Restraint (The Revelation Series Book 2) (33 page)

Unsure of what I should do, I lamely wave. “Hello
,” I say in a small voice. At this, the council members begin to look at one another. The elder smiles, but it’s not friendly. “Where is your assigned protector, daughter of Heaven?”

I take a deep cleansing breath before I speak in a firm voice. “He’s not here. I came alone.” I’m having a difficult time looking at Lord Falk, remembering what he did to Asher in my
dream. Rulf stands and moves by my side in an almost protective stance.

“Miss Collins, be assured
Domus Gurgulio offers you refuge, always.” Lord Falk bows to me before straightening. “May I present the Royal Gargoyle Council of Protectors?”

“Of course
,” I say, trying not to sound intimidated or afraid as I look at the panel.

Lord Falk motions to
two men on his far right. “Cassius and Lief.” Then motions to two women. “Catrain and Ryia.” He points to a male elder. “Jarin.” At each one’s name, they dip their head to me in acknowledgement. I follow suit.

Lord Falk shifts his focus to his direct left
, motioning to a female elder. “Thea. Rowen is the only gentlemen on this side, Carac, and Sybbyl. The empty chair is for your protector, Prince Asher.” He returns his gaze to me as I take in the elite council, all various ages and ethnicities.

Trying to find words, I say the only thing that comes to mind. “It’s an honor. Thank you for allowing me refuge and for seeing me on short notice.”
Whoa, where did that come from?

Lord Falk
relaxes his wings and takes a seat on the throne after his formalities. “Why are you here, Miss Collins, and without your appointed gargoyle?”

I stand straight and look him right in the eye. “To request
clemency on his behalf.”

All the council’s eyes are on me
. Their faces morph into scowls. No one speaks. I don’t wait for an answer. “Mr. St. Michael has done nothing immoral. The accusations against him are inaccurate. It is my understanding that you are a fair council, yet you are prepared to put one of your own on trial for an erroneous charge without any evidence to support the claim,” I say, mustering up all the strength I can to sound unafraid.

Lord
Falk narrows his eyes at me. “Yet here you are, Miss Collins, asking for leniency on his highnesses behalf. Why is that?”
Crap. He makes a good point.

I hold
his stare and tip my chin up. “He is my protector. We are bonded. It only makes sense that I care about what happens to him. My well-being and existence depend on his protection.” I pray they buy it.

2
3
Darkness

“
NOT ANOTHER WORD!” A deep male voice shouts from the back of the council chambers. I don’t even need to turn around to know that it’s Asher. I clench my teeth. Damn fairy potion didn’t last long enough. The entire council turns their interest behind me.

Rulf
leans into my ear. “Do you want my protection from your gargoyle?” he asks in a serious tone. I shift my eyes to him without answering. “I’ll take your silence as a yes.” He stands tall again, grinning before he takes my elbow and moves us to the side to make room for Asher.

The council is now to my left and
to my right I see the London clan storming up the aisle, appearing fierce. Asher just looks primal and ready to tear something, or someone, apart with his bare hands. He doesn’t glance at me. The muscle in his jaw is ticking at a rapid pace.

Keegan,
McKenna, Asher, Abby and Callan all stand in front of the council. Everyone but Asher takes a knee before rising. No one looks my way. They’re all tense and stiff, wings out.

“Lord Falk, council members
, please accept my deepest apologies for my lack of presence. I am here now, a day early, and ready to proceed with the trial. Miss Collins is incorrect. I do not require clemency,” Asher says in an even voice.

I
go to step toward Asher but Rulf wraps his hands around my upper arms, preventing me from moving. I snap my head toward him, showing my displeasure. In response, he shakes his head, telling me not to intervene. His grip tightens as I give in and stay put.

Lord Falk just stares at Asher for a few moments. “Very well
, Prince. The council will grant a short break to allow you to inform Miss Collins of our tribunal rules,” he says formally.

Asher tenses. “I would prefer if Miss Collins not be present during
the hearing. She’s human and a simple charge. There’s no need for her to be in attendance,” he retorts and I clench my teeth.

The elder gargoyle takes his request into consideration before responding. “Denied. She will be in chamber during the trial
. After all, your highness, this trial is about her.” His answer is final. “The rest of the London clan will remain with the council while you take a moment to discuss the process with your charge. We will send Rulf to retrieve you when we are ready to begin.”

Asher’s body is rigid as he dips his head. “Thank you, Lord Falk
.” He turns and faces me. His expression is furious. “Release your hold on her.” He seethes at Rulf. At his order, Rulf lets go of my arms. Asher prowls to me before taking my elbow and guiding me out of the hall.

My protector
says nothing as he drags me down several stone corridors and into a private, dark hallway that’s out of sight. Without warning, he pushes me against the wall and presses his body against mine before placing a knee between my legs and dropping his forehead to me. Confused, I just stand frozen. I expect yelling but not this.

His breath fans over my face while he
closes his eyes, attempting to control his emotions. “Are you okay?” he asks on an exhaled shaky breath.

Reveling in the feel of him, I chance moving my arms to the front of his chest. “I’m fine,” I answer in a quiet voice.

He nods his head against mine and lifts his gaze. “Fuck, I don’t know whether to kiss you or strangle you, siren. What the hell where you thinking? We’ll discuss the shit you pulled later. Now is not the time or place.” He stares at me, his anger subsiding.

My throat tightens with nerves. “Okay
,” I answer weakly.

Asher’s hands cup my face
, tilting it back so he can get a better view of my hazel eyes. “Whatever happens in that room, Eve, DO NOT REACT. Do you understand?” he asks, his tone stern.

I just watch him. “Yes.” My heart lurches at the thought of what could actually happen in th
ere.

He
blows out a stressful breath, but his body doesn’t relax. “I mean it, Eve. You can’t act in response. If I sense, even for a moment, that you’re about to, I will have that dumbass Rulf yank you out of the chamber so fast, you won’t know what hit you,” he warns firmly.

“
I understand,” I say, trying to get him to believe me.

Asher’s eyes just scan mine. “You will walk out of th
ere with me today.” He holds my gaze, waiting for me to say I understand what he means.

I nod.

Asher steps away from me, releasing each part he’s touching as emptiness floods my body. After a few moments of composing himself, Rulf appears.

“The counci
l is ready for you,” Rulf says from behind us in a no-nonsense tone.

We follow
my guide back into the council chamber, side-by-side but not touching. The room is laced with tension as my eyes scan the clan’s solemn faces. Callan offers me a wink before Asher and I stand before the assembly again.

“Miss Collins, please step to the side with
Rulf,” Lord Falk instructs as the good-looking gargoyle ushers me closer to Abby. At Rulf’s touch, Asher’s face snarls. The anger he’s emitting sends shivers down my spine.

Lord Falk turns to Asher
then to the council. “Asher St. Michael, elite council members, we are here today to hold tribunal on behalf of the gargoyle community. Since there is a human present, we will continue not in our native tongue of Garish, but in English for the proceedings.” At his announcement, the members dip their heads in agreement.

He turns back to Asher. “Mr. St. Michael, it has been brought to the council’s atten
tion you are in violation of our laws. You have been accused of having infringed upon the oath you swore to uphold with regard to your loyalty to both the human race and your charge, Eve Collins. What say you?” The older gargoyle waits for an answer.

Asher
stands tall and speaks in an authoritative tone. “As a member of this council, and next in line to the throne, I take my oath and loyalty to both my race and my charge very seriously. With respect, I ask the council what proof the accuser provided to initiate this hearing?” He waits as the council shifts their focus to Lord Falk.

The tall
leader smirks. “The petitioner has provided two eye witnesses to your breach. We’ve interviewed both and they have corroborated the accuser’s claims. As a member of this council, your highness, you are aware that the punishment for such forbidden defiance is stone petrifaction.” My heart drops into my stomach at this reminder. Images from my vision flash into my mind and I begin to sweat.

Asher doesn’t seem
phased. “As you and the council are aware, the punishment is not enforceable without physical proof. You have none because none exists. The alleged accounts from two unnamed witnesses are not enough to impose the sentence. We all know that, Lord Falk,” Asher says confidently.

Lord Falk pales. “No. There is no physical proof, only verbal
,” he answers with annoyance.

Asher bobs his head. “Then
, I think we’re done here. Make no mistake though, no mercy will be bestowed to anyone who attempts to hurt Miss Collins. It is my right as her protector to eliminate anyone, human or gargoyle, who might bring her harm. Therefore, if Deacon Baptise is the accuser, I suggest you investigate him for the kidnapping and severe beating of Miss Collins instead of wasting everyone’s time with a frivolous tribunal,” Asher says with malice laced in his statement.

At this
, the council turns to one another. “Do you have proof of this alleged charge against Mr. Baptise?” Lord Falk queries.

“I can provide the same amount of evidence as he
has given to you of my so-called breach of my protector oath,” Asher says with sarcasm.

The elder
narrows his eyes. “Fair enough. We will open an investigation into your allegation,” Lord Falk agrees.

Asher motions for me to join him
. I move to his side, anxious to leave. “Thank you. Then we are done,” Asher states.

The older gargoyle lifts one side of his mouth.
“Not quite so fast, Mr. St. Michael. The gravity of this situation is deep. As a council member and next in line to rule our race, you are aware of how seriously we take our protector oaths and laws. Therefore, we must take an accusation such as this under extreme consideration, regardless of evidence or who the petitioner is.” My stomach falls and I pale at his words. Asher tenses next to me.

Lord Falk stands taller. “It is the council
’s ruling that you shall be temporarily removed as Miss Collin’s protector until we can either clear you or charge you further.” Suddenly, the air is sucked out of the room and I can’t breathe.

I can feel t
he anger radiating off Asher though he schools his face and body. “I accept the council’s ruling, conditionally.” The words are rushed out of his mouth, his eyes locked onto Lord Falk.

“The council agrees to hear your conditions
, protector,” the leader acquiesces.

Asher takes in a deep breath and closes his eyes before opening them and focusing on Lord Falk. “I would like to
ask the council to remove Miss Collins from the chamber before I state my conditions.” No!

Lord Falk nods. “Granted.” He motions
to Rulf to take me away. I turn to face Asher, panicking. He doesn’t look at me. I clench my teeth as Rulf takes hold of my elbow, attempting to get me to leave the chamber. “Wait,” I bark at my escort.

I don’t budge because I’m heartbroken. I lower my voice to a whisper and lean into Asher. “
You said we would walk out of here together. How could you?” He doesn’t acknowledge me, his jaw muscle thrumming as I am escorted out of the chamber without Asher by my side.

***

We’re surrounded
by darkness as the cold, wet rain descends from the night sky, prickling my skin. My breathing is deep as my chest rises and falls quickly. Beyond the cliff’s jagged drop and past the wall of stone is the Atlantic Ocean. I train my eyes straight ahead and focus on the body of water shrouded in black.

Asher stands motionless
next to me. I’m not sure if he’s even breathing. I slide my glance to his face. At the sight, my throat constricts. The light provided by the inky sky bounces off the ocean, reflecting in his face.

“We have five minutes before they come to escort me
away,” Asher says coolly.

I turn to face
him. “I need you,” I whisper in a pathetic voice.