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Dark Haven Library
“Havinggargoyles do the heavy lifting sure does come in handy,” Hiro said. His voice sounded off and had been ever since we’d settled in here for good. I couldn’t blame him; our lives were utter chaos and the isolation sucked.
“It does,” I agreed. Drake had snagged us clothes and a few days’ worth of medicine, but our food ran out yesterday and he was nowhere to be found. Anytime I asked, he was short with me, stating he was keeping us safe. I didn’t miss the hint of ash on his clothes, meaning he was joining every fight he could while telling us to stay safe here.
Monty and Kol were both in and out and very insistent that we don’t step foot outside of the library. But I was quickly growing tired of my own compliance. I didn’t answer to any of them.
“I’m starving,” Layne whined. “Can we have tall, dark, and handsome lead us down to the cafeteria, it’s almost dinner?”
Crew puffed out his chest. “You mean me?” He flexed a few times and Layne let out a laugh.
“I meant our gargoyle bodyguard, but you’re adorable,” she reassured him, patting his cheek like she didn’t emasculate the poor guy. Crew deflated at that and glared at Stravos as he put his arm possessively around her. Layne was glowing now, loving every minute of his jealousy. Most couples, I’d say that was a red flag, but for Layne and Crew it was progress.
“Staff are still cooking?” I questioned. The prospect of a hot meal had my stomach growling angrily.
Every meal so far had been brought in by either Drake or a random gargoyle. I hadn’t left this library or its adjoined bathroom in days.
“Apparently the humans are oblivious. Everything is supposedly running as normal,” the gargoyle answered for us. We all startled at his rumbling voice. Sometimes I forgot Stravos wasn’t stone, he stood and watched over us in silence constantly. This was the first time I’d even heard him since Kol left.
“They do speak,” Layne deadpanned.
“We do,” he confirmed, sounding confused. I didn’t point out that Kol and Stravos both talked when they burst in on Wednesday morning.
“What’s your name?” Crew asked curiously.
“Stravos.” The one-word answer was said with enough pride I had to bite back a laugh.
“Then can you escort us to get food or not?” I asked quickly. “Because I’m not hiding here anymore.”
“Drake hasn’t been back in two days,” Layne agreed. “If he can go, we can.”
“Agreed,” I said in a barely audible voice. Hiro took my hand and gave it a squeeze. We both were confused and worried about Drake’s absence. Then again, I knew he had more at stake in Dark Haven than just us. Not only was his mother here, but he had spent most of his life in these halls. This was more his home than any of ours.
“This way,” he relented when we all filed to the door. He’d observed me fighting with Monty over my orders to stay here and my equally as heated conversations with Kol. I assumed he’d protest further but I wasn’t about to question a good thing.
“Where are you going?” I smacked right into the stone-hard chest the moment I tried to step into the hall. “You were told to stay here.” I rubbed my face as I glared up at the infuriating gargoyle.
Where the fuck had he even come from?
“Fuck off, Kol. I’m not a dog to be ordered around,” I said as I slipped my arm through Hiro’s.
“It’s for your safety. You are important,” he countered. Every time I argued, he seemed confused by it. He’d learn quick enough I wasn’t the submissive type. “Stravos, she’s your charge when I’m not here.”
“My orders come from Hel,” Stravos said with his head bowed in a show of either regret or respect. “If she leaves, I’ll still follow. But our lady wants someone with her at all times when she leaves the room.”
“Well, as lovely as this little lovers’ quarrel is,” Layne says loud enough to cut off our conversation. “I’m starving. So either fuck off or follow because I am getting food that’s not cold and soggy for once this fucking week.” Her voice rose several octaves. We were all on edge. I’d asked for our medication, but Drake had only brought a few days’ supply. We’d all skipped our morning dose, and I was already feeling the effects. Shadows lurked at the edges of my vision and as I grew even more hangry, it was getting worse.
“Fine,” Kol bit out. Stravos took the lead in front of Layne and Crew while Hiro and I were followed by the gargoyle leader. I felt his eyes on me the entire time and it was raising my stress levels even further than before. Even if I found him hot as fuck and intriguing, he was also overbearing, and I knew next to nothing about him.
We barely fit in the elevator, but Stravos and Kol somehow tucked their wings into the small space long enough to reach the basement.
The cafeteria was only half full and the energy level was lower than I’d ever seen it. Gargoyles and demons lurked between the tables. It felt like a tense standoff but for some reason, the gargoyles weren’t fighting the demons. Maybe because the demons weren’t feeding, and were just observing. I had a feeling if there was even an ounce of emotion they’d throw caution to the wind.
“What the fuck is going on?” I demanded, rounding on Kol who smirked down at me like I was an adorable feisty puppy. “Why are your men allowing this?” I gestured at the room.
“Orders.” That was all he gave me, and I let out a growl.
“Not an answer. Tell me, now,” I demanded again, poking him in the chest to punctuate every fucking word.
