Page 34 of Bound By Honey

Freddy sat in the chair, a glass of ruby-red liquid in his hand. “That was close,” he said with a smile before taking a sip.

Sage nodded and sat in the chair opposite him.

"Did he say anything else?" she asked.

"No," Freddy said, shaking his head. "He was in a hurry. I think he was worried about being discovered. He didn't say much. Mostly mumbled nonsense to himself."

Sage nodded, relieved.

"Well," Freddy said, leaning back in his chair beside the fire, "unless you have suddenly developed the ability to see into the future, I'm assuming that's not why you invited me over."

Sage smiled and shook her head.

"No, it's not. I wanted to thank you for everything and ask you a few questions about the gargoyle curse."

"Of course," he said. "You know I'm always here for you, Sage. We're friends, after all. Ask away. What do you want to know?"

Sage took a deep breath.

"Do you know what gargoyles turn into?" That question had been burning in her mind for so long. "I mean, what actual stone do you become when you transition into a gargoyle?"

Freddy shook his head, his expression solemn.

"No," he said slowly. "When a fae transitions into a gargoyle, they look and feel like stone." He paused, rubbing his chin. "There are rumors that this transformation is not only physical but metaphysical as well—the essence of your being becomes intertwined with the stone, and thus it is unique and able to protect you from harm."

Sage stared at him. "That's incredible."

Freddy smirked. "Did you just call me incredible?"

Sage laughed. "It’s not how I meant it but you’re welcome to interpret it that way. I would never accept someone as my friend if they were anything less," she teased.

Freddy chuckled as he took another sip from his glass. They turned toward the fire, their conversation coming to a comfortable pause. The flames crackled and popped, and Sage stared into the embers, feeling the warmth on her face.

"Does it hurt?" Sage asked, her gaze still on the fire.

Freddy shook his head. "No, not at all. It's a peaceful transition, and when it's complete, you feel as if you've just woken from the most restful slumber imaginable. The beginning stages before your first shift are uncomfortable. Your body becomes stiff during the day, and a numbness creeps in."

Sage's thoughts drifted to Prince Finn. Was he having those sorts of issues already?

"Do you think the prince ... ?"

"Yes?" Freddy's voice brought her back to the present.

"Never mind."

"No, he won't be shifting for a few more years yet. He's far too early in the stages. You have plenty of time to devise a way to fix both of us before that happens. I've basically quit using my magic, so it's not getting worse for me."

"You mean other than to help others check out the books in the library?"

"True, other than that."

"Why the 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Dragon' song to check out books? Is it an actual spell?"

Freddy laughed. "Not in the slightest. It started out as a joke, and I decided to keep it. They don't have to say anything to check out a book. Only place their card and book in my stone hands."

"You didn’t! Is that why Prince Finn didn't check out the book?"

"Not even he knows. He just didn’t want to sing the song.”

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