Page 51 of Hated By the Gargoyle

I tried to rationalize why they did what they’d done. They probably thought they were protecting me from him. They thought they were doing me a favor, but now all I had was this worry about where he was and what they were doing to him, if he had finally succumbed to the darkness.

“So we know that this all might be a little crazy, that’s why Nazzar and Xavir sent us here to help you. They thought you might be more comfortable with us.”

I wasn’t sure that was true.

I’d actually never had friends before. I hardly knew how to talk to people. The gargoyles I could understand, because everything about them was as new to me as I was to them and communication was a learning curve for us all. Speaking to humans? It was a struggle. I always felt like I did and said things I shouldn’t have and always ended up making a fool of myself.

I scratched at my arm and seemed to curl into myself.

“Well, um, you can come in? I guess. But I’m fine.”

Dolores made a sound in her throat and waltzed in. “You aren’t fine. But that’s okay. We’re here now and you can trust us.” She sat on the bed next to me and immediately reached for my hand, setting it in her lap.

Her touch was… comforting.

“Now, tell us all about it.”

“But only if you’re comfortable.” Mia took the seat on my opposite side. “You don’t have to disclose anything, but sometimes talking to someone who knows these gargoyles, these brothers, well, it can be helpful.”

I looked from both of their faces. I couldn’t quite place it, but their auras were far different from Carlota’s. They were gentle, kind, and their presence alone made me feel… welcome.

I broke down then, unable to hold back my emotions any longer. The tears poured out and they wouldn’t stop.

“Aw, honey, it’s okay.” Dolores wrapped an arm around me and pulled me into her generous bosom where I sobbed harder. “We’re here for you.”

Mia’s hand went to my back and rubbed a comforting path along my spine. “I’m so sorry he hurt you,” she whispered.

I jerked away from Dolores and wiped my tears, trying to pull myself together. “No, you don’t understand. He didn’t hurt me. He… He… he…” I sniffled, unsure what to say. “He didn’t mean it.”

I could feel their pitying gazes. I’d expected them. I’d known they wouldn’t believe me when I said those words.

“I know how that sounds. I know how it looks, but… he’s my husband and…”

“You don’t have to be his wife,” Dolores interjected. “Just because he says you are or if he coerced you…”

I shook my head. “I’m not… I’m not explaining myself correctly. You don’t understand.”

“Then help us understand,” another voice said out of nowhere.

I jerked up, my attention snagging on a new woman who had appeared in the doorway.

She was thick, with brown skin, well-defined curls, and a severe expression. She wore a long black dress and a tiara adorned her head, glittering amidst her curls.

“And who are you?” I demanded, feeling my hackles rising through my fear.

“Oh, sorry.” She fluffed her hair and smoothed her palms down her dress. “I’m Lourdes Rivera. I’m–”

“The Queen of the Underworld!” Dolores called out, surprised.

Lourdes waved the words away. “It’s a weird title and I’m not used to it yet. I came because Ramiel, Lorenzo, and Kane asked me to check on you. They’re the Kings of the Underworld, and they want to know what happened with Qanek. Can you tell me?”

She stared at me seriously, and for a second, her eyes flickered so only the whites were visible. After a few moments, that look was gone, and she was taking a seat on the bed near me and reaching for the hand Dolores wasn’t holding.

I basked in her warmth. She was equally soft, and there was something as reassuring about her as there was about Dolores and Mia. They inspired trust, something I scarcely felt with other people.

So I told them.

I told them everything.