Page 13 of The Last Gargoyle's Christmas Wish
Grady let out a laugh, shaking his head. “I don’t need looking after.”
The gargoyle’s eyes bore into him. The fire crackled, filling the silence. “Witch Grady, I hope it eases some of your worries to know I will watch over you and your kin from above.”
Grady sucked in a breath. “It does.” Grady’s fingers on the teacup tightened at Uzoth’s words. “Thank you.” But the words felt inadequate on his lips.
CHAPTER 8
The next day, Uzoth remained on the rooftop above the bakery. He watched the siblings come and go. He watched Grady. Each time Grady passed, the witch smiled and waved up at him. Uzoth waved back.
And of course, each time Grady left the bakery or apartment, he charged the protection spell on the door. The heat of the apartment had left Uzoth shortly after he’d left the apartment the night before. At first, he’d found the cold less bearable than it usually was.
The previous night, they’d spoken until Grady could barely keep his eyes open. Uzoth had risen. “You must sleep,” he had said, though he felt reluctant to leave Grady’s company.
But before Uzoth had left, Grady asked, “Will you come down again tomorrow night?”
And that invitation kept the warmth steady in Uzoth’s chest despite the cold of the air and the snow resting on his skin.
His talons pressed into ceramic tiles as he squatted on the roof. Time moved slower than usual. But eventually, night descended. And finally, hours later, Grady made his way home with several of his siblings from the Christmas markets.
Grady didn’t look up as he walked down the alley. For a few long terrible seconds, Uzoth thought Grady would not look up at all. Perhaps he did not remember the invitation he’d extended to Uzoth. Maybe he no longer wished to spend time with a monstrous gargoyle.
But then Grady stopped walking. The siblings walked on ahead, as if not realising Grady had stopped. But then Jack, Grady’s brother, called back, “You coming, Grady?”
“In a moment,” Grady said.
Jack entered the apartment and closed the door.
Then Grady looked up. He smiled. Relief unfurled inside Uzoth, and he flew down.
“Ready to come in?” Grady asked.
“Will I disturb your siblings?” Uzoth glanced towards the apartment door.
Grady laughed. “Not at all.” He walked up the stairs.
Uzoth followed. “My appearance may frighten them.”
Grady glanced back. “They’ll be fine,” he said, smiling softly.
When they entered, Grady’s sister Lacy rose from the cauldron over the fire. “There is some peppermint tea left over if—” She turned towards them and broke off. Her eyes widened and her mouth dropped open as she stared at Uzoth. “Oh!”
Uzoth tensed, ready to leave. He would not cause her to be afraid.
But then Lacy broke into a smile. “You’re the gargoyle I see around so often. I’m Lacy.” She wrapped her hands around the steaming cup of tea.
“My name is Uzoth.” He inclined his head.
“It’s wonderful to finally meet you. Welcome to our home!” She glanced between him and Grady. “Well, I was just saying there is peppermint tea if you want.” She held up her cup. “I’ll take this to bed and leave you two alone. Have a good night.”Her gaze lingered on Grady. Then she turned and left. But before entering her room, she glanced back at them and smiled.
Grady shook his head. “Good night, Lace.” Grady gestured to the chair. “Sit.”
Uzoth lowered himself onto the seat as Grady grabbed a plate of food and poured them some tea. Uzoth admired the Christmas tree in the corner, decorated with shiny ornaments and tinsel. Several wooden figures decorated the mantel over the fireplace. He’d never been in a home with Christmas decorations before. Actually, it had been a long time since he’d been in anyone’s home.
Grady smiled and sat on the chair beside him, closer than the previous day. Grady leaned back in the chair, hands holding the mug. He took a sip and let out a sigh. Uzoth picked up his cup and inhaled the refreshing steam.
Grady grabbed a roll and took a bite. Uzoth took a sip of his tea, enjoying the way the warmth slid down his throat into his belly. Meanwhile, the heat of the fire soaked into his skin. For several moments, neither spoke as they both drank tea and Grady ate.
There was no awkwardness. Or at least, he felt none. In fact, Uzoth could not remember the last time he’d felt so content.
