Page 24 of The Last Gargoyle's Christmas Wish
Uzoth’s wings unfurled, and he took off into the sky, following Trent from above until Trent reached Ordelia’s door and entered. Then Uzoth circled back towards the bakery. He landed on the roof. Soon after, the bakery door opened. Ordelia, holding Ruthie, came out and headed in the same direction Trent had gone.
Uzoth followed her, and once he’d seen her safely home, he returned. A couple of djinns made their way down the alley. A moment later, Lacy, Cas, and Lachlan exited the bakery. Cas and Lachlan went upstairs.
“I’m going to Orim’s,” Lacy called out to them as she headed off through the snow.
Uzoth followed her to make sure she arrived safely. When he returned, a warm glow remained in the bakery window downstairs as well as in the apartment window.
Had Grady arrived home whilst Uzoth had been away?
If he had arrived whilst Uzoth followed Trent, Ordelia, or Lacy, Grady would be in the apartment right now and Uzoth would not know.
But if he had not arrived home…
Uzoth stared down the alley at the snow that kept coming. What if Grady were out in this? His poor human, so fragile, so frail, so mortal. The idea of harm befalling Grady tore at Uzoth’s guts. His taloned claws scratched at the tiles.
But Grady could also just be inside the apartment, safe and sound. Then he spotted a dark figure moving down the alley.
Immediately, Uzoth took flight. As he grew closer, the outline became clearer through the fat snowflakes. The tension around his bones released.
Grady. It is Grady. He is safe.
Uzoth dived and landed beside him, opening his wing to protect Grady from the snow.
“Thanks.” Grady laughed. He had his arms wrapped around himself. He trembled.
“You’re cold.” Uzoth’s gaze flicked over Grady as alarm flared in his chest.
“I’ll be fine. We’re almost home, and then I’ll get changed.”
They walked silently. They passed the bakery window and spotted Jack inside.
“Oh, good.” Grady’s teeth chattered. “Jack is packing up. Looks like they closed early for the day. No point staying open in this weather.”
They walked up the stairs. The door to the apartment swung open, and they entered.
“Everyone here and safe?” Grady’s eyes darted around.
Lachlan sat on a chair with his familiar, Kit, in his lap. Briar sat beside Wulfric. Archimedes, Briar’s familiar, perched on the back of a chair, preening himself. Cas knelt by the fire.
“The twins are in their room.” Lachlan pointed at the door.
“So that leaves…” Grady frowned.
“I saw Ordelia, Ruthie, and Trent reach Ordelia’s home.” Uzoth tucked his wings behind him. “And Lacy went to Orim’s. I saw her safely enter the apartment building.”
“You saw them?” Grady asked.
Uzoth nodded.
Grady’s shoulders relaxed. “Thank you, Uzoth. Thank you so much.” Grady licked his pink lips. “And Jack is downstairs. So everyone is safe and accounted for.”
Lachlan, who was the only sibling present he’d not officially met, stared at Uzoth.
“I am Uzoth.” He inclined his head in greeting.
“I’m Lachlan.” He waved. “Nice to meet you. And this is Kit.” He patted his sleeping familiar.
Then Uzoth turned to Grady. “You should change. You are too cold.” Uzoth did not like the sight of Grady shivering.
