Page 4 of The Gargoyle and the Songbird

There’s a horrifying being in my apartment. And it’s coming straight for me.

2

ECCO

Afew hours later, I’m curled up on my couch, nervously fiddling with the tassels on a throw pillow as a police officer jots notes in a small black notebook.

Natalie hovers nearby in silk pajamas so fancy they probably cost more than my couch, her makeup slightly smudged and her hair sticking up at strange angles. She’s typically unflappable, poised at all times, and her minor state of mess shows how quickly she came when I called.

The officer, a middle-aged human man with a receding hairline and slight paunch, looks up at me with tired skepticism.

“And you’re sure this… person… just vanished? Into thin air?” It’s clear from his tone that he doesn’t believe a word of this.

“Yes, I’m telling you,” I insist, my voice trembling. “One second they were there, right by my bed, and the next they were just gone. Like they melted into the shadows.”

I feel cold at the memory. I’ve never seen anything like it, not even back in the magical realms.

The officer heaves a sigh and snaps his notebook shut.

“Look, Miss Waverly, I understand you’re shaken up, but without any physical evidence, there’s not much we can do. Ifthis… intruder shows up again, give us a call. In the meantime, consider upgrading your security system.”

Tears prickle at my eyes, and I blink them back, refusing to cry in front of this dismissive jerk. Of course he’s not taking me seriously; the human police have no idea how to handle supernatural threats, and he doesn’t seem like the type to admit his own ignorance.

And then there’s also the chance that he’s just being prejudiced. That he doesn’t really care about what happens to me because he knows I’m magical.

Thankfully, before I can say anything I’ll regret, Natalie steps forward, arms crossed.

“I assure you, officer, we’ll be taking every precaution to ensure Ms. Waverly’s safety. Thank you for your time,” she finishes coolly.

The officer nods, clearly eager to be done with this bizarre late-night call, and hands me a card before showing himself out.

As soon as the door clicks shut, Natalie turns to me, her sharp edges softening.

“Honey, I’m so sorry this happened. It must have been terrifying. I’m here now, and I’ll stay as long as you want me to.” She sits beside me and pulls me into a hug. Natalie’s a human, too, but at least she takes this seriously.

I melt into her familiar warmth, letting out a shaky breath.

Suddenly, I feel very small and vulnerable, a far cry from the confident pop star I’m supposed to be. I glance towards my bedroom, half expecting to see that chilling figure materialize from the shadows again. My heart pounds at the thought.

What do they want from me? And how am I supposed to protect myself when the human authorities are so woefully unprepared?

I nestle closer to Natalie, trying to anchor myself in her steady presence as my mind spins.

Natalie gives me a final squeeze before pushing to her feet, a take-charge look in her eye that I know all too well.

“Right, you’re definitely not staying here alone tonight,” she says. “I’ll crash in your guest room.”

I open my mouth to protest, and Natalie cuts me off with a stern look. “Ecco, this is non-negotiable. You shouldn’t be alone right now.”

Her no-nonsense tone leaves no room for argument, and my shoulders slump. It’s a familiar dance between us—my stubborn independence clashing with her fierce protectiveness.

Suddenly, her cautious approach seems a lot less crazy.

“And in the morning,” Natalie continues, “we’re going to have a serious discussion about your security situation. I know you don’t think you need a security detail, but you need to trust me to do my job here, Ecco. You need protection, especially with your rising profile.”

I feel a flicker of annoyance, remembering our previous conversations on this topic. I’ve always insisted that I’m not famous enough to warrant a bodyguard, that it would be a waste of money and an unnecessary intrusion on my privacy.

But as I meet Natalie’s unwavering gaze, I know she won’t be backing down this time.

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