A Beautiful Evil (A Beautiful Book. 1) #Wattys2015

Chapter Twelve - Coffins

"I don't see why killing one of the most useful weapons we have was necessary," Adrian scolded, setting a steaming cup coffee in front of me. I tried to hide my smile in the sleeve of daring black mail Adrian had me change into after my clothes got shredded due to me Shifting. After I decapitated the nasty gorgon, Adrian was furious for a few seconds, screaming at me in the tongue that he used while summoning the Keeper of Keys. I stayed quiet, waiting for him to cool his temper, and soon enough, my big 'ol loving brother was back. "Why don't you come inside and let's get you something to change into that's... Well, more fitting for your status." All I could do was grin.

" I don't expect you to understand," I giggled.

"Well, good." He poured himself a cup of the steaming black liquid. "Because I don't. What is it about you damn gargoyles and gorgons anyway?"

I sighed. I didn't expect him to understand; to even comprehend the hate I had towards them that went bone deep. I couldn't explain it. It was just the rivalry between two species.

Ever since the first gargoyle was born - me - and other gargoyle were sired after me, there have been gorgons. Gorgons, with a nest of hissing snakes atop their head and a reptilian like body, were the offspring between gargoyles and a basilisk. Though nobody knows when the first one was born, we know their lineage. Just like the basilisk, the gorgon had venom that would stop the heart of any creature, except the gargoyle and basilisk itself. And like it's gargoyle parent, it had the ability of stone. It just took the ability to a whole new level. Instead of using it as a self preservation, it used it as a deadly weapon. If threatened, one look in the gorgon's eyes could turn you to stone, killing you on spot and freezing you in time forever. Gargoyles were the only ones lucky enough to be immune to the gorgon's deadly glare.

So when I see one, my instincts take over and I try to kill it, and vise versa.

"It's nothing." I waved off his comment. "But why did you bring me down here again? What was the point of this whole show and tell thing going on?"

Adrian's features suddenly grew hard, and he blew out a breath. "I would tell you to sit down for his, but given you're already sitting I guess I'll just get on with it, then?" I nodded, cold anticipation raging in my stomach like bile.

"Okay, so you know how your father just randomly summoned you home?"

I nodded again. "Yes...?"

"Well, it wasn't just because your mother was cut by an Archangel's blade, Mara." My stomach wove itself into a tight knot, and I feared I would puke. "You see," he continued, waving his hand in the air. "My brothers and I have had some of our people... Oh, how do you say this? Take interest in the king's social life?"

"You're having your people spyon my father?" I screeched, my mouth almost hitting the table.

Adrian's eyes went round, and he leaned across the table to glare at me. "Shh! Do you want the whole camp to hear you?" At my side, Fillin growled, his eyes that strange, icy grey.

I shivered, turning my attention back to the Horsemen of War. "Sorry," I muttered, wrapping my hands around the warm mug in front of me.

Adrian relaxed a little, leaning back in his chair and whipping away a stray hair that fell from his ponytail. "As I was saying," he advanced. "Rumors are spreading, Mara. A war is brewing between the Light and Dark forces, and your father wants you around when that time comes."

For a moment, I was surprised. Yes, I knew I had some value to the kingdom, given if it wasn't for me, there would be no gargoyles. I was the daughter of Lucifer, Princess of Hell and Queen of the Gargoyles. I had power, but the thought of my father using me as some mysterious secret weapon was preposterous. I scuffed, "You're kidding, right?"