Though I knewEllery wouldn’t like it, I pointed to the gargoyle tucked into the alcove beside us. “We’ll use that.”
Ellery’s eyes widened. “Use it forwhat?”
“If I climb on its shoulders, I can reach the door.”
“No.”
“It’s the only way I’m going to reach it. I could lift Mouse to open it, but we have no idea what’s on the other side, and I’d prefer not to have the boy vulnerable to whatever lays beyond.”
Some color drained from her face as her gaze darted to Mouse. I could practically see the wheels spinning in her brain.
“Lift me up,” she said.
“You’re not going to be the first one through that door either.”
“I’ll be fine, and I have my lightning to protect me.”
“It’s not going to happen.”
“Ryker—”
“No. We know what we’re facing in here, but not out there. Plus, you’re injured.”
“I’m fine now.” She turned around. “See, my legs are completely healed.”
“Between blood loss and hunger, you’re not as strong as you should be. I’m going first, Ellery.”
When she turned back around, her chin lifted in determination. “We can’t climb on them.”
“They’re just statues, Ellery.”
She looked at the gargoyle I’d indicated using. It was an especially ugly beast with its claws hooked before its face; because it stood on its hind legs, its head nearly touched the ceiling.
It was conveniently carved into a position that gave me more height toward the door. I had no idea where we were or what this place was, but I hoped Tucker would have some answers once we got out of here.
We had to get out first.
“They don’t feel like just statues,” Ellery muttered.
I understood what she meant by that. It had felt like their eyes bore into us every step of the way around this cavern, but that was impossible.
“I know they don’t, but they are. It’s better if I use this one to help us than put you or Mouse in danger.”
“But it’s okay to put yourself in danger?”
“Yes.”
“Ryker—”
“I’ll be fine, but this is the quickest way to get out of here, and that’s what we all want most.”
Mouse nodded enthusiastically.
“You’re so stubborn,” she said.
“And I’ll keep you alive, no matter the cost.”
“That cost isn’t going to be you.”
