Page 72 of Twist of Fate

“They remain guards,” Connal replied.

“I thought they were rocks,” Gomez said, his voice only slightly squeaky. The pixies gathered around him, concerned about his heart rate or something. They petted him and offered him more pastries while Luke continued to process what he was seeing.

“They were resting while we greeted each other,” Connal explained.

Gomez pointed at the gargoyles. “This is how they rest?”

“Yes.”

“By standing against the wall and pretending to be decorations?”

The first gargoyle frowned. “We do not pretend.”

Gomez gasped and reached for a pastry while he stared at the gargoyle. “The rock talks.”

“He does,” the second gargoyle said.

“Oh, good. Both rocks talk.”

The third remained silent, his gaze fixed on Gomez.

Gomez slowly pointed toward him. “That one is judging me.”

“He is assessing you,” the first gargoyle corrected.

“That’s just judgment with better branding.”

Luke’s mouth twitched.

Connal gestured toward each gargoyle. “Igneous. Balthazar. Fred.”

Gomez blinked and put the pastry back on the plate. “I’m sorry. What was the last one?”

Connal looked extremely confused. Luke couldn’t blame him.

“Fred.”

“You have gargoyles named Igneous, Balthazar, and Fred.”

The silent gargoyle tilted his head.

“Not that there’s anything wrong with Fred,” Gomez said quickly. “Fred is an excellent name. Unexpected, but excellent.”

Fred continued to stare.

“See?” Gomez whispered to Luke. “Judgment.”

“He finds you interesting,” Balthazar said.

Gomez sat a little straighter. “Really?”

Fred blinked once.

“I like Fred.”

Avaneel, who had been watching from Gomez’s shoulder, planted her hands on her hips. “You like me.”

“No, I adore you. Fred and I are exploring a separate friendship.”