Page 26 of The Gargoyle and the Songbird

Powerful. Unattainable. Dangerously hot.

I shove the thoughts down.

Mariah gives me a knowing look as I continue.

“Deandra might make it her mission to seduce you,” I tell him, “so just watch your back. She and I… let’s just say we have very different opinions about what’s right and wrong, especially when it comes to using our siren powers.”

I studiously avoid thinking about the affairs and very public cheating that finally led to the demise of my parents’ marriage for good.

I wrap my arm through Mariah’s, conviction steeling my spine. “Enough about Deandra. Let’s focus on this amazing wedding we have in front of us. Time to go set up the rehearsal dinner!”

But as we walk toward Fusion, the trendy restaurant where Mariah and Thorak are hosting the dinner, I struggle to shake off the sour feelings that my mother’s presence summoned up.

This wedding week just got even more complicated.

The interiorof Fusion is a riot of color and noise as the rehearsal dinner winds down. Abstract art adorns the walls, splashes of bright hues that seem to pulse in time with the lively chatter of the guests. The air is thick with the mouthwateringaromas of exotic spices and sauces, a tantalizing combination of human and monster cuisine, with the menu tonight focusing on classic orcish flavors.

The traditional orc feast has concluded, and now Mariah and Thorak’s guests are mingling and socializing, their laughter and animated conversations blending into a dull roar.

I’d usually be laughing and mingling right alongside them, but after everything that’s happened today, I’m exhausted. Nursing my drink, I know I’m being a downer, but I just can’t seem to shake the mood.

I’ve probably had more to drink than I should, I don’t think that’s helping. But after seeing my mother unexpectedly…

“Ecco!” One of Thorak’s cousins drops into the seat next to me. She was a few years ahead of us in school, and in my tipsiness, I can’t quite remember her name.

“So good to see you!” I say, trying not to let my bad mood show, but my voice sounds false even to myself.

My fingers tighten on my glass of berry wine as I catch a glimpse of Graeme again. He’s been trying to keep out of the way during this event, which I appreciate. But even so, he’s never far. And his constant hovering is suffocating tonight.

I can’t even wallow in my own misery without an audience.

Thorak’s cousin is saying something, but I’m not listening—all I can focus on is a flicker of movement across the room.

My crystal wine glass crashes to the floor, shattering into a thousand pieces.

For a split second, I swear I can see the same distorted figure from before—the stalker that’s been haunting my nightmares. My heart leaps into my throat, my pulse pounding in my ears as I try to focus on the shadowy corner where the apparition appeared.

But as quickly as it materialized, the figure is gone, leaving me questioning my own senses.

Graeme is beside me in an instant, his body tense and coiled for action.

“What is it?” he demands, his eyes scanning the room for any signs of danger. “Did you see something?”

I nod, my breath coming in shallow gasps as I try to calm my racing heart. “I... I thought I saw them. The stalker. But it was so fast, I can’t be sure...”

Graeme’s jaw clenches, his expression grim. “That’s it. We’re leaving, now. It’s not safe for you here.”

The alcohol coursing through my system has made me bold, reckless. I shake my head vehemently, my blue hair whipping around my face.

“No way!” I say. “This is the rehearsal dinner, I’m not going anywhere. I’m having fun!”

The words come out slightly slurred, a dead giveaway that I’m not nearly as carefree as I’m pretending to be.

Graeme knows better. Somehow he can see right through my facade. But I’m too proud, too stubborn to admit it. I cross my arms over my chest, meeting his steely gaze with a defiant one of my own.

“Ecco, this isn’t up for debate,” Graeme growls, his patience clearly wearing thin. “If there’s even a chance that your stalker is here, we need to get you to safety immediately.”

I scowl petulantly, my lower lip jutting out in a pout. “I’m not leaving. And you can’t make me!”

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