Page 44 of The Gargoyle and the Songbird

“Look, I agree this is a bad use of time,” I tell him. “But there’s not much I can do until the town’s weather witch recovers or the snow melts. All the routes in or out are blocked by snow, and the storm keeps picking up unexpectedly so air travel would also be unwise. But rest assured, I am keeping my principal safe and will resolve her security issue as soon as possible.”

Even as I say the words, I’m acutely aware of Ecco’s presence just beyond the door, of an almost magnetic pull drawing me to her side.

Nothing inappropriate has happened between us, but despite that, I know I’m feeling differently than I have in any other assignments.

I’m remarkably attuned to Ecco at all times. Her safety consumes my thoughts.

Her safety and also… other things.

Uncle Alvric’s voice takes on an ominous note, pulling me out of my reflections. “Remember your promise, Graeme. Once this assignment is over, you’re to return immediately to the stronghold and take your rightful place. The future of our clan depends on you.”

“I haven’t forgotten my duty,” I assure him, even as a traitorous part of me already hopes to postpone the inevitable. “When it’s time, I’ll come home.”

“See that you do.” The call ends abruptly.

I lower the phone, closing my eyes. The burden of my destiny has never felt so suffocating. Shaking my head to clear it, I roll my shoulders, trying to ease the tension coiled in my muscles.

I need to focus on the present, on keeping Ecco safe.

With a deep breath, I turn and head back into the town hall.

When I enter the rec hall, my gaze is immediately drawn to Ecco, radiant and in her element as she leads the children’sgroup in a song. Her smile is incandescent, lighting up the room, her body swaying gracefully in time with the children’s singing.

I spot the pink-haired sprite who was so adorably shocked by Ecco’s appearance when we showed up. She’s practically vibrating with excitement, her tiny face split in a wide grin. It’s clear that Ecco’s fans, no matter their age or species, are completely under her spell.

An unfamiliar emotion surges in me while I watch Ecco interact with the children. The way she connects with the kids, her nurturing nature and easy rapport...

The image of Ecco cradling a baby, singing a sweet lullaby, comes to mind unbidden.

My mind conjures images of her with a faceless husband, raising a family, making a life. Irrational jealousy rises within me at the idea of another man claiming Ecco as his own. My protective instincts kick into overdrive as I mentally assess this hypothetical rival, finding him lacking in every way.

No one could keep Ecco safe the way I can. No one is worthy of her love and devotion.

I shake my head, trying to banish the insane thoughts. Ecco is my client, nothing more. I have no claim on her future, no right to feel this possessive.

But as she continues to sing, her eyes occasionally darting up to find mine, I can’t bring myself to stop staring at her.

Eventually, the choir practice comes to an end and parents start arriving to pick up their children.

And I’m jolted out of my reverie by a familiar face.

Shock ripples through me as I spot Caldor, a fellow gargoyle from my clan, making his way into the town hall.

Memories flood back. Caldor, a few years my senior, was someone I looked up to in the Grigori stronghold. He was a skilled warrior, a loyal clansman. We hadn’t been close dueto our age difference, but I admired the no-nonsense way he approached training and protection.

But then, years ago, he left the clan without a word, disappearing into the night like a ghost.

It was a betrayal to all of us. A Grigori’s guiding force is our sacred duty to our clan and to the pass that we protect. Caldor’s name was struck from the stones in town where we record clan records.

No one spoke of him again.

Caldor seems equally surprised to see me, his stone-hewn features etched with unease. He approaches me reluctantly, his wings tucked tight against his back, a clear signal of guilt and nerves. Interesting that his wings are out; even though we’re in a magical town, I’ve continued to keep mine enchanted and hidden while out in public.

Caldor must be at home here.

“Graeme,” Caldor says, his voice strained. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

I nod curtly. “Caldor. It’s been a long time.” I’m not sure how I should feel; relieved that he’s fine? Furious, that he abandoned the clan to follow some selfish desires?

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