t open my eyes, change my breathing, or otherwise stir, but a second later a vaguely familiar voice filled with amusement says, “I know you’re awake. You’re practically seething with anger that I’m in your space. It’s rather delicious.”

I open my eyes and sit up. I expected a gargoyle, but this person isn’t one. They’re a bargainer demon, though they’re nowhere near the size of Azazel. They’re also missing their eyes, a second set of dark horns sprouting from their eye sockets. The same demon who gave me the translation tattoo. It takes a second to place their name: Ramanu. “I thought you weren’t supposed to check in for days yet.”

“Mmm, that’s true enough.” They lift a candle from the dresser, appear to examine it, and set it down with a careless grace. They’re wearing a black garment that might be a jumper or a dress, but I can’t quite make heads or tails of it. “At least for the others. But you’re special, aren’t you, Grace?”

I narrow my eyes, searching their aura for some indication of what they’re up to. There’s nothing but a deep-yellow amusement and a hint of light-green curiosity. “Special is one way of putting it.”

“You make it sound like I’m insulting you.” They clutch their chest, though their amusement never falters. “But we both know you’re not insulted. You’re curious.” They move closer, though they stay well out of striking range. “Just like you know I’m amused right now. A deep yellow in my energy, yes?”

I flinch. Of all the things I expected them to say, that didn’t number among the options. “What are you talking about?”

“No point in lying. Again, something you should know just by looking at me.I’mnot lying.” They grin, flashing teeth in a way that feels both threatening and like they’re laughing at me. Their words seem to suggest they know about my ability, but that’s impossible. As if sensing my disbelief, they chuckle. “Come now, little hunter. I know what your family is. Surely they’re more aware than most of the histories. One of my parents is a gargoyle, which is what gave me my good looks.” They motion at their face. “And my ability to read emotions and magic. Just like one ofyourancestors indulged with a gargoyle, and that ability has likely been skipping down your family line ever since.”

There’s no lie in their aura. They genuinely believe what they’re saying. I shake my head, my mind reeling. “That’s impossible.” Oh, not that one of my ancestors strayed to a paranormal partner and had a child—that’s the only way humans can get any magic of their own. But a gargoyle? That means... I freeze. “All gargoyles have this ability?”

“Mm-hmm.” Their grin goes a little mean. “You look well sated, so whatever you’ve done to piss Bram off isn’t unforgivable. However, it would be wise to remember that he can read you exactly as thoroughly as you can read him.”

I press my hand to my mouth. If that’s true... No wonder he didn’t believe me. He could read the lies right in my aura. “Damn.” That complicates things. In all my travels and years monster hunting, I’ve never met another being outside my family who could do what I do. Until now.

Because they’ve all been in the demon realm.

“Now that we’ve established I can call you on your bullshit, let’s talk.” They drop onto my bed in a motion that’s nearly a flounce. “Azazel is concerned you’re going to go on a murderous rampage and endanger all the plans he’s spent so long curating. I also happen to have a vested interest in the peace he’s seeking, which means I am equally concerned. I know he gave you a chance to back out of this particular part of the contract. I’m extending that offer a second time.”

I stare. “Somehow, I don’t think Azazel would appreciate you speaking so frankly.”

“Probably not.” They wave that away breezily. “But he’s not here. It’s just us.” They roll onto their side, facing me, and prop their head up in one hand. The second set of horns really is a bit disconcerting, mostly because I feel like they’re studying me. Probably because they are. I don’t need my eyes open to read auras if I concentrate. Ramanu doesn’t need eyes at all to do the same.

I don’t move away though they’re entirely too close for comfort. “I have no intention of murdering anyone.” At least not until I find out what happened to my mother, and only then if there’s someone specifically responsible for her death.

“That’s a rather large caveat you’re not saying.” They snort. “Listen, I like you, so—”

“You don’t even know me. We’ve been talking for less than five minutes.”

They ignore my interruption. “I notice you’re not jumping at the chance to return to bargainer demon territory. I wonder why that is.”

They’re right. I should have agreed the second they offered, just like I should have taken Azazel up onhisoffer. “If I come back, is anyone going to tell me the truth about what happened?”

“Unlikely. Everyone has secrets, and I expect Azazel has a particular reason for keeping this one close to his chest.”

That’s what I thought. Still, my whole goal was to go back and find answers. I don’t know why I’m hesitating. “Am I going to be locked up for the next seven years?”

Ramanu shrugs. “Who can say? That castle is so wily. It has a mind of its own.”

I couldn’t pick the lock in the three days I was there before the auction. That doesn’t bode well for me being able to do it in the future. If I accept Ramanu’s offer, then I’ll be stepping into an even more complicated cell. At least here, I have free range and a chance to escape.

The logic feels flimsy at best, but I ignore it.

“No, thanks.”

“Thought you might say that.” Their grin is a little mean. They flick their fingers and a ring appears between their claws. “Take this. If you change your mind, hold it and say my name and I’ll come.”

“Ramanu.”

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