Page 60 of The Gargoyle and the Songbird

But I can’t deny that I’m also relieved by Natalie’s words. And it may be sappy, but knowing that my fans are still out there, still rooting for me even in the midst of all this chaos—it means a lot.

Natalie leans closer to the camera, her brow creasing with concern. “Has there been any sign of the stalker? Any new sightings or incidents?”

My thoughts drift to that chilling moment at the town hall, when Graeme and I came face-to-face with my tormentor. I had immediately called Natalie afterwards, filling her in on every eerie detail.

But since then? Radio silence. No more glimpses in my periphery, no more ominous feelings of being watched.

It’s been six days of holding my breath, waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Well, holding my breath and… doing other things, too.

I shake my head, holding back a grin at the turn my thoughts have taken. “No, all’s been quiet on that front.” I pause, sobering. “It’s almost… too quiet.”

Natalie nods grimly. “I don’t like that at all. It would be better if they made themselves more apparent, at least that would give us a chance to catch them.” She pauses, a sly smile spreading across her face. “Well, at least I made you hire that bodyguard, huh? Bet you’re happy to have him around now, aren’t you?”

A flush of heat spreads across my cheeks at the mention of Graeme. I’m pretty sure Natalie is just gloating about being right, that she doesn’t know anything more.

Oh, if only Natalie knew justhowhappy I am to have him around.

With the swirling snow keeping us here, together, in Elderberry Falls, something that feels very real has blossomedbetween us. When I’m in Graeme’s arms, the rest of the world just fades away.

But I keep that revelation to myself, an inkling in my gut telling me that Natalie might not approve of our newfound intimacy. She’s always such a consummate professional, and I don’t want to risk her disapproval. Not when I’m already dealing with so much.

As the call ends and I close my laptop, a wistful sigh escapes my lips. I know I should be grateful that my career is thriving, even as I’m trapped in this enchanted town.

But a growing part of me is starting to dread the inevitable moment when the storm clears and I’ll have to leave Elderberry Falls behind, and leave behind this magical, frozen moment that Graeme and I have shared.

Despite the threat of the stalker, despite the uncertainty of when we’ll be able to get back to normal… I’ve never felt more like myself. More at home.

And the thought of giving that up, of going back to my whirlwind life and leaving this magical little haven behind?

It makes my heart ache in a way I never saw coming.

A few hours later,I’m back at the town hall setting up for our next children’s choir practice. The kids start trickling in, their excited chatter filling the air as they take their seats. I can’t help but smile at their enthusiasm, the way they bounce and giggle and tease each other.

A small figure comes bounding up to me, her pink hair bouncing with each step. It’s Karisse, the little sprite who seems to be my most ardent admirer.

Her face is alight with pure hero-worship as she clutches a poster of me to her chest like it’s the most precious thing in the world.

“Miss Ecco, Miss Ecco!” Karisse chirps, her voice high and sweet. “Can you sign this for me? I want to be just like you someday, making music that makes everyone around me happy!”

Her words strike a chord, and my eyes mist over. I take the poster from her, my fingers tracing the glossy image of my own face. In that moment, I’m reminded of the power I wield with my voice.

It’s a heavy responsibility, but also a beautiful gift.

“Of course, sweetie,” I say softly. I scrawl my signature across the poster, adding a little heart and a personalized message: “Never stop singing, little one. Your music is magic.”

Karisse beams up at me as she takes the poster back. She hugs it to her chest, then darts off to join her friends, her wings fluttering with excitement.

As I’m watching her go, I feel a presence at my side. I turn to see Graeme, his expression tense. He’s glancing warily around as if searching for an unseen threat, and my heart sinks.

He leans in close, his voice urgent. “Ecco, I keep getting hints of the stalker’s scent. It’s faint, but it’s there.”

A stab of fear hits me at his words.

“Is it possible it’s just lingering from last week?” I ask hesitantly. “Maybe it’s not a new presence, but a remnant of the last time?”

Graeme closes his eyes in concentration, his nostrils flaring as he uses his enhanced gargoyle senses.

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