Page 17 of A Highland Gargoyle’s Lucky Star (Tales from the Tarot)

Chapter seventeen

Noah

Mama Delilah’s Daily Horoscope Reading

You’re likely to have some new experiences today that might inspire your active imagination, Sagittarius. Channel that in productive and empowering ways. Be on the lookout for something unexpected that could land you in a sticky situation. Trust in your romantic relationship and continue building new friendships. Folks are revolving around you this week, and it might be wise to keep them in your orbit.

W ith little time to waste, I have to forego a much-desired nap once Elryk and I return to DarkWing Castle and take a nice hot shower instead. We’d cleaned up a bit at Nasser’s place before passing out in his bed, but a wet washcloth is not the same as a real shower.

Once we’re both squeaky clean, we head down to the kitchens for a late breakfast. Tal whips up some toast and omelets for us, and I guzzle down several cups of coffee like it’s infused with life-giving mana.

It’s remarkable how getting clean and being well-fed can change your perspective on things. My embarrassment from returning in the BDSM Baby Bjorn in broad daylight this morning for all the folks at DarkWing Castle to see has faded. Now I’m feeling refreshed and back to my usual energetic and optimistic self.

Once again, Elryk’s a lucky bastard because gargoyle physiology makes him a motherfucking machine that only needs about five hours of sleep a night. So he’s well rested and almost chipper after our smoking hot night of passion.

Even Tal’s side-eyeing him and flashing me a knowing smirk.

Heh. Getting laid by yours truly makes my usually grumpy mate downright perky!

I sigh dreamily as I slurp down my third cup of coffee, recalling our memorable sexy-time shenanigans on that rug in front of the woodstove in Nasser’s cabin.

Already, I’m envisioning so many more bow-chika-wow-wow moments for us, because there’s so much I want to do to and with Elryk DarkWing.

But first things first—stabilize the barrier and fight off the Sluagh. Piece of cake. After all, I am motivated. I’ve got a gargoyle to fuck in every nook and cranny inside this castle, and probably outside too—hello Outlander fantasies I’m going to make realities—and I’ve got children’s books to write and illustrate.

My next one’s going to involve a kraken in a rainbow kilt.

Scotland is proving to be the land of inspiration for me already!

I drain the last of my coffee and get to my feet, brimming with determination.

“All right, my studly gargoyle mate,” I say, rubbing my hands together. “Let’s go feel up this ley line with my mental tentacles!”

Elryk nearly chokes on his tea.

He prefers it to coffee.

What a weirdo, but I still love him.

“I dinnae think that’s the best way to refer to the process of tapping a ley line, my love.”

I pretend to consider this. “Hmm. Would you prefer I refer to it as tapping that ley line ass?”

He cringes and it’s adorable. “No.”

I waggle my fingers at him. “Then feeling it up, it is.”

He gives me a sappy smile that’s been appearing ever since he fucked me like no one ever has.

Tal snickers as he grabs our dishes. “Get on with you both. You’ve work to do. No sneaking off for a shag either.”

I pout at him. “You’re no fun.”

“Save the honeymoon for after the danger’s passed,” Tal chides like the responsible and mature gargoyle he is.

Elryk forces the lines of his face back into their usual stern expression. “Of course. Thanks for breakfast, Tal.” He turns to me. “Let’s get started.”

My mate is becoming so predictable to me. When it comes to work, he’s super serious. But I’m loving the fact that I can drag him away and help him loosen up.

I glance at his man-bun—not a hair out of place.

You’re all mine, gorgeous locks. I’m going to make you wild and messy the next time Elryk and I get down and dirty together.

I also thank Tal for the grub, and we leave the kitchen to the sound of the older gargoyle grumbling fondly about fools and young love.

Elryk leads me to a library I didn’t even know existed in the castle.

The room has a vaulted ceiling and high-arched windows that look out over the moors and rolling hills, rugged peaks visible in the distance.

Every available wall has been converted into bookshelf space, which has been packed to the brim with books old and new, their spines facing us. Despite its large size, the library is quite cozy and has a distinctly homey vibe. The stone floor is covered in thick rugs and the furniture is oversized and cushy—perfect for curling up with a book and a cup of coffee.

I whirl on Elryk accusingly. “How have you not shown me this place until now?”

He blinks. “I haven’t really had time.”

That gives me pause and I try to count back to the night we met when I was doing a header off the train. Has it really only been a few days since Elryk first saved me? It feels like so much longer.

“Okay, fair.” I gaze around me in wonder. “But this place is incredible. Once we’ve dealt with these baddies coming to mess with us, I’ll probably spend a lot of my time in here every day. It’s the perfect place to write and draw.” I hug myself and do a little happy dance. The plan for a whole series of Otherkind children’s books is slowly forming in my mind.

Elryk studies me with vulnerable hope flickering in his eyes. “You mean that, don’t you? You truly want to make this castle your home with me.”

I step closer, pressing my smaller body against his bigger, bulkier one, and want to purr. “As you would say, ‘Aye,’ I do. I love you.”

His green eyes melt at my words. “I love you more than anyone else in all the realms.”

See what I mean? How could I not love this man? So sweet.

He leans down and kisses me, and I enthusiastically return the gesture. But before we can get too carried away, he pulls back, and I give him a frowny pout of displeasure that makes him chuckle.

“I’ve something to show you.” He leads me over to one of the bookcases and runs his finger along a row of books before he pulls one out, and I gasp.

Part of the bookcase swings open to reveal that it’s a hidden door!

“ Young Frankenstein , eat your heart out,” I whisper.

I lean closer to the opening, listening carefully.

“Aw, nuts. No mysterious violin playing, so definitely no Frau Blücher hiding down there.”

Elryk arches a questioning eyebrow at me.

I mock swoon. “You haven’t seen Young Frankenstein ? It’s a Mel Brooks classic.” I shake my head. “Your film education is sorely lacking, but never fear, we’ll have plenty of time on cozy winter nights to curl up under a blanket together and watch all my favorites.”

His features soften and he smiles. “I look forward to it. Any time with you is precious to me.”

I clutch a hand to my chest and gasp. “You’re far too deadly for my heart, Mr. Hotter-than-Goliath.” Seriously, he’s not a man of many words, but when he does speak, he’s always sincere and can slay me with the sweetest sentiment.

“I take it we’re going through there?” I gesture toward the door.

“It would be more accurate to say we’re going down there. This leads into our castle’s cellar.”

“Like a basement? Do most castles have basements? I thought they had, like, dungeons or something. That’s what most Hollywood movies tend to go for.”

Elryk’s lips twitch and I can tell he’s fighting not to laugh. “No dungeons, but our cellar is a bit different than most. You’ll understand when we get down there.” He passes through the door and grabs a large lantern-style flashlight hanging on the wall, then turns it on to lead me down a long, winding set of stone stairs and into what seems like a dark abyss.

This is the most Gothic and rustic part of the castle that I’ve seen so far. It doesn’t appear to have been modernized or updated, possibly even since the castle was built.

“Has this always been here?” I ask, my voice a whisper that echoes in the void we’re descending into.

“Aye, DarkWing Castle was built on this spot because the node of the ley line is deep beneath the ground here.”

I clutch onto his arm as my foot nearly misses the next step. “The node is directly under the castle?”

And no, my voice did not squeak.

Much.

“What better way for us to protect it?”

Okay, fair point.

Elryk gestures to the walls and the floor. “The runes that were created to activate the castle’s barrier are also here, carved into the very stone with which it was built.”

Well that explains the markings. And it makes a lot of sense they’d create the foundation for the barrier right over the node’s main access point.

But the enormity of it all hits me. “So does that mean the barrier that you maintain encompasses the entire castle?” I can’t keep the incredulity from my voice. Such a monumental task seems nigh on impossible.

“That’s correct,” Elryk says as if it’s the most normal thing in the world.

“Are you sure you even need my power? If you can maintain a barrier big enough to safeguard this whole castle, you’ve got to be pretty damn strong all by yourself.”

“It’s no easy task. In the past, there were usually three or four Barrier Masters in the clan. But over the years, our numbers have dwindled. For a long time, it was just my grandfather and me. Then, after he passed, I was the only one left who could do the job. My powers aren’t enough to sustain the barrier long term, especially against new and deadlier threats. It’s weakened in places that I cannae repair without your help.”

I bite my lip and nod. “Okay. You can count on me, partner.”

Relief washes over his face, making it obvious just how heavily this has all been weighing on him.

I link my arm through his as we finally reach the bottom. “You’re not alone anymore.”

“Ta, mo ghràidh.”

I glance around, but it’s hard to see much down here, even with his lantern flashlight.

To my amazement, he pulls out a match and lights an honest-to-god torch on the wall. He then takes that torch and moves around the circular room, lighting other torches in sconces along the stone wall.

Hell, yeah! This is bringing back all the Young Frankenstein vibes again. If only we had a Marty Feldman Igor-type henchman at our sides, my life as a cinephile would be complete!

“There’s no electricity down here,” Elryk explains as he returns to my side.

No windows or other discernible access to the outside world either. That’s a smidge unsettling. I’m getting some low-key crypt vibes, or maybe I’ve just seen too many old horror movies.

“We’re deep underground,” Elryk adds.

Which explains the chilly dampness in the air.

The torch’s light illuminates the circular chamber so I can see it much better. There isn’t anything down here except stone walls and stone floors. However, I can discern a number of ancient markings carved right into the granite at our feet. They’re old and worn with the passage of time, but now that I’m here, I can sense the magic under them pulsing like a heartbeat from the bowels of the Earth.

Just like the orc drums deep within in the Mines of Moria.

“There better not be a Balrog down there or we’re fucked,” I mutter.

Although I totally have to bring my dad down here someday. He’d lose his Tolkien-loving mind.

From the quizzical look on Elryk’s face I can tell he has no idea what I’m talking about—again. “Oh for the love of all that is cinematically holy! Are you telling me you haven’t even seen Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy?”

Blasphemy!

He shakes his head slowly. “I usually don’t have a lot of time to watch movies.”

I put my hands on my hips and push out my chest, allowing my stubborn side to come out full force. “Well, with me you’re going to make time, mate. I mean, there is so much sexy-man eye candy in those movies. Viggo Mortenson! Orlando Bloom! Sean Bean! Karl Urban!” I sigh and shake my head sadly. “You’ve been missing out. But don’t worry, I’m already compiling a list of films for us to watch together this winter.”

The shy smile that graces Elryk’s face is like a sledgehammer to my brain, and I can’t think for a second. He’s so damn cute.

“You’re planning for our future together. I like that, mate.”

I rub at my chest, which aches a little, feeling unexpectedly shy myself. “Of course. You should plan some stuff too, otherwise I might steamroll over you with the ten thousand and one date ideas that I’ve come up with.”

“Aye, there are many things I want us to do together too. But we’ll take our time learning each other’s interests and preferences.” He lets out one of those toe-tingling rumbling noises in his chest. “We have all the time in the world, mo ghràidh.”

All the more reason we need to kick some Sluagh ass! We’ve got schmoopy romantic things to do together, dammit.

And for the first time in my life, that thought doesn’t freak me the fuck out and have me second-guessing how my actions will be received. With Elryk, I’m confident I can be as schmoopy and ridiculous as I want.

Far below us, the magic of the ley line continues to resonate with a rhythmic pulsing. It’s powerful and more than a little intimidating.

I whistle softly as I gesture to the ground. “So this is what they all want, huh?”

“Unfortunately, yes. To start, I need you to practice making contact with the node, using your powers, and then transferring some of that energy to me.”

I rub my hands together. “Let’s get down to brass tacks. Time to activate my mental tentacles.”

Elryk forces an awkward smile. “Right. You know, my mate, you have a gift for extremely inventive… nomenclature.”

“Stick with me, babe. You ain’t seen nothing yet!”

I stand in the center of the room, grounding myself like I’m getting ready to do mountain pose in yoga.

Don’t judge. I like yoga. My mom got me into it. In fact, when I was in high school, we used to take a class together, and I sort of miss that now that I’m older.

Speaking of which, I need to message her. Fuck. I keep forgetting, and I haven’t even checked my phone in a few days. I think I left it charging in my room.

But I’ve got more important things to do right at this moment. I send out my mental tentacles— yup, definitely keeping that one forever —and I’m surprised at how fast I brush up against the overwhelming power brimming up from the ground beneath us. On the plus side, my experience in Loch Ness was not just a fluke. On the other hand, the magic this time is so much more intense. It’s like comparing a lone waterfall to Niagara Falls.

I wouldn’t be surprised if my hair was standing on end from the sheer force of it all. I’m definitely giving Doc Brown in Back to the Future a run for his money in the hair department!

This time I don’t even need to touch Elryk. When I tap the line, I’m flooded with power that needs somewhere to go, and I intuitively know how to share it with my mate. It’s like my mental tentacles want to inject him with my lo—I mean, magical energy.

Simmer down, libido. Not the time or the place.

Elryk stiffens as he takes the full brunt of the ley line’s raw force.

“Sweet goddess above,” he chokes out.

“Should I stop?” I shout.

There’s a rushing sound filling my ears and I’m a little disoriented.

Elryk widens his stance, his powerful thighs and calves flexing— bless you, sweet kilt, for the front-row view —as he positions himself facing the wall and places his hands on the stone surface.

“No, keep channeling everything you can to me until I tell you to stop, or until you cannae do it anymore. I’m going to charge the barrier right here, right now.”

My eyes widen, but I nod. Originally, this was just going to be a trial run to see how this would go. But it’s working better than I think either of us expected, so we’re not going to waste the chance.

I concentrate on what I’m doing while also keeping an eye on Elryk. He moves around the circular wall, whispering words I can’t hear over the rushing in my ears as his hands brush over the runes. From what my newly awakened senses can detect, he seems to be imbuing his power into the carvings along the stone.

Eventually, he makes his way to the large circle of carvings on the floor beneath us, where he repeats the process for what feels like a long time until

he drops to his knees and scoots back against the wall, a tired expression on his ruggedly handsome face.

“Enough,” he manages to say, his voice hoarse.

More than a little relieved, I withdraw my mental tentacles from the node and collapse beside him.

We lean into one another, our backs pressed against the stone wall, and I marvel at what I’m seeing. The more I stare at the runes, the more I swear I can see a bluish glow of magic that just keeps getting brighter and brighter.

“Bloody hell, that was like being superpowered by a nuclear fucking conductor,” Elryk says.

I peer up at him with a lopsided grin. “Did it work?”

The look of giddy joy and obvious relief on his face makes my heart flutter.

“Aye, and then some.” He looks around him in wonder. “I can hardly believe it, but we managed to recharge the barrier and strengthen it in one fell swoop.”

“That’s good, right?”

He takes hold of both my hands in his and brings them to his lips, kissing them reverently.

Warmth floods my chest and I feel a little breathless.

Love is weird, but also wonderful.

“You dinnae understand, Noah. I couldn’t have done this without you.

Even three or four Barrier Masters, working together, couldn’t charge the runes as quickly or as powerfully as I was just able to thanks to you.”

I stare at him. “For real?”

He nods solemnly. “This is why your power is so special, my love. Even Barrier Masters like me cannae tap into the power of the ley line alone. Not without frying ourselves alive. Only a Conduit can transmute that power and share it with others.” He kisses my knuckles again. “Noah, you are a precious gift to me and to our clan. I thank the Goddess every day.”

My heart clenches. “ Our clan?”

“Aye, darling. You’re a DarkWing now and forever.”

Outside of my family, I’ve always had trouble fitting in. Most of my friends dropped me whenever my bad luck would bleed over into their lives. As soon as they learned hanging around me meant being in the eye of an oncoming trouble storm, they bailed in the blink of an eye.

But this wonderful clan of gargoyles has welcomed me with open arms—and wings. I’m so freaking touched I’m full of all kinds of sappy feels.

I blink back tears. “I’m super proud to be part of this clan. Now if only I could sprout some wings of my own and ditch the BDSM Baby Bjorn…”

Elryk leans over and kisses the top of my head. “As you told Nasser, don’t stop believing.”

I pull back and gape at him. “You have an unexpectedly cheeky side to you, Elryk DarkWing.” I flutter my eyelashes. “I like it.”

He laughs.

I press into his side with a contented sigh. “I’m just glad this worked. Recharging the barrier was a lot easier than I was expecting.”

“I’ve never been able to do it so thoroughly or so fast. It’s a major worry that’s now under control.”

“Does that mean we’re in the clear? The Sluagh can’t get to the line now that our defenses have been fortified, right?”

Surely it can’t be that easy? Few things in life are.

Naturally, Elryk shakes his head. “It means they cannae get into the castle or directly to the node—they’re protected. But it doesn’t mean it will deter the Sluagh from coming. They can still sense the power of the line and will be drawn to it no matter what. If they cannae get to that power, they’ll take their frustration out on anyone and anything barring their path that they can find.”

“Namely us,” I reply glumly.

“Aye. When they made it into this realm, they were immediately drawn to the sheer overwhelming force of the ley line. It’s often like a beacon to those with inherent magical powers. I told you before, the legends vary, but they do indicate that the ley lines in this world were created through the combined efforts of the fae and the dragons millennia before their falling out.” He uses his free hand to stroke his short beard. “The Sluagh are creatures from the realm of the fae that have become corrupted by dark forces. It would make sense that they’d be drawn to a power of their own kind that they wish to use for evil.”

I frown. “If they have a natural affinity for fae magic, like you’re suggesting, does that mean they’ll actually be able to tap into the line regardless of the barrier?”

“No, not with the barrier in place and strengthened like it is now. However, if something were to happen to me, the barrier would weaken and eventually fail. Then they could get to the line.”

His words chill me to my core. Keeping Elryk safe is a top priority.

“Alternatively, if they were to capture you and force you to share your power, they could break through that way.”

Well, fuck. Now I have even more to worry about.

Clearly, I need to stay glued to Elryk’s side so we can keep each other safe. And that’s what I’m going to do whether he likes it or not.

“But if we dinnae defeat them when they attack,” Elryk continues, “they’ll head to Loch Ness next—and that node doesn’t have the same level of protection.”

“Double fuck,” I mutter. Then I pause as a thought occurs to me. “Wait. I thought only a Conduit can access or tap into the power of the ley line, so wouldn’t it just destroy them if they did?”

In which case, I say let them fry themselves.

Elryk’s expression darkens. “Unfortunately, there are some species that can safely absorb power from the line without having the gifts of a Conduit. Those that are blood-related to the fae and the dragons are among the few that can. Their natural affinity, as you noted earlier, prevents the magic from incinerating them on the spot. Indeed, your own fae ancestry is part of why you are a Conduit in the first place.”

Le sigh.

“So the Sluagh would be able to use the power without being obliterated.”

“In theory, yes. Although, to my knowledge, it’s never been tested. However, we dare not give them the chance to find out.”

“That makes sense. But then what about those two—” I stop my own train of thought. “Oh right, they were trying to kidnap me so I could give them access to the line. Duh. So not fae or dragons. Just sleazy mages.”

Elryk growls and pulls me closer. “Aye, they were, and I’m afraid to say they won’t be the last. But I swear on the Goddess that we will keep you safe here in DarkWing Castle no matter what threat may come. I know this is all new to you, but the life of a Conduit isnae always an easy one. There will forever be those who would seek to use you for their own gain.” He cups my cheek and looks into my eyes. “I promise not to take advantage of you, either. While you are my mate, and I hope you will want to use your powers to help me as your partner to keep the line and our clan safe, I’ll never force you to do so. If you want to leave here one day and find a life somewhere else, I’ll understand. It’ll kill me inside, but if you cannae be content here with me and with this life, I want you to be able to find wherever and whatever will make you happy.”

The tears are back in full force, dammit. “Oh, Elryk. You’re a bit of a noble idiot, aren’t you?”

He gapes at me.

I chuckle wetly. “Babe, you’re far too willing to give up anything and everything for others, including me. But you should fight for what you want, too. You’ve put me on a pedestal that isn’t realistic. I have flaws. I’m sure there’ll be times when I get frustrated and when I’m an annoying little asshole. But I still want you to fight for me.” I take hold of his hand and bring it to my lips so I can kiss his rough, scarred knuckles. “To fight for us. Because I know I’m willing to fight for both of those things—and so should you.”

He searches my eyes with an intensity that leaves me breathless and a

deep rumble rolls up from his chest. “Are you giving me permission to fight for you and for us?”

“Hell yeah, I am.”

His eyes glow in the dim light of the cellar. “It’s a promise, and believe me, gargoyles take such things very seriously. I’ll remind you of your words anytime you forget. I’ll fight for you with my dying breath if I have to.”

I wipe at my eyes with my shirt sleeve. “Let’s not talk about dying. It’s far too early in our relationship for any of that morbid thinking. Now that the barrier’s fixed, what’s next?”

Elryk grins. “We see if you can use your powers to assist us in battle.”

He gets to his feet and pulls me up on shaky legs.

“It’s time for some training outside.”