Tristan

FATE IS A FUNNY THING. IT waits for us. Hidden deep within the shadows, wrapped in darkness, planning its strike.

And when it does, most of us fight it before we accept it.

I’d say it’s human nature, but I’m not human.

For Serena and I, fate has led us back to the beginning.

The gargoyle heir destined to reign, needing to be safeguarded from those who hunt her. And the reluctant protector who must educate her in the ways of her reality.

It is a vicious cycle.

Only this time, I’m not reluctant.

And we are no longer fighting separate wars.

We’re one—aequus.

I wasn’t supposed to want her, because it wasn’t supposed to be about me. It was supposed to be about blood, oaths, and protection. Loyalties and obligations that we are, and were, both tethered to.

Now, I’m enlightened.

I realize those loyalties and obligations we’re bound to have always been about each other. Our fate.

Acting on our attraction triggered a shitstorm of darkness to fall over both our futures. These past few days have been pure fucking hell. During the day, I force myself to stop imagining what is happening to her. Wondering whether she’s suffering. But nights are completely different.

At night, in the darkness, I can’t guard my thoughts.

And with the darkness comes the madness and anger.

For the first time in my life, I will destroy everything and everyone in my way to fight for, and hold on to, my fate.

Her.

I’ll protect her, even if it takes me to my grave.

Because I love her.

Which is the only reason I’m staring at the dragons and torches in front of me. The wrought-iron gates creak open and we drive into the underground garage. Zander parks next to handful of expensive-looking vehicles.

I take in a deep breath and exhale it slowly.

Magali and Zander get out of the car, but I sit for a moment, talking myself off the ledge. Reminding myself how much Serena needs me to do this, in order to save her.

A harsh knock on the glass window next to my face forces me to snap my gaze to my brother.

He offers an encouraging nod and motions for me to get out of the vehicle as he opens the passenger door.

I step out and we walk to the elevator.

Once in, Magali presses the button for the first floor.

With a quiet ding, the door to the elevator slides open, and we step into a short entry.

The walls are a light gray and the floors a dark hardwood. I know this because my gaze is focused on the tips of my boots until we arrive at the black lacquered door.

The three of us stand in front of it. Wordlessly.

Stretching my neck from side to side, I sigh.

Magali tugs at my elbow, signing it will be all right.

Zander and I exchange a final look.

I raise my fist and pound three times as instructed.

And we wait.

In silence.

For what’s to come next.

A moment later the door swings open.

I inhale sharply at the sapphire eyes narrowed at me.

“It’s about fucking time you showed up,” she says.