I feel Baezal smile as his hands skim along my back.
“Not nearly as perfect as you.”
His hands pause, and I feel him swallow against my cheek.His lips caress my temple.
“My love.”
I smile wider into his chest, humming with happiness.Two simple words have changed everything.There is no need to worry about my future.With Baezal’s arms around me, I am safe, cared for, and loved.
For the first time in decades, I don’t worry about locking the door to my room.Baezal will protect me from everything.The only cage I’ll find myself in is the one made of Baezal’s strong arms.
My love’s heart pounds in time with my own.It is the most perfect lullaby that leads me into the waiting darkness.
6
WILLOW
Sunlight streams into my eyes from a few uneven slats in the ceiling.
Golden rays pour over the simple room.The scent of damp has returned.With a yawn, I stretch my arms over my head, already feeling the stiffness of my muscles.The ache makes me think of Baezal.
Rolling over, I find his side of the bed empty.The sheets are still warm, meaning he must’ve recently left them.Hopefully, he journeyed to find us some breakfast.I’m ravenous this morning after all the lovemaking we did last night.The tenderness between my thighs brings a smile to my face.
I’ve never felt more at peace than I do now.Everything feels perfect.
We should set out after we eat today.Leave this abandoned church behind and find somewhere with a real bed.Once we are free of here, we can start our own adventure.There are no more doubts between us.He called me his love.
Baezal is every bit the valiant knight come to rescue me.His armor is merely the scales on his skin.
Our fates have been written and woven together in a tapestry of love.Never again will we suffer under the One True Faith.Baezal has been freed from his stony prison, and I will never see Father Knoll or Sister Grayvle again.
Even as I feel certain of the fact, apprehension begins to trickle into my stomach.Especially as the minutes pass and Baezal still has not returned.Growing restless, I fling back the sheet and stretch out fully.The stone floor is cold against my naked feet.
My stomach growls, and while I’m hungry for food, a more potent hunger for my gargoyle is beginning to over take it.
I catch my appearance in the small mirror atop the vanity.I look like me, but I’ve also changed.There are red bite marks along my throat and shoulders.My lips are swollen.Indentations from his claws decorate my ass, while his lingering seed has dried onto my thighs.
I look as if I’ve been thoroughly ravaged by a beast, and I guess that’s not too far off from the truth.A flush rises to my cheeks.I should bathe, but not yet.Perhaps Baezal and I can?—
A door slams from above me as footsteps creak along the floorboards.My early worry melts away at the return of my love.
“Baezal!”I call, hoping that if he knows I’m awake, he’ll return to me fast.
Indeed, his footsteps seem to pick up the pace as I hear them descend down the stairs.My anticipation grows, feeling as if I haven’t seen him in years rather than just hours.I’d happily forgo breakfast just to have him devour me instead.
“My love, I’ve woken up in desperate need to be taken thoroughly by my gargoyle again.”
Movement in the doorway catches my attention.My grin widens as I turn from the vanity.
“Did you manage to?—”
The question dies on my tongue as I take in the figure looming just outside my room.Ice collects in my veins as bile races up my throat.At first, I’m tempted to believe I’m stuck in a nightmare.One that my love will soon rouse me from with his soft kisses.
However, I know in my heart that this is all too real.Baezal has not returned to me.
Prowling into my room is none other than Father Knoll.
His beady eyes narrow in on me.Thinning, dark hair plasters to his head.The white robes he wears are lightly stained around the edges.His ruddy, pot-marked skin sags with age.Father Knoll’s thin lips pull back in a sneer, baring his yellow teeth at me.
