It was rash, what I was doing, entirely unlike my normal, methodical approach to things. But it didn’t feel wrong. In fact, I was experiencing the strongest sense of rightness I’d felt in years.
“The crossroads is a place between all places. One could argue it’s a virtually impossible location to find at all. Not to mention, it’s very well guarded,” I explained. “There’s always at least one demon on duty”—I gestured to myself—“often two. There are more within reasonable travel distance. Sometimes there’s a member of the stone kin present as well.”
“Stone kin?” Father asked on a gasp. “I thought that was just a fable, a clever history for some ugly statues.”
“That’s unkind, Father.”
He blanched. “I mean no disrespect. One must admit they aren’t carved to be particularly attractive.”
“You mean gargoyles?” she asked, eyes wide as though she found the notion of an animated statue fascinating. “Like the statues on the roof?”
“The ones that channel water are grotesques, but yes, exactly like that. The ones that live and breathe when not in their statue form are called stone kin. There are some that are just carvings, however. You’ve never met one?” My heart thudded at a rapid pace behind my ribs. Despite the odd circumstances,I was deeply enjoying this conversation if only to see her face transform with wonder.
“No.”
“Perhaps you have and just didn’t realize. They’re not terribly unlike you or me.”
“Wouldn’t it be funny if the ones on the roof woke up at night and we never knew?” she mused, a spark dancing in her eyes.
“Indeed.” I looked forward to the day she either realized or I could tell her that at least one of the carvings here was, in fact, hiding a secret life, one dedicated to her benefit and protection.
“I could swear one of them moves a little day to day.” She ducked her head, clearly embarrassed to have said so out loud.
“I thought demons and stone kin were mortal enemies?” Father Morton interrupted, eyebrows drawn together. “That they were created to keep holy buildings safe from your kind.”
Phin’s face fell. “If that’s true, they would have attacked you, right? If they were alive? To keep you from coming inside?” I didn’t begrudge her the disappointment that crossed her face but craved telling her the truth all the more.
“Perhaps. Though it would seem that many of the old beliefs and hierarchies are changing,” I answered vaguely. “In any case, it would be very difficult for anyone, angels included, to find you at the crossroads.” This, at least, was indisputably true. One would have to stumble upon a portal and have enough knowledge of the doorways to correctly access the right one.
“You’re suggesting I go there with you? To stay?” The little space between her eyes wrinkled in confusion.
My pulse pounded in my ears. Phin saying it out loud made my half-thought out plans real. The ache in my chest intensified, clearly in approval of the idea that I’d have my mate close at all times. It took immense effort to remain calm on the outside, to say the words that were truth but also remained neutral.
“Only if you’d like to, though it does seem a logical option. For your safety.”
“Why? You don’t even know me.” Her mouth curved into a perplexed grin. She was clearly more stunned than amused, but her lightness couldn’t be fully dampened, it seemed.
“My offer is not purely philanthropic.” That was understating things, but still honest. “I need help. I have a library that would benefit greatly from an attendant.”
She blinked three times in rapid succession, her attention thoroughly captured.
“You would just… keep her there?” Father asked, his interest also piqued, though he was disguising it a little better than she under a layer of concern.
“If she wants to come, yes. Though I’m afraid that would leave you without your helper, Father.”
He frowned at me. She looked between us. I could feel both of them genuinely considering the suggestion that had come to me on a whim, and even I was surprised it would suit everyone’s needs so well.
It was impulsive and potentially disastrous, but I was already committed and couldn’t bring myself to regret having made the offer. In fact, the idea of having unlimited time with her was attractive for reasons that had nothing to do with my freshly awakened mate bond.
“There’s no rush to decide,” I said after several long moments of silence, despite the screaming in my head to the contrary. “I can return another time.” My chest ached and burned at the suggestion, but there was no part of this I could hurry along or simply foist upon her. She needed to have a choice, in all things.
Phin shifted. “Father, it was angels here that day? You’re sure?”
He grimaced. “Yes. And they were looking for you, my child.”
Her face transformed, a momentary flinch, one that made my thoughts go blurry around the edges with anger. “Could I leave, if I wanted?” she asked, eyes wide and round. “Come back here? Or go elsewhere? Is there a village nearby? Other people?” The more she spoke, the raspier her voice got.
“Yes. Everything one could need is easily accessible, and you would be able to go where you like, though I cannot guarantee true secrecy or safety anywhere but the crossroads itself. I could draw up a contract if it would make you more comfortable? We could negotiate all the details. List them out plainly before you decide.” A vice tightened around my ribs, but I forced my breath and voice to remain even. “But be assured Armaroswillreturn. He was too interested not to.”
