“Help!”Ishouted.
Myresponse was met with an eerie silence.Nobodywas visible around me.Thelibrary was tucked in a remote edge of campus.Withthe library closed and no other buildings nearby, it reduced the likelihood thatI’dfind anyone out here.
Asif anyone could help me stand a chance against a flying gargoyle.
Thesound of flapping wings slicing through the air drew clammy fear into my throat.Themonster was chasing me.Iwas next.Thememory of the men shrieking, followed by that horrible thud, jolted a new burst of adrenaline.Isprinted despite the protest of my galloping heart and aching lungs.WhereshouldIrun?Tothe police station?Myapartment?I’dnever make it to either of them in time before those sharp talons pierced me.
“Anya, stop,” a deep baritone voice commanded.
Thecreature knew my name.Thatmomentary recognition worked through my overworked brain, butIwouldn’t dare stop running.Notwith the imminent threat of claws closing in?—
“Don’tbe afraid of me,” it said in a gentler tone.
Ha.LikehellIwouldn’t.I’dbe the next victim to be plucked up in its claws and dropped to my death.
“Pleasestop running.Iwon’t hurt you.I’mhere to protect you.”
Wait.
What?
Mybrain stuttered andIslowed the run of my life to cast a cautious glance behind me.Themassive gargoyle appeared even more impressive out here with its wings spreading wide beneath the moon’s glow.Likeout of a fantasy novel.Itreoriented from a flying position to an upright one and continued to flap its wings as it descended.
Islowed to a stop, leaning forward to take gulping breaths to refill my aching lungs.
Asit landed,Iscanned the familiar being.Itresembled the stone statue that sat near me for all these months, yet appeared more pliant in its movements.Ithad the same hard face, curved horns, and long, swooping tail, but now looked more humanlike with long, dark hair and features.Ithad been shot.I’dseen the beast recoil.Butwhere?Ididn’t see any signs of blood seeping from its charcoal-gray wings or over the rest of its body.
Whilemy heartbeat slowed, my breath continued to come in rough pants.WhenIfinally could use my voice,Isaid, “Heshot you.”
Thegargoyle grimaced. “Yes.”Aftera deep breath, he added, “ButI’mfine.”
“How?”Ibegan to ask before a more pressing question took over. “Areyou here to-to kill me?”
“Killyou?” he repeated in a surprised tone.Hisexpression softened. “No, of course not.”
“Then—then wh-why are you chasing me?”
Thebeast brought his wings closer to his body, as if trying not to look so imposing. “Tomake sure you’re safe.”
Ijerked in surprise.Edgingmy chin higher,Itried to project false confidence to mask my fear. “Ijust watched you kill two men.”
Hiseyes hardened. “Theyweren’t men.”Hesnorted. “Notfully.Andthat might mean they’re not dead.”
Myheart pounded faster.Icrossed my arms across my chest and took a step backward. “Thenwhat the hell are they?”
Hisnostrils flared. “Hybrids,Ibelieve.Ahuman mixed with a lesser demon.”
Myheart galloped into my throat.Iblinked hard and glanced behind me to ensureIwasn’t being chased by any other creatures before turning back to the gargoyle. “Didyou say—”Igulped. “Demon?”
“Yes.”Thegargoyle replied.
Myshoulders hunched as my brain scrambled to make sense of all that had happened. “Youwere a statue—but now…”Itipped my head. “You’realive?”
Henodded slowly as he watched me. “I’vealways been alive.”Hetook a cautious step toward me.Thenhis hard expression softened once more, and his gray lips spread into a half-smile. “Bythe way, my name’sHugo,notPierre.”
CHAPTER4
HUGO
