Chapter 11

ANA

Ana awoke with a gasp, her body jolting upright like a puppet on a snapped string. Tears streamed down her face, blurring the familiar olive-tone claws, no longer alabaster.

The frantic drumbeat of her heart reverberated in her ears. The sweat-soaked bed sheets testified to the terrifying dream, its images and emotions clinging like cobwebs. Each shuddering breath fought its suffocating grip.

Trembling, she fled the tangled sheets, legs wobbling. Drawn to the cool night air, she stumbled to the window. The moonlit landscape failed to soothe her turmoil.

Was it real? The question echoed in her brain, a maddening refrain. It had been so vivid, so visceral, that reality's line blurred beyond recognition.

The cries of the gargoyles, the stench of blood and decay, the juguai's chilling laugh–all branded into her very soul.

If it was a memory, it was a trespasser. Not her own. No, these monstrous visions, this reeking terror, belonged to another … Skadi.

A nightmare ripped from another thrust into her own. Who was she? Quinn's mother, a phantom haunting her dreams? And if so, why had this macabre intrusion chosen her? Was it a message, a plea, or something more sinister?

A breeze, a stark contrast to the dream's suffocating heat, brushed against her face. The room stood firm, furniture grounded, a tangible haven compared to the crumbling dreamscape. Here, she was safe.

Yet, the illusion of security was shattered. Here, she might have shelter, but true safety remained elusive. Gregor's threat loomed, and the juguai, resembling her vision or something worse, walked this world. Only in her human home could she truly escape the clutches of this horror.

Still, the memory of Skadi's sacrifice, the weight of a battle lost, pressed down on her chest. The gargoyles' queen had fallen, their hope extinguished along with her life. Ana, caught in the maelstrom, felt their loss like a physical wound. Nausea surged, and she sank to the floor, tears flowing anew.

The scars of Skadi's fight, nightmare or not, would forever be hers. A burden, a responsibility, but also a source of strength. She had seen their courage, their love, their defiant spirit that transcended death.

A jarring clang of metal ripped Ana from an erotic dream of Quinn just as dawn painted the sky rose and gold. Though the clash echoed in her ears, the vision, tender and sensual, clung to her like morning mist. Below her window, warriors sparred in a circle of red leaves. Even her own guards, soaring overhead, seemed fixated on the fight.

Despite the warmth of the sun bathing her plant in a hopeful light, a chill caused her to shake. Shadows of her nightmare still gripped her. Stretching her wings, a phantom ache pulsed in her shoulder, a painful reminder of Skadi's sacrifice and the terrifying power of their adversaries.

Escape felt daunting, if not impossible, the burden of fleeing alone gnawing at her. Perhaps seeking help wasn't a sign of weakness but a desperate gamble. Within these walls, the act of trusting another soul was a bit like walking a tightrope blindfolded. They might offer sanctuary, or they might expose her, leading to a locked cell instead of the open road. The thought, heavy with risk, would need careful consideration.

After the bout ended, Quinn entered the ring with another gargoyle. They bowed and raised their swords. Quinn gestured for his opponent to strike, ready to defend. The soldier lunged, but Quinn blocked him. He parried, thrust, and spun like a master.

The challenger attacked faster and harder, slicing the air. Quinn dodged with ease, moving with grace and agility. He used his tail and wings to enhance his weapon. Sweat glistened on his skin. Ana was breathless, her heart pounding, mesmerized by his moves. Quick, agile, and sexy as hell.

They moved like dancers, in sync and rhythm. It was a captivating show that grew more intense. A strike missed Quinn by an inch, making Ana gasp and clutch the windowsill. Another blow grazed his head.

Quinn's muscles flexed as he blocked another hit, then countered with accuracy. The clang of each clash echoed like music. He spun and whipped his tail, disarming his foe. The challenger backed off, and they bowed.

"Nice view," Tilda said behind her, startling Ana.

She twirled around. "Yeah." Wait, Tilda was talking about Quinn again, wasn't she? "Uh…yeah, a beautiful day. The sky is clear, and the view just goes on and on." Her cheeks flushed with heat.

"Uh, huh. Sure, Ma'am," Tilda walked to her, eyebrow raised, lips twisted. "I see your fear of heights is improving."

Ana barely registered Tilda's snicker, her gaze fixed on the distant horizon. The dizzying drop below had lost its power to cripple her. Had she truly conquered her phobia, or was it merely a temporary truce?

She shrugged. "Maybe, still not jumping out a window, though." She paused for a moment. "Can you please tell me about the juguais?"

Tilda shuddered a deep tremor that ran through her tiny frame. "Oh, they're colossal nightmares, easily as tall as trees but thankfully lacking in brains. Luckily, sunlight or a good bolt of lightning turns them into stone statues. Moonlight's no problem for them, though, so they only prowl at night, hunting…" she trailed off, a grim expression clouding her features.

"What do they look like?" she whispered, her voice barely above a breath.

Tilda's eyes narrowed. She launched into a detailed description, each word painting a grotesque image that mirrored the creatures from Ana's nightmare. As the gnome spoke, Ana couldn't help but shiver, the unease settling heavily in her stomach.

Just as Tilda finished, she chirped brightly, "But enough about scary stories. Let us enjoy this beautiful day, shall we?"

Ana found herself nodding as she stared out the window at Quinn, a smile playing on her lips. His presence was undeniably pleasant, a welcome distraction from the gnawing worry about escape and these monsters.

Mud squelched beneath Ana's feet as she navigated the rain-soaked garden. The morning damp made pulling roots with her tail effortless, but using her wings for vegetables proved—awkward. One attempt sent a blue bulb deeper underground. Thankfully, Quinn was out of sight.

Across the clearing, gnomes toiled on the castle wall, their colorful clothes a stark contrast to the gray stone. Suddenly, a deafening crash shattered the harmony. A barrel swung wildly, impacting the nascent structure. Stones tumbled, gasps echoed, and one gnome clung desperately to the rope, his face etched with fear. His panicked cries cut through the air.

Terror turned to amusement as some gnomes burst into laughter.

Before Ana could react, a blur of black swooped down. Quinn snatched the gnome with lightning speed, his grace breathtaking. Yet fate and gravity, had other plans. The freed rope sent the barrel careening.

With a gentle landing, Quinn deposited the gnome. However, as he did, rocks came crashing down onto the wet earth, showering him with mud. He stood there, gaping in astonishment.

Laughter bubbled up in Ana's chest, but she tried to stifle it. Quinn's gaze fixed on her, his body covered in muck. A mischievous glint shone in his eyes as he stalked toward her, muck sliding down his torso.

He tilted her chin up. "Find something funny?" he asked, his voice dripping with mock seriousness.

Ana's hand shot to her mouth, but a giggle escaped. Quinn's gruff facade crumbled, replaced by a wide grin. He leaned closer, his mud-caked face inches from hers.

Ana's laughter erupted. She couldn't help it; the sight of him, filthy and unfazed, was too comical.

Quinn taunted, rubbing a mucky finger on her nose. Ana's eyes widened, and she gaped as he bent down and scooped up a handful of muck. "Oh, no, you don't." She dove to the side as he threw the handful at her, hiding behind a vegetable basket but snatching up her own scoop to retaliate with a snicker.

Quinn chuckled and flung another fistful at her. Soon, the gnomes joined in, and mud splashed and squelched, coating everything in its sticky, wet embrace.

Ana couldn't remember the last time she had experienced such unbridled joy. Gnomes ran around looking like walking piles of muck. Genuine laughter erupted from her, carrying away all her worries and cares. The sensation of the cool sludge against her skin was exhilarating and grounding.

As the merriment subsided, Quinn approached Ana. He gently wiped her face, his expression shifting from a playful grin to something more intense. His eyes darkened, yet soon flooded with silver. His muscles tensed, radiating strength and control. He leaned in as if he intended to kiss her, and she almost groaned in disappointment that he stood straighter, his smirk widening.

"You have a spot here." He trailed the back of his finger down her jawline, leaving a tingling sensation in its wake. At that moment, she couldn't help but yearn for more, aching for the exhilaration of co-ed naked mud wrestling.

"Mud is everywhere," she gasped, her breath catching in her throat. Her heart thundered, a wild stallion in her chest. He caressed her face with his warm hand, sending shivers down her spine.

"I can sense your yearning," he whispered, his voice velvet in her ear. "Your eyes, like stars, shine only for me." He pulled back, his gaze lingering on her lips. His captivating and powerful smile drew her in, a moth to a flame. "Do you dream of me at night?"

She gaped. Did he know her thoughts? She covered her mouth. Could he hear? Did he read her mind? "Are you controlling my dreams?" she blurted.

He chuckled. "No, my lady, but I would love to know what we do in them." His scent, alluring and intoxicating, made her knees buckle.

"No," she croaked, her cheeks burning. "Nothing to tell."

"Ah, I see. You're not ready to share. But, I'm curious. Do I kiss you here?" He traced her chin with his hand. "Or here?" He brushed her lips with his fingers. "Or there?" He eyed her bosom, a surge of heat flooding her body.

She crossed her arms, hiding from his intense gaze.

"I shall be patient. Perhaps we can reenact some of your favorite dreams?" He touched her cheek before walking away to join the gnomes. He picked up stones, helping to clean.

QUINN

Sweat stung Quinn's eyes as he cleared rubble. A scream froze him mid-motion. "Ana!" It was her, raw terror in her voice.

His heart hammered against his ribs. He whirled around, searching frantically. She'd been heading to her room. Now, a hulking figure—not one of his men—clamped a hand over her mouth—Gregor's soldier.

Ice gripped Quinn's gut. He couldn't let him take her. Sword flashing, he tore after them, a primal roar erupting from his throat.

Then, he skidded to a halt at an unexpected sight. Ana fought back. She twisted in the attacker's grip and slammed her head back into his nose, making him roar in pain. Blood spurted from his nostrils. Quinn felt a surge of hope and admiration.

A shadow loomed over him. Another gargoyle, larger and fiercer, descended from the clouds. Quinn cursed. His focus split, and he met the new threat.

In the corner of his eye, he saw Ana break free, her movements a blur of ferociousness and grace. She finished off the first gargoyle with a spinning kick. Yet her assailant's tail whipped her across the stomach. She doubled over, gasping for air.

Others rushed to her aid, allowing Quinn to concentrate on his attacker. The second gargoyle growled, his sword glinting.

Quinn roared in response, unsheathing his blade with practiced ease. Their fight was a whirlwind of parries, dodges, and attacks, each blow echoing through the night. With a swift flick of his wrist, Quinn disarmed the soldier, following up with a powerful punch that sent him crashing unconscious.

He carried the dazed assailant and flung him at his warrior's feet. "Take him and the other one…" he nodded to the gargoyle Ana had fought, "… to the dungeon."

The fighter, his face grim, secured both prisoners, dragging them away into the distance.

Quinn dashed to Ana's side. "Are you hurt, my lady?" The bitterness of her fear coated his tongue. He knelt beside her, cradling her trembling face, still painted with mud, in his hands. Relief flooded him, mixed with awe and worry.

Ana shook her head, her voice a whisper. "I'm … I'm fine." She reached her quivering fingers out, touching his arm with a silent plea. "Who were they?"

"Gregor's soldiers." He rubbed his thumb tenderly, caressing her muddy cheek as his gaze locked with hers. His uncle seemed to have become more audacious. "Are you sure he didn't hurt you?"

She nodded. "Thank you." She smiled weakly, gratitude and trust in her eyes.

"How did you do that to him?" He found her more amazing by the minute. He marveled at her skills, impressed and proud.

She managed to rise to her knees. "I took some martial arts. I was lucky." She shrugged. "It caught him off guard that I fought back."

Modest and brave. How could he not love her?

Quinn gazed at Ana, his heart heavy. He needed to investigate this attack, understand how it happened. Yet leaving her hurt.

One of his soldiers, Sebastian, a brown haired green eyed gargoyle, approached, concern etched on his young face. Gratitude washed over Quinn, a welcome respite in the storm. "Take her to her chambers," he ordered, his voice gruff with strain.

Quinn looked down at Ana. "I need to report this to my father." He hated to leave her, but he had to find out how this breach had occurred.

Ana sighed. "I'm a little shaken. I would much rather be outside, feeling the sun. Couldn't you protect me out here?"

Quinn shook his head and furrowed his brows. "I understand your desire," he said, "but I need to address this problem." As his fingertips grazed against her cheek. His heart was heavy at the thought of losing her. He wished he could stay with her, make her happy. He clutched her to his chest.

"All right," Ana replied, her voice lacking conviction. "I guess." He let her go, reluctantly, and she wrapped her arms around herself in a tight embrace.

He kissed her forehead. "I shall be back soon, my lady. I promise," he whispered. She followed Sebastian.

With a final, lingering look, he turned and strode away, the weight of responsibility settling on his shoulders. These soldiers may be defeated, but the battle for Ana's safety, for her love, was far from over.