Page 86 of Hidden By the Gargoyle

He looked back at her, a twinkle in his eye. “I’m delighted to accept your gracious invitation.”

It was Minerva’s turn to give him a skeptical look.

An awkward silence fell, but I was saved from having to address the big gargoyle in the room by the appearance of Garrett Kent, the police chief of Devil Springs, and Daniel Ayers, the mayor.

They burst into the cavern, skidding to a stop when they saw it was only the four of us inside.

“Where’s Sommerton?” Garrett barked.

“Gone,” Minerva answered.

“Who’s that?” Daniel asked, pointing at Talant.

“The blood god,” she answered before anyone else could speak.

My aunt swayed on her feet, her face suddenly paler than usual. Talant reached out and scooped her up in his arms.

She scowled up at him. “I’m fine. You don’t need to carry me.”

“I’m a god, I do what I want,” Talant drawled.

Minerva started to struggle a bit, but even I could see that it was a weak resistance.

Talant looked at me. “It’s time to head home. Your aunt needs rest.”

I nodded and tried to step forward, but Dax’s arm around my waist stopped me. I looked over my shoulder at him, a frown on my face.

“Dax, I need to go home.”

“No,” he growled.

Talant’s expression grew distant and cold. Suddenly, he looked every bit like the god he was as he seemed to grow taller before my very eyes. “Release her, gargoyle.”

Dax shook his head. “No. She comes with me.” When I gaped up at him in astonished anger, he continued. “For now. I will bring her to her home tomorrow.”

Before I could say anything else or refute his words, Minerva sighed, her head drooping to rest on Talant’s shoulder. “It’s fine,” she murmured. “He won’t hurt her.”

Her eyelids were drooping as well.

“He already has hurt her,” Talant growled, ruby fire burning in his eyes.

“Ally,” my aunt said, ignoring him.

I looked from Talant to her.

“Go with him for now,” she said. “Talk it out. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I swallowed and shook my head. “I…can’t.”

My whisper was tortured, and her expression softened. “Trust me, sweet girl.”

Tears threatened to overwhelm me, but Talant distracted me before the first could fall.

He walked closer to us, stopping just in front of me, and glared at Dax with angry eyes. “If she wants to come home tonight, you bring her, stone man. Or I will find you and I will take her wherever she wants to go.”

Dax snarled at him, a wordless sound of anger. “Your magic is useless against me.”

Talant’s mouth curved, but it was sharp, more a baring of teeth than a smile. “Remember, Daxys, gargoyles aren’t immune to all magic. I’ve been around much longer than you and I know exactly how to turn you to dust.”

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