A rumbling growl was the only warning. Then suddenly the gargoyles awoke. Their eyes glowed yellow as they stretched their mouths wide and roared. The roars were echoed from different areas of the park. Then the roars faded away, but the yellow eyes continued to glow.

The wizard turned to Holgarth. “It is done. I’ll return to my room now. If you make a decision about your replacement, let me know.”

“How can I let you know if I don’t know your name or what room you’re in?” Holgarth’s voice lacked its usual bite. Right now he just sounded like a tired old man.

Cinn expected the kind of reply that Holgarth in his prime probably would have delivered. Something like, “You’re the wizard. Figure it out.” But surprisingly, the man simply walked back into the castle, leaving everyone staring silently after him. She felt Dacian relax.

“Let’s give the gargoyles their orders and then get out of here.” His smile was a flash of wickedness in the darkness. “Sometimes Sparkle comes up with good ideas.”

Cinn knew she should be too worried about Airmid, her plants, and Stephan to think about making love. But when the making love involved Dacian, she could lose herself for a few hours.

Holgarth just nodded. He raised his staff and intoned, “Guardians, keep all night feeders other than Dacian and Taurin Veris out of Live the Fantasy.”

Kristin looked troubled. “You know, I think Cinn was right. Maybe you should enlarge that a little. What if Stephan has picked up some mercenaries who aren’t night feeders?”

“Who of power would waste their time joining a losing endeavor?” Ah, you couldn’t keep the old Holgarth down. “But if you insist.” He focused on the gargoyles. “Also keep away any who would harm those who rightfully dwell here.” Even though Kristin and he were about the same height, he still managed to look down his nose at her. A wizard of many talents. “There. Is that sufficient?”

Cinn thought they should have worked on the wording before giving the command. Sure, Holgarth was a lawyer, but she had a feeling his mind wasn’t completely on his job tonight. But she was a newbie in the group, so probably she should keep her mouth shut. She looked up at Dacian.

His smile was temptation dipped in chocolate. Sexy with addictive qualities. “We’ll check on your plants and then…then we’ll do something else.”

Eric and Donna walked up beside Dacian. “Thought I’d give you a welcome-home present.” Eric winked at Cinn as he slapped Dacian on the back. “Let’s have a quick drink at Wicked Fantasy while I discuss it. And don’t worry about your plants, Cinn. I just checked in mentally with Asima and everything’s quiet.” He nodded at Taurin and Kristin. “You guys come with us.”