Page 3 of Seduced by Moonlight (Gargoyles of San DeLain #1)

“UNFORTUNATELY, THE ones who were responsible are dead, and I do not mean the witches.” Ward quickly explained who Nox and Lennox were, the corporation they’d owned, and who and what hunters were. “You’re not the only person kidnapped and forced into this. But there were some who… were not.”

“I see. Then I guess it’s a good thing my primary concern is survival and adaptation. If those paths lead me back to those who betrayed me, then so be it.”

Ward was okay with that. “Then we will help you adapt.”

“Our world might differ from what you’re used to, but you are not alone anymore,” Celine added.

Rihanna nodded. The room fell silent until she finally spoke again. “When do you wish me to make this oath?”

Ward glanced out one of the windows. Dawn was quickly approaching. “Before I answer that, I should ask if you know what I am?”

“You said gargoyle. My realm also has creatures such as you. Was it you who rescued me then? Seems like I remember someone human-looking.”

“It was, yes. This is my human facade.”

“It’s unnecessary for you to hide your true form from me. The gargoyles in my world are deeply honorable beings,” Rihanna said. Then she glanced out of the window too. “Which means your time grows short. Tonight, then?”

“Yes. In the meantime, please stay here. Celine will most likely want to monitor you,” Ward said.

“Most definitely. I’m sure you’d like to have a shower too, and then I’ll bring you something to eat,” Celine said. “I think we’re about the same size. You can raid my wardrobe.”

“That’s very kind of you. Thank you. It would be nice to actually rest,” Rihanna said. “I would definitely welcome food. They failed to feed me adequately.”

“I’m sure,” Celine said.

“Ward? Am I to call you that or something else?” Rihanna asked.

“Ward’s fine. I don’t stand on ceremony.”

“I understand you want me to swear formally tomorrow evening, and I’m assuming it will be in front of your clan, but to reassure both of us, I, Rihanna Norwood, promise not to harm you, your clan, or to do damage to your property.”

Magic swirled in the air. Extremely strong magic, Ward noticed.

“I, King Hereward Tywyll, of Clan Tywyll and king of the San DeLain gargoyles, accept your vow and extend the same,” Ward answered formally. “Thank you.”

The vows intertwined and then solidified into a bond between him and Rihanna. Seeing such a strong link between the two of them reassured Ward greatly that he was not making a mistake or putting his clan in jeopardy.

Ward noticed a sense of resolve settled over Rihanna’s face, but there was also relief.

“There are many humans and other paranormals who’re part of my clan, so you’ll see many people out and about today if you’re still awake later. I’ll see you once the sun sets again,” Ward said.

“Thank you,” Rihanna murmured.

“Here. Let me show you where you can rest.” Celine escorted Rihanna back to a room.

As the door closed behind them, Ward stood in the corridor, his mind racing with possibilities and dangers alike. He turned and strolled back toward the stairwell that would lead to the roof, the weight of leadership heavy on his shoulders.

The ancient stone walls of the clan’s stronghold whispered with the echo of countless oaths taken over centuries. Each one was a reminder of the fragile balance he had to maintain.

Right before daylight broke over the land, Ward perched atop the tallest tower of his castle. A few others joined him as they prepared for their stone sleep.

The first rays of dawn seeped through the sky, casting a pale glow over Ward’s figure as his transformation began. His muscles tensed and strained, his bones cracking and twisting into new shapes as his human form gave way to that of a gargoyle.

A shudder ran through his body as his skin stretched and thickened, taking on a rough gray texture like that of stone. Great wings unfurled from his back, their leathery membrane shimmering in the dim light. His tail grew, his legs changed, while sharp claws sprouted from his feet.

Within moments, Ward had transformed into a fierce gargoyle, his body frozen into the stone that formed his daytime prison, as the sun peeked over the horizon.

AS DUSK settled across the sky, painting it in shades of deep purple and midnight blue, awareness crawled through Ward’s subconsciousness. The fading light finally slipped below the horizon, and with it, his stony exterior crumbled away.

Each piece of rock broke off with a resounding crack, echoing through the stillness of the night. As more fragments fell away, then disappeared into nothingness, Ward’s massive wings stretched out to their full size as his body contorted and shifted.

A low, guttural growl emanated from his throat as his muscles adapted to his newly revealed self. His skin was now a smooth midnight blue instead of gray stone. He stretched, working the kinks out.

After greeting several of his clan members who shared the roof with him, he took the stone stairwell that led to his personal chambers. The steps creaked beneath his weight, a familiar sound that had become like music to his ears.

When he reached his floor, he turned down a dimly lit hallway and reached for the doorknob of his private quarters. The worn wooden handle was smooth in his hand, offering a sense of comfort and familiarity.

As he stepped inside, the scent of incense and candle wax enveloped him, creating a serene atmosphere that he cherished.

The same magic that allowed gargoyles to exist also granted them clothing that adapted to his needs in this form—like a hole for his tail—and thankfully prevented them from running around naked like the shifters.

The supple leather of his pants extended to his knees, but below that point, there was nothing remotely human about his legs. They were a frightening combination of animal and monster, with three-taloned toes and a sharp claw protruding from the back of each foot.

As he walked, the leather creaked and stretched. He always found the contrast between his human and gargoyle forms strange. As a gargoyle, he was massive and imposing, but in his human form, he had the lean physique of a swimmer.

Ward sat heavily in his leather chair, fingers tapping on the ancient wood of his desk as he thought about Rihanna. He knew he needed to discuss his actions with his council, if only to warn them of the potential consequences.

Should he have consulted with them first before inviting Rihanna to join their clan? Yes. Normally, he would’ve already discussed it with his council, then had the person vetted. But there had been nothing normal about this, and time had been of the essence.

Ward stood and walked over to a large, ornate mirror hanging on the wall. Speaking an incantation under his breath, the surface shimmered for several minutes before finally revealing the faces of his trusted council and friends. It was like a Zoom meeting but done in a mirror.

“Good evening,” he greeted them. Each face showed varying degrees of sleepiness and curiosity.

“Well, this can’t be good, if we’re barely up and you’re contacting us in this fashion,” Luna teased.

Ward heard the worry, though, as she spoke.

“It’s barely dark outside,” Tank complained. “How is it you’ve already managed to find trouble?”

“There’s no rest for the wicked, right?” Several groans met Ward’s joke, then he got serious. “There’s been a new development.”

He explained the unexpected arrival of Rihanna on his land, her involvement in a black magic ritual, and the revelation of her hybrid nature.

“She possesses immense power,” Ward emphasized. “A kind of magic I’ve never encountered before, even in my four hundred years.”

The reaction was mixed—curiosity tinged with suspicion.

“She’s definitely a double-edged sword,” Ward continued. “Her abilities are unknown. She also desperately needed help, then and now. I simply cannot turn a blind eye to someone in distress who was all but sacrificed on my lands.”

Tank groaned. “Dammit, Ward, what is it with you and strays?”

Ward ignored that. “But it’s not just about her being a potential asset. It’s about preventing a possible threat too. I must also consider the risk she may pose if left unchecked.”

“We trust your judgement,” Luna said. “But remember, Ward, the balance of power is delicate. Introducing an unknown factor could tip it dangerously, especially since she is an unknown.”

“I’m aware,” Ward acknowledged, staring at each person in the mirror. “That’s why I’m contacting you. You need to be aware of what has happened, but I also want your thoughts and advice.”

“We need more information about her origins—her realm’s culture, politics… even folklore might give us insight,” suggested Emmett.

“Agreed,” Ward replied. “But I don’t see how we’re going to manage that.”

“’Cause, you know, it’s another realm,” Tank added helpfully. “You caught that, right, Emmett?”

Emmett flipped Tank off, and Tank returned the gesture with both hands.

“Coffee,” Ward muttered as he pinched the bridge of his nose. “I need coffee. What I was going to say was since that isn’t possible, I’ll arrange for Celine to speak with Rihanna after she’s rested—ask her questions and see what Rihanna will share with us.”

“And we have no way to verify anything she tells us,” Emmett pointed out.

“True. But lies breed lies, and they eventually trip people up,” Ward said.

“So we see if her story changes over time,” Emmett said.

“Yes,” Ward said. “And if we could get ahold of the hunters’ notes on Rihanna, that would be very helpful too.”

“What are the odds Rihanna would know the facility she was being held at? I mean, it’s not like she’s from this realm. Landmarks and city names won’t be familiar to her,” Scarlett said.

“That is a problem,” Emmett agreed.

“Hudson and Kage have their hackers going through reams of data retrieved from the hunters. I’ll ask both of them to be on the lookout for any information about Rihanna ,” Ward said.

“We might get lucky and find something if we got our hands on that,” Tank said.

“She’s a magic user, you said. And she’s powerful. Is she as powerful as you?” Joel asked. “Because if she is, that’s troublesome.”

“Is she as powerful as I am?” Ward’s gaze roamed over his friends’ reflections in the mirror. He’d wondered that too. “Possibly. A battle between us would likely be evenly matched.”

Tank frowned.

“And I understand why you’d find that worrisome, but keep in mind that in a battle, it wouldn’t be just me. You five are nearly as strong as me.”

“Nearly is not the same as, though,” Luna added.

“True, but don’t forget about our elders,” Scarlett chimed in. “They may be grumpy, but they hold immense power.”

Joel snorted. “They’d have to stop bickering long enough to do anything.”

“There is that,” Ward said.

The elders consisted of one parent from each councilor. Ward wasn’t sure how it came to be that the ones appointed were only male. However, since Ward had taken over as leader, he’d been pushing for his clan to embrace more modern ways, much to the dismay and resistance of some of the traditionalist elders.

He’d vowed to drag them into the twenty-first century, no matter how some of the elders screamed and kicked. One of the first things Ward had done was appoint females on his council. He’d quickly overcome opposition to that.

“Also want to remind you all that the contractor I hired will stop by in about an hour, so please be there so he may introduce himself and his crew,” Ward said.

There were more groans.

“I know, I’m not fond of having strangers on my land either, but it has to be done,” Ward said. “The contractor’s name is Kayden Lancaster, and he is part of the paranormal community, of course.”

“What did you say he was again?” Joel asked.

“He’s a telekinetic,” Ward said.

“A teek? So, basically a human.” Joel shrugged when Scarlett growled at him. “What? He is.”

“Don’t be an ass,” Scarlett said. “And no, he’s not just a human, any more than witches are just a human. Do you know what they can do?”

Joel shrugged.

“He can’t help being an ass,” Tank said. “That’s just his default.”

“Then he needs to get a new one,” Luna snapped. “Because humans run this joint when we’re at rest. Might want to remember that, Joel.”

“Hey, hey, hey,” Joel said, holding up his hands. “All I’m saying is that they’re basically one step above a human.”

“No, they are no—”

“Let me be clear. While Mr. Lancaster and his crew are in my territory, you will give them the respect they are due, Joel. Do you understand?” Ward snapped.

“Of course, Sire. I didn’t mean any disrespect,” Joel said, baring his throat to Ward.

“Of course you did, but that’s neither here nor there,” Emmett said. “If that’s all, there’s a cup of coffee calling my name.”

“Rihanna will swear her oath to the clan after I meet with Kayden and his team, but I will notify you, and the rest of the clan, when it’s time,” Ward said. “When I get a text message telling me when Kayden is on his way, I will also notify each of you. Now, go enjoy your coffee, Emmett.”