Page 44 of Sins of the Stone

He took his walking stick and pushed a flaming log away. It rolled along theground, still alight, and was brought to a stop beside the gallows. A moment later, the flames ate the dry wood of the rickety old structure. Then the man reached forward, muttering something to undo the magic while toying with the chains. Out of the corner of his eye, the ice-blue glow faded away. Once Ramuz felt them loosen, he flexed his arms and snapped them.

“Save her,” Giles pled, stepping out of the pile and grasping at his charred clothing and surely searing flesh. “Please.” Without hesitation, Ramuz nodded and jumped up, taking flight with a grunt and ramming into a post holding the noose up. Despite the pain in his wing, it was no match for saving Ursulette. A cry went through the crowd as dozens of gasps echoed in the air. He paid no attention to them, only having one goal. The top of the structure collapsed as Ursulette tumbled to the ground, her body lifeless.

The gallows were alive and burning with the rage of the blaze as they began to creak. The fiend, Omar, was cursing and attempting to flee, but the fire surrounded him. Ramuz soared through the air and glided under the scaffolding, masking his expression of pain from his injury and scooping Ursulette up just before the rest crumbled.

The fiend cried out, making rage boil in his veins. Ramuz held Ursulette close as he landed on the ground, gently lowering her to the dirt and prying the noose from her neck. Once he knew she was not in immediate danger and Giles was hobbling over, he gave him a nod and shot up again, flying over the flames and grabbingthe wormby his arms, pulling him from the fire. He would not prove himself to be better than him if he did not.

But he was not entirely merciful, and several feet in the air, he dropped him, watching as his leg crunched against the ground. His hands shot to his knee as he cried out more. His fragile bones would not hold up against the height, but Ramuz couldn’t revel in his agony. Despite his wounded wing, he sped back to Ursulette. Giles held her in his arms, but he handed her off to him when he approached.

Rightfully so.

The crowd watched with wide eyes as he brushed her dark hair from her face. She was motionless, but he swore he heard a small groan slip between her plump, beautiful lips.

“Ursulette, please wake up,” he said, his voice cracking. Her were fluttering between her lids, indicating life. That was better than nothing, but not good enough. “Please.” He pressed his rugged lips to her forehead. He raked his claws through her hair, against her scalp, rubbing her face and kissing her in a panic he could not bring himself to express.

A dark bruise was around her neck from where the noose was pressed into her skin, and he brushed his thumb over it, not enjoying the hue one bit. Her skin had changed color again, but not in a way that he enjoyed. His heart felt as if it was being crushed until her eyes slowly opened. She looked more confused than anything, but it made him feel like he could finally breathe.

“W-what happened?” she said, looking up at him. He wanted to smile, but it was masked with concern.

“You almost died.” His voice ached as he said it. That phrase should’ve never come out of his mouth, not directed at his treasure. Her eyes widened as he could see all the memories flooding back, making her tremble in his arms. She reached out and set her hand on him.

“Are you okay?” she asked. His face twisted with shock.

“Why on earth would you ask about me?”

Her brow hardened. “Are you okay?” Her voice was harsher this time. He fought back a smile. Her assertion made him realize that everything would be okay. She was back, and everything would be fine.

“I am now that you are.”

A soft smile crossed her lips as she brought her hand to his rugged face. Then her expression fell.

“Where’s Omar?”

“In pain,” he said. “Suffering.”

“Good.” Her smile ignited his heart, and he returned the gesture. Just then, Giles walked over, peering down at her. She sat up in his arms and looked up at him.

“I’m sorry, Ursulette.” His voice cracked with his words. “This shouldn’t have happened.” He sounded as if he was on the verge of tears. Watching someone you love be inches away from death was an experience Ramuz hoped never to have again.

She set her hand on his shoulder and pulled herself to her feet. Ramuz held her hips as her legs wobbled beneath her, hoping she wouldn’t topple over from the trauma of being a breath away from death. Once she was standing, she spoke.

“It’s not your fault. You did your best.” She gave him a reassuring smile. Giles looked at him with tear-filled eyes. Ramuz couldn’t decide if it hurt or lightened his heart.

“I am sorry, crea—gargoyle—”

“Ramuz,” Ursulette piped up.

“—Ramuz. I am so sorry,” he said. Ramuz brought himself to his feet and peered down at the man.

“You mean a lot to my Ursulette. If I cannot accept her friends, what kind of partner am I?” Suddenly, a torrent of miserable screams pierced the air, making Ursulette glance over at the writhing Omar. His hands were still around his leg, bent at an unnatural angle, and a spray of crimson was spilling onto his clothing from where the bone pierced his skin. Ursulette looked to Ramuz, puzzled.

“You saved him?” she asked.

Ramuz smiled ever so slightly. “Though I would’ve loved nothing more than crushing his bones in my fist, cruelty cannot be met with cruelty,” he said. “Unless you give me permission, my treasure.” She nibbled her lip, hiding her lovely smile.

“No, I’d prefer if you didn’t,” she said, turning to Giles and taking his walking stick. He balanced himself on his one leg, and despite the delicate burns to his lower half, he appeared unfazed. A staunch defender of the people rarely showed weakness.

“I’ll do it,” she said. With that, she spun around with a sly smile and headed over to Omar, who was still squirming on the ground. Giles and Ramuz shared a look but said nothing. Once Ursulette’s shadow clouded his vision, he ceased movements and looked up at her, his eyes wide.

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