28. Graeme

28

GRAEME

I lean back in my seat, the back of my chair brushing the rough-hewn wooden walls of the Hungry Minotaur bakery where I sit across from Caldor at a cozy corner table. The savory aroma of baked goods and hearty stews fills the air, mingling with the warm, rustic atmosphere of the tiny cafe.

Caldor and I have been catching up on a decade's worth of history. I've filled him in on the happenings at the clan, telling him about his old friends and the clan's business. He's been giving me the rundown on his relationship with his wife and how he came to live in Elderberry Falls.

It's a relief to have some space to myself now that Ecco's stalker situation has been taken care of. And nice, if a little strange, to catch up with someone from my past like this.

But even as I savor this brief respite from constant focus, I can't help the tug in my heart—a constant longing to be by Ecco's side regardless of whether she needs a protector.

Protecting her, cherishing her, it's become as natural and necessary to me as breathing.

I clear my throat, changing the subject of our conversation abruptly. "Caldor, what does a gargoyle do, if not bodyguard? I mean, what other options are there for someone like us?"

Caldor sits back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "Well, for starters, I'm a martial arts instructor. Not much danger in a town like Elderberry Falls, so I mostly teach an after-school program for kids." There's a quiet pride in his voice.

I nod, my mind racing.

"But someone with, say, your background? You've got options, should you ever decide to leave personal protection," Caldor continues, his tone growing serious. Ticking the possibilities off on his fingers, he says, "You could come work with me, for one. Or you could train to join a police force, or a town's fire department. Gargoyles are impervious to heat, after all—I have a second cousin who's had an amazing career fighting enchanted forest fires up north."

His words are like doors opening in my mind. Could I really walk away from everything I've ever known? From the duty and legacy of my clan?

Forcing a chuckle that sounds a little too loud, I say, "Well, not that I'm looking for a job. Gotta go back to the clan, after all."

But even as I say the words, I know the idea of returning to the stronghold, of taking my place as Uncle Alvric's heir, sounds worse with each passing day.

Leaving the cafe, my heart skips a beat as I catch sight of Ecco in the town square. Her face is flushed, violet eyes wide and bright.

Worry flashes through me, that old fear that something might be wrong. My protective instincts are always on high alert when it comes to her.

But I quickly realize it's not fear or distress making her eyes bright, but pure, unadulterated joy. Ecco rushes to my side, her words coming in a breathless rush.

"I've figured it out, Graeme! I've reached my true powers!" Her musical voice rings with triumph. A hint of uncertainty creeps into her expression. "But I'm not sure what I'm going to do next. I need to try the powers out, make sure I can control them. And I can't exactly practice on people without their consent, when I don't even know what my powers will do."

I reach out, gently taking Ecco's small, soft hand in my large, rough one. My thumb brushes over her knuckles as I meet her gaze.

"Practice on me, Ecco. I trust you." I say the words quickly, before I can second guess myself.

Ecco studies me. "What? Are you sure, Graeme?"

I just shrug, trying to communicate my trust with my steady gaze. "Whatever feeling or change you cause is temporary, right?"

Ecco nods slowly. "The effects themselves are temporary, yes. But… the book says over and over that a memory of it remains, just like with normal emotions. So… whatever I do, it could have unintended consequences." She bites her lip. "That's why I have to be so cautious."

I squeeze her hand, my gaze intense and unwavering. "I know you'll be careful, Ecco. You're stronger than you know."

She hesitates, and I gather her up into my arms.

"Let's do it. Let's find out what you're capable of, Ecco."

Ecco leads me into the tranquil depths of the enchanted forest, down a footpath that Ecco says is normally an easy hiking trail, but now is a bit of a challenge thanks to all the snow. I insist on switching places with Ecco frequently, so that I can break the fresh snow before us.

Ancient trees loom tall, their gnarled branches creaking in the breeze, occasionally dislodging snow that falls in glittering clumps. Apart from the breeze, everything is quiet.

Arriving at the spot she was aiming for, Ecco uses the sleeve of her coat to brush the snow from a worn wooden bench, then gestures for me to take a seat. She meets my eyes and I nod, encouraging.

Ecco moves to stand before me, an ethereal figure haloed by stray sunbeams. She takes a deep breath, her eyes fluttering closed as she reaches within herself.

I watch, transfixed, as the air around her shimmers, charged with the force of her magic.

And then, in a voice both haunting and achingly beautiful, Ecco begins to sing.

The melody is unlike anything I've ever heard, even from Ecco. Each note seems to reach into my very soul, stirring up buried emotions and half-forgotten memories. Images of grief and longing dance behind my eyelids, a lament for all that has been lost.

I see my parents, hear their voices. For a moment I'm a child again, hearing the news that my parents are gone, never to return. The anger and sadness twist together in my gut, and despair floods through me.

But then, threaded through the sorrow is a glimmer of hope, fragile yet persistent. A reminder that even in the darkest of times, light can be found.

The light expands, rays reaching outward. The warmth wraps around my middle, a sense of security as cozy as any blanket. The golden light grows and grows, radiating through me, filling me with peace.

The grief I've carried for years over my parents' deaths—it's there still, but less. For the first time, the happier memories of them come to the forefront first. My resentment and sadness has been overpowered by love. Hope.

The final note fades away, and I feel wetness on my cheeks.

Tears I hadn't even realized I'd shed.

And when I open my eyes, it's to a changed world. The force of Ecco's magic must have heated the surrounding air; we sit in a bubble of warmth, snow and ice melted away for several feet in every direction.

I gaze at Ecco in wonder, marveling at the depth of her gift.

Tears stream down Ecco's face as well. I can see her processing the magnitude of her power.

"You can heal grief, Ecco," I murmur, my voice rough with emotion.

She nods slowly, as if the weight of this revelation is almost too much to bear.

I stand up and grasp her hands, which tremble slightly after having wielded so much power. Her eyes meet mine, and I can see understanding dawn on her, just as the realization hits me as well.

Ecco tugs me forward toward the path, steps quick.

"Come on, Graeme. I need to find a few more volunteers so I can practice. And then… We have a house call to pay."