Chapter 1 #2
I’m almost at the cart when a man moves into my path, blocking my way.
Yellow reptilian eyes meet mine, and I realize he’s a Sskarn—a Lizard Shifter.
“Excuse me.” I start to step around him, only to be stopped as shadowy figures close in behind me.
Four more Sskarns in hooded cloaks, their scaly features mostly hidden, but their intent clear.
Fear prickles my flesh as I step back, only to bump into another one.
“Well now, aren’t you pretty?” He flashes a sinister grin, revealing two rows of sharp fangs.
“Far too lovely to be all by yourssself,” the one beside him hisses.
“I’m not alone.” I lift my chin, feigning bravery to mask my panic. “My friend is here with me.”
“I don’t see any friend,” one of the other Sskarns says darkly. “But if you come with us, I guarantee you’ll have fun.”
“Not a chance,” I state firmly. “I’m not going anywhere with you.”
He reaches a clawed hand out for me but stops as a fierce growl fills the air. The Sskarn’s eyes go wide, the bronze scales on his face paling. “What in the ssseven hells?”
Lightning fast, Thalric slams the Lizard Shifter back against a stone wall with a sickening crunch. His companions watch in horror as my Gargoyle protector wraps his massive hand around the Sskarn’s throat, lifting his feet off the ground as if he weighs nothing. “Do. Not. Touch. Her,” he snarls.
“Pleassse,” the Sskarn somehow manages to hiss, struggling futilely in Thalric’s grasp. “We meant no harm.”
“Releassse our friend and we will go away,” another pleads.
Thalric tosses the Sskarn at his scaly friends, knocking them all back.
He steps forward, wings spread in a powerful display, his fangs bared as he places himself firmly between me and the Lizard Shifters.
“Leave while you can,” he grinds out. “If I find you here again, I guarantee that I will be the last thing your eyes see.”
They jump into action, practically scrambling over each other as they race away from the festival toward the surrounding woods.
My breath escapes in a shaky exhale as Thalric turns to me, his fierce gaze softening instantly with concern. Gently, he grips my shoulders, looking me up and down for any sign of injury. “Are you hurt?”
“I’m fine,” I reply, fingers trembling as they curl into his muscular arms. “Just a bit shook up. That’s all.”
He folds his wings protectively around me, enveloping me in his strength and warmth, chasing away the lingering chill of fear.
“Come,” he murmurs softly into my hair. “We should get you back home before anyone notices we are missing.”
Reluctantly, I nod.
“Glad you got rid of that lot,” a deep voice sounds behind us. “My pack and I have been watching them since they arrived yesterday.”
We turn and find Rhain. His storm gray eyes shine with approval. “Figured they might be trouble,” he adds, running a hand through his short, black hair. “We’ll make sure they don’t come back.”
He’s a Wolf Shifter. His pack patrols the woods and takes it upon themselves to guard Oakvale.
When he glances at me, he arches a brow. “Do your guardians know you’re out this late, Aurora?”
Swallowing hard, I lower my gaze, about to admit that I snuck out, but Thalric thankfully saves me.
“We were just on our way home,” he says.
“Good idea.” Rhain nods. His sharp eyes sweep over the village square and the throng of people. “There’s a lot of outsiders here for the festival. Too many for my liking.” He looks at me again. “Tell Fiora, Lyria, and Maribel I said ‘hi.’”
“I will.” I offer him a friendly smile even as worry fills me. Gods, I hope they don’t find out I snuck out this evening.
Thalric curls his wing protectively around my left shoulder and guides me away from the crowd. When we pass by one of the stalls, he buys me a caramel apple. “Here.” His eyes sparkle with warmth. “You can eat this on our way back.”
I give him a beaming smile. He’s always so thoughtful. “Do you want to try it?” I hold it out to him. “They’re really good.”
His lips twist in a faint scowl. “You know Gargoyles dislike sweets.”
“How about just a taste?” I coax softly.
He eyes the apple suspiciously before taking a reluctant bite. “Gods above, Auri,” he groans, expression souring. “I swear you’re trying to kill me.”
I burst into laughter at his dramatic reaction, and a hint of a smile curves his mouth.
“Aurora! Thalric!” Our playful moment shatters as a stern, booming voice echoes through the crowd. “What in the seven hells do you think you’re doing?”
Dread twists in my stomach as we turn toward the sound and find Eldrin, Thalric’s imposing father, standing like a dark sentinel, his ember eyes blazing.
Beside him is Fiora, the strictest of my three Fae guardians, her expression furious.
Thalric stiffens, his wings instinctively flaring as if trying to shield me from their anger.
“It was my fault,” he says at the same time I blurt out, “It’s not Thalric’s fault.”
“It doesn’t matter,” Fiora snaps, her red, dragonfly-like wings buzzing agitatedly behind her. “You know better than to be out this late.”
“You’re both in trouble,” Eldrin grinds out.
I glance at Thalric and mouth, “I’m sorry.”
He gives me a look that says he doesn’t blame me. Then again, he never does. He’s far too good a person; I hate that I’ve gotten him into trouble yet again. And now, because of my reckless decision, we’ll both face the consequences.