Chapter 24

ANA

The icy water stole Ana's breath as it engulfed her. She thrashed, desperate to break free, the numbing cold stealing into her bones. Panic surged, a suffocating tide threatening to drown her. Her heart hammered against her ribs, her lungs screaming for air. She clawed at the muddy bottom, searching for purchase against the relentless descent. Through the murky depths, fleeting glimpses of sunlight mocked her with the memory of warmth. A shadow loomed, extinguishing the last sliver of hope.

Just as her strength waned, the pressure on her leg relented. A hand, rough with claws, gripped her arm, pulling her upwards with a yank. She broke the surface, gasping. Bile rose in her throat as she saw Quinn slashing at a black tentacle emerging from the inky deep.

Scrambling back, she slipped in the muck, legs struggling as she tried to find traction. Thankfully, powerful hands grabbed her arms, hauling her toward the safety of the trees. Her chest ached, each ragged breath a struggle. The taste of putrid water filled her mouth as she retched, her body trembling from the ordeal.

Determined to regain her composure, she wiped her face clean of the slimy residue, allowing her vision to clear. Glancing back, the black pond churned, a monstrous form rising. Its grotesque head undulated, four yellow eyes opened, eerily moving independently of each other. A stench of decay assaulted her as rows of saw-like teeth emerged from a gaping maw. Ebony tentacles erupted, spraying the air. The soldiers roared, charging the beast, their swords flashing.

Ana seized a nearby log to join the fray. She swung, connecting with a wet thud. Yet, the leviathan barely flinched. The beast's screeches drowned the warriors' grunts as they hacked at it with their blades. Ichor splattered the ground, painting a grotesque scene.

"Watch out s…" Sebastian collided with Quinn, saving the king from a tentacle that snared Sebastian instead. With a primal growl, he sank his fangs into the leviathan's flesh.

Quinn reacted swiftly, his sword slicing through a feeler with a sickening sound. The creature bellowed, flinging Sebastian into a nearby tree with enough force to shatter the ancient wood. He crumpled to the mud.

Luke sliced another appendage, but another slammed into Quinn, tearing a gash in his perfect skin. He ignored it. Ana dodged a writhing, ebony tentacle that whipped through the air and grazed her cheek, then deflected another.

"Too many," Quinn yelled.

The leviathan seemed unstoppable, an embodiment of raw power. Yanked above their heads, Zach roared in pain, caught in the beast's deadly grip. Quinn leaped, claws flashing, freeing him. Luke slid on his knees, severing another tentacle.

A blow threw Ana sprawling and stealing her breath. A silent scream of agony radiated through her. She battled to rise; the world spun in a dizzying dance. Eyes shut briefly, she embraced the ground, seeking solace in the solid earth. Gasping for air, she opened her eyes. A monolithic dead tree loomed over the dark waters, its jagged limbs threatening like spears in wait. With hands quivering, she pushed herself up.

"Flee," Quinn snarled. "We can't win!"

"No," she screamed, "not without you." She dug her claws into the rough bark, hacking away with a fury born of desperation. Wood splintered, pain shooting through her bloodied fingers, staining it red. "Almost," she whispered a desperate prayer.

"Back away," she yelled.

The soldiers hesitated. The leviathan sent out more tentacles with a force that misted black spray throughout the area.

"We can't leave you exposed," Quinn roared.

"Brace yourselves!" With a bone-breaking blow, she struck the trunk. The crack echoed through the forest. With a last kick, the massive tree toppled. Wind rushed her as she dodged the falling giant.

The others scrambled out of the way as it plummeted toward the leviathan. With a sickening thud, the tree crashed onto the creature. Midnight ichor seeped from its wounds. The beast bellowed in fury, thrashing beneath the weight.

Quinn, with sword drawn, launched himself into the air, a blur of steel. With a powerful leap and a determined yell, he plunged his blade deep into the leviathan's head. The mangled form convulsed, then went limp. Zach and Luke cautiously approached, weapons at the ready. With practiced movements, Quinn severed the creature's glowing eyes and tossed them to the muddy bank. The magical orbs pulsed in the dim light as Zach snatched them up, distributing two to Luke.

Ana rushed to Sebastian's side, her heart pounding in her chest. Relief flooded her when he stirred weakly at her touch. Though splayed out on the ground, the gargoyle still breathed. As Quinn knelt beside him, Sebastian turned to him, wincing.

"My king," Sebastian rasped, his voice weak. "I failed you."

"No, you likely saved my life." Quinn inspected his injuries. "Several bruises, a dislocated arm, but nothing the moon's magic can't heal soon. Can you stand?"

"Yes," Sebastian managed a feeble nod. "Just winded." The agony etched on his face betrayed the true extent of his wounds.

"Good," Quinn said, his tone gruff with concern. "We still have a journey ahead, and this isn't exactly the best place for a rest."

Sebastian winced again as he attempted to sit up, Ana offering support as he rose to his feet. He nodded, his grimace evident in the effort.

Quinn approached Ana, his kiss igniting a familiar warmth within her. "Your bravery and wit saved us, Ana. I'm truly fortunate to have you as my mate."

The other gargoyles, ever the playful lot, took this moment to lighten the mood.

"Aye, thank you, my lady," chimed in Luke with a dramatic bow and a smirk. "Almost as impressive as me, of course."

"Almost?" Zach scoffed. "She surpassed you by a significant margin." He turned to Ana, bowing deeply. "Thank you for our lives."

Gritting his teeth against the obvious pain, Sebastian straightened his back. A bead of sweat trickled down his temple, leaving a glistening trail in the grime. "I can manage," he rasped, his voice strained but laced with a flicker of defiance. "Thank you…" He paused for a moment, his eyes locking with Ana's, a silent acknowledgment of the debt he owed flickering within them. "…for my life."

A sudden hand gripped Ana's waist, startling her. Quinn's lips met hers in a passionate kiss. He pulled away, nuzzling her neck, the ignited passion making her gasp. "I need to express my full gratitude properly," he murmured, inhaling her scent. "But alas, we have an audience, and time is not our friend."

A throat cleared pointedly from behind them.

"Don't forget about us," Luke chimed in, gesturing to the other two soldiers. "I was pretty darn magnificent myself."

"Looking for a smooch from the king, perhaps?" Zach slapped him playfully on the back, causing him to fumble with the glowing eyes.

"No, but I wouldn't refuse one from the queen," Luke chuckled.

Quinn's eyes narrowed, a low growl escaping his throat.

"Just a bit of fun." Luke raised his arms in mock surrender. "Worth a shot, wouldn't you say?" He shrugged nonchalantly. "Besides, Zach, where was your fancy flute during the fight?"

"Perhaps not today, but the females appreciate my music," Zach smirked confidently.

"The females? You mean the oalnts?" Luke scoffed. "I always knew you were special."

Sebastian stifled a laugh, but it erupted in a painful gasp, his face contorting in a grimace.

"We'll find the females again," Zach declared, placing his hands on his hips. "And then, I shall serenade with my magnificent compositions."

The mood turned somber as the gargoyles nodded in agreement.

Still nestled in Quinn's arms, Ana sighed and planted a soft kiss on his cheek. Gazing up at him, she said, "All right, love. Let's go save our kingdom."

The king led them through the treacherous swamp, navigating the shallower sections with practiced ease. Ana swatted at the relentless insects buzzing around her head, their bites leaving angry red welts. Each step sank deep into the sucking mud, making progress a slow, arduous slog. With every squelch, a small wave rippled through the muck, lapping against the nearby trees.

"What's up with those eyes, Quinn?" She pointed to the pulsating orbs. "Please tell me we're not eating them."

Quinn ducked under a low-hanging limb. "We do," he replied matter-of-factly.

She gagged, and a snicker erupted from Luke behind them.

"How does one discover that leviathan eyes are magical?" she countered, shoving another branch aside. It swung back with a satisfying whack, connecting with Luke's head. "Oops! Sorry," she blurted, a laugh escaping her lips at the instant karma.

Quinn chuckled. "I jest, my love. You smear it on whatever you want to turn invisible. Though, the leviathan itself is quite a delicacy. But, as you can imagine, the opportunity to partake rarely arises."

Ana tried to quell the rising nausea, the memory of the putrid water still clinging to her taste buds. A new worry surfaced. "This invisibility—it's not permanent, right?"

"Absolutely," Quinn confirmed with a nod. "Temporary as the dew at dawn."

Finally, solid ground greeted her weary form. Relief washed over Ana, but her body ached. Her pruned feet itched. Clumps of mud clung stubbornly to her legs.

The oppressive atmosphere had vanished, replaced by a vibrant, refreshing energy. Crisp, clean air filled their lungs, devoid of the swamp's decay. The trees with lush green canopies dominated the landscape, interspersed with emerald shrubs and younger trees adorned in colorful blossoms.

They cautiously moved toward the towering mountain, staying hidden beneath the dense foliage. A gentle stream meandered down from the majestic peak, its soothing sound mingling with the mist that shrouded the base. The once-silent forest teemed with life, buzzing insects and chirping birds filling the atmosphere with a melodious symphony.

"We should clean up before using the eyes," Sebastian rasped, limping toward them, his leg dragging with every step. "Mud might dilute the magic."

"Agreed." Quinn stopped by the stream.

They gathered their supplies and the magical eyes, placing them carefully near a sturdy tree. Eager to rid herself of the swamp's stench, Ana moved further down river and dove into the frigid water, shivering at the shock. She washed away the grime with a clump of moss, her muscles protesting with fatigue. Splashing water on her face, she cleaned thoroughly, the icy droplets trickling down her neck and chest.

The thin silk strips clung uncomfortably to her torso as they soaked through. Her hands continued down her stomach, back, and wings as best she could. She worked her way down her mud-caked body, the throbbing in her injured fingers a dull ache.

Footsteps, masked by the rushing water and rustling leaves, approached from behind. Quinn pulled her deeper into the woods, away from the others. "I desire you," a husky voice murmured in her ear. He pressed her back against a tree, his eyes smoldering.

"You're not in pain?" She looked at his wound, her gaze lingering on the deep red gash.

"Some, but it shall not stop me." A mischievous grin spread across his face.

With a swift motion, he pushed aside her silk and delved a finger into her eager core, eliciting a gasp of pleasure from her trembling lips. The air filled with the scent of arousal as she quivered with delight. His fingers coaxed her climax.

Before she could even utter a sound, he claimed her mouth in a fiery kiss, their passion intertwining. The taste of desire lingered on her mouth as their tongues danced in sync. She yielded to his possessive caress, her body melting against his.

Lifting her effortlessly, he propped her against the rough tree bark and lowered her onto his pulsing shaft. His hardness filled her, tight and perfect. The friction between them sent waves of ecstasy coursing through her, and she moaned, the sound of their passion muffled by their heated kiss.

Wrapping her arms around him, she avoided her injured hands as she kissed and suckled his ear, feeling the warmth of his skin against her lips.

"No biting this time," he said as he nipped her neck, the sensation sending shivers down her spine. "Your sounds grow too great when you release."

"I blame you," she said between gasps as his shaft moved in and out of her, the passion intensifying with each thrust.

"I accept that," he growled.

With each forceful thrust, pleasure surged through them, melding together in a symphony of desire. Soon, he had her teetering on the edge. Their mouths locked in a passionate kiss, muffling their cries. Their bodies intertwined, they shook in each other's embrace.

QUINN

Emerging from the woods, Quinn found the camp already established. Zach knelt by a crackling fire, smoke curling toward the reddening sky. Sebastian lay sprawled nearby, but Luke was missing.

"Camp's finished," Zach announced. "The castle isn't reachable before nightfall."

From the dimming shadows, Luke emerged, chest puffed out like a rooster who'd thought he had just laid an egg. In his hand, he proudly held a tiny, shimmering fish aloft like a trophy.

"Behold, the fruits of my labor," he declared. "Tonight, we feast like royalty."

"Or at least those really unfortunate medieval lords who had to choke down a bite of questionable seafood," Zack added. "And not much of a feast there."

"Thank you for the food, Luke." Quinn sighed, frustrated by the delay. "The moon rises soon. Injured as we are, turning to stone is inevitable." Though it was quick as he intended, perhaps he shouldn't have taken that side excursion with Ana. "Continuing the journey before dark is impossible." He scanned the sky, worry creasing his brow, doubting their mating would have changed their fate. He took a deep inhale. "Astute assumption setting up camp, Zach."

Zach patted him on the shoulder. "It was unavoidable and not your fault."

Ana's breath hitched as she stared at her battered hands. "Stone? Again?"

"Aye." Sensing her unease, Quinn pulled her close.

Fear laced Ana's voice. "But… what if…" she stammered, her gaze flickering between Quinn and the approaching moon.

"It'll be all right," he murmured. "Just like before. Sleep, and wake up healed."

Sebastian added with a cringe, "We shall be vulnerable in our stone forms."

"I'm unharmed," Luke interjected, puffing out his chest. "I'll stand guard."

Quinn nodded his appreciation. Luke set about preparing the fish while Zach distributed foraged greens and dried provisions. A freshly filled waterskin was passed around, and soon after, flaky white fish.

Ana held up a chewy meat stick. "What's this?"

"Pemmican," Zach explained. "Human recipe. Keeps you well fed for a long time."

"It's delicious." She finished the bar.

Quinn chuckled as she reached for more; she must have been famished.

Silence settled, broken only by the chirping of insects and the crackling fire. The vibrant hues of the sunset bled into twilight, and the moon, a luminous orb, cast its soft glow upon the campsite.

Sensing her fear, Quinn gripped Ana's trembling form. He stroked her hair reassuringly. "It'll be all right. It's painless, just like before. You shall wake healed."

A sudden, boisterous laugh shattered the quiet. "Strike a sexy pose, Zach! Lure in all those lady oalnts," Luke jeered.

Zach's scowl deepened. Then, in an instant, his expression froze, his face hardening into a statue of annoyance.

A stony gray began its ascent from Ana's toes, inching upward. Quinn offered a reassuring smile as Ana clenched her eyes shut. The telltale prickling sensation, starting in his toes, was undeniable. Quinn's embrace tightened around her, a silent vow of protection as the petrification claimed her flesh. The world's sounds dimmed to a soft hum, then faded to a profound hush. His thoughts drifted into nothingness.