Page 17 of Sins of the Stone

Ramuz

W hen they got home, they curled up in bed together and didn’t stir until the morning. The flight home made his heart flutter as he held his human close, never wanting to let go after their incredible time together near the stream. Ursulette appeared content as well, which only made things better. Everything was perfect for the time being. He had his human, and she did not have to worry.

Ramuz awoke to a familiar voice in the kitchen, more distressed than usual. He rolled over, realizing she was not there. A pang of sadness hit him, wishing to wake up to her shining, sleepy face. He would have to settle for the next best thing, crawling out of bed and seeing her. She would be drowsy and would greet him with one of her soft smiles—if only she weren’t muttering to herself.

With a stretch, he tossed his legs over the side. As he stood up, her voice still did not stop. He was sure it was Ursulette, but what she was doing or why she was talking like that perplexed him.

Wandering down the hall, he stepped into the kitchen, her form coming into view. She was whispering to herself in a hushed manner, pacing back and forth in front of the counter. It made him grin ever so slightly.

“Hello, my treasure,” he trilled. Ursulette looked up, her movements stopping, eyes going wide. Not with fear, but with another emotion he couldn’t quite place.

“Oh gods,” she gasped. His face twisted with confusion, his tail swishing with curiosity. Before he could speak, she muttered another phrase. “We were together yesterday, weren’t we?” Ramuz nodded. Her face grew bright with blush, and she ran her hand through her dark hair nervously.

“Oh, gods, I’m terrible. I can’t believe I did that,” she said, her words practically falling from her lips. Ramuz took no offense in her assertion, knowing it was just another one of her self-conscious fits. “I shouldn’t have—Oh gods, I’m going to hell. They’re going to burn me at the stake for this. I—”

“Ursulette,” he interrupted, knowing she was panicking. Her stare stuck to him. He took a stride forward, his body now against hers, gazing into her eyes. He embraced her, pressing her head onto his chest.

“No one is going to hurt you. They will have to take me to my dying breath to do that,” he said, stroking the back of her head. “You are thinking too much, being self-conscious again.” He clicked his tongue in a disapproving manner. “Just like I told you not to.”

“You’re right,” she said against him, her tense body finally relaxing. He began combing out her frazzled hair. Her breathing slowed. “Though you must understand how unusual this is.” Her voice was now smooth and calm. He was happy he could lower her to such a state.

“I understand,” he said, her warmth sending him into bliss.

“It is unheard of—”

“Taboo.”

“More than taboo, Ramuz. They will kill us.”

“Do not be ridiculous. There is no they , and they will not harm us even if there was. I will be sure of it.” Her face twisted like she was thinking. If there were survivors, the least of their concerns would be what their outcast was doing with a gargoyle. They would be more focused on basic survival—if there were any of them left. Of course, he would never say that to her. It could break her heart.

“I suppose… But still, it’s taboo nonetheless.”

“Do you not enjoy the taboo?” he questioned, glancing down to see her face shade. Much to his delight, it did. Her sea-blue eyes leered to the side.

“Well,” she began, taking a breath, silent for a moment. “Yes, I do. You’re right.” Her admission made his heart flutter. “But you don’t have to rub it in.” Finally, she grinned, lifting her head and nudging him with her palm. A warm feeling washed over him. Their eyes met, and her face went pink again.

“You are so adorable, my little human.” He brushed his knuckle over her cheek. Her face shaded darker, the hint of a smile peeking through her lips. After they shared this moment, he tousled her hair, giving her a slight chuckle. “What are you doing up so early, anyway? The sun has barely risen.” Her eyes fell bashfully.

“I was going to make breakfast, but then I started, you know… panicking a little,” she said, her hands weaving together at her front.

“Breakfast? It would be best if you were sleeping, silly girl. Your body needs rest after how much you enchanted me,” he said, placing his hands on each side of her cherubic face.

“I know,” she replied with a slight smile. “I will, only if you join me.” Ramuz’s heart swelled. He had never before felt such joy in his life.

“Of course, my treasure.”