She guided him back to the nest and poured him a draught of her healing tonic. It wouldn’t cure him. She doubted he’d ever be completely free of these episodes. But it seemed to calm him and fill in some of the cracks in his crumbling mind.
“I could hurt you,” he said after drinking the medicine. He reached out with a trembling hand to touch the marks he’d left on her neck. “I came so close.”
She swallowed painfully and tried not to wince. “But you didn’t. I’m fine.”
“What if it happens again? What if it’s Loïc next time?”
She pushed the image out of her head. “You wouldn’t hurt him. I know you wouldn’t. I can feel who you are, my love, and in your heart, you’re a protector. That’s what you do. Any child, you’d protect, not just your own.”
He pulled her close, kissed the top of her head. But she could feel through the bond that he didn’t believe her.
Chapter 30
Idabel
The next evening after work at the shop, Ghantal invited her to watch Loïc’s flying lessons. Her aim was transparent: she wanted to know how Brandt was doing. But she didn’t rush the conversation. First, they sat on the platform and watched the fledglings take turns launching into the air, pretending to admire all of them even though they were only interested in one.
When it was Loïc’s turn, he waved at them, and they both waved back. Idabel held her breath as he dove from the platform, beating his wings twice before gliding to the third post.
Ghantal crowed, “He did it! That was excellent form. I think he’s growing into those wide wings of his.”
“They are wide, aren’t they?” Idabel’s maternal pride swelled as she watched him make his way back to the platform, where he landed without any wobbles or falls. A fledgling two or three years younger than Loïc mounted the perch and readied for takeoff, and Loïc ran back to the end of the line.
“How is he?” Ghantal asked abruptly. The older gargoyle’s dignity couldn’t quite hide her desperation.
“I think he’s improving.” It was the truth. There was no need to mention the terrible incident last night. “I’m sure he misses you. You should come for dinner tonight.”
“He banished me completely,” Ghantal said dryly. “I’m not allowed inside the eyrie.”
“He’s had time for his temper to cool.”
Ghantal gave a skeptical laugh. “My son is the most stubborn gargoyle I know. I’ll wait until I’m invited.”
“I’m inviting you! It’s my home now, too,” Idabel protested.
Ghantal patted her shoulder. “I have a few apologies to make before we’re ready for a family feast. The first one is to you.”
Shock rolled over her. She’d always understood why Ghantal acted the way she did. She always did what she thought was best for Brandt and Loïc, and Idabel loved her for it, even if they weren’t close. “For what?! Fallen gods, you’ve been nothing but generous to me. I would never have survived the last six years without you. We haven’t been bosom friends, but you’ve been a great help to me.”
Ghantal sighed. “I hate to say it, but the truth is that I did not think you worthy of my son. I was glad when you wanted to break the mate bond. I should have fought you on it, and for that, I have regrets. I was wrong.”
“No, you weren’t. I’m not worthy of him.” It was simply true. She couldn’t pretend otherwise. “I don’t deserve him. It’s just that he loves me anyway.”
“You fit together. I see it now. I should not have kept you apart, and I’m sorry for it.” Ghantal didn’t say more, and they both watched silently as the next few fledglings took their turns before it was Loïc’s chance again.
He had another successful flight, landing with a whoop. Ghantal and Idabel stood and cheered.
“I really think he’s got it,” Idabel said, feeling slightly envious that even her baby boy could fly when she couldn’t. It must be so exhilarating to be able to defy gravity like that. “We should celebrate. We should have a party!”
“A Fledging.” Hope flared in Ghantal’s eyes. “I wonder if Brandt would let me attend.”
“Of course, he will. I’ll make sure he does.”
But when she broached the subject later that night, Brandt scowled at her. “Absolutely not.”
“She’s his grandmother! Plus, she took him to all his flying lessons and paid for them, too.”
“I paid for them,” he growled. “She used my coin.”
