The Baron's Demons (Shadows of Deringham Book 1) by Erin Elle

Author:Erin Elle [Elle, Erin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Jane Eyre, Alternate Universe - Fantasy, Gothic, Naughty Bits (aka PWP), Paranormal
ISBN: 9798991429306
Goodreads: 219516554
Publisher: Stitching Grey Publishing
Published: 2024-09-04T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

As the sun began to set, Gabriel and Julia set up camp in the upstairs parlor to wait out the night, armed with a sword and a tea service Sal had left before she disappeared to her rooms. The servants had all been ordered to turn in early and barricade their doors. While the creatures had not seemed interested in them the first time, Gabriel did not want any accidental encounters.

He settled himself in an armchair by the fire, sword resting against the side of the chair so he could grab it in an instant. Mirna curled in his lap in a tiny ball, rumbling in pleasure as he absently stroked her fur. Kinson was draped across the mantelpiece, tail twitching as he supervised Julia, who was seated at the table with her drawing supplies. She tensed every time the fire popped, at every creak and bump the old castle made as it settled. Gabriel could not blame her. He, too, was on edge, alert for a telltale crash or shriek to announce another invader.

It felt as though they were under siege, trapped in his fortress hoping to outlast whatever dangers lurked outside. That he should feel this way here, and in this day and age, infuriated him. Deringham Castle had always been his sanctuary, one of few precious things that remained a constant presence in his life.

The only thing as constant as Deringham was Arthur.

At least, he had been.

The Arthur Gabriel had known for centuries never would have violated his home like this, for it was as much Arthur’s home as Gabriel’s. Even as he entertained thoughts of violent punishments, Gabriel could not truly believe his friend was to blame. That hint of darkness he had witnessed at Peerson’s ball convinced him something else was at play. Curse Arthur and his damnable curiosity.

Mirna lifted her head and regarded him quizzically, alerted by the rising tension in his touch. Gabriel made an effort to calm himself, unclenching his jaw and stretching his fingers. No use stewing over it now; that was a conversation for tomorrow.

Assuming he was not incapacitated again.

Seeking a distraction, he turned his attention to his wife as she sketched at the table. Brow furrowed, she was fully absorbed in her work as her pencil skated across the paper. Gabriel leaned back in his chair, content to observe her in silence. He found it oddly relaxing. Eventually, the pencil stilled and she glanced up, cheeks reddening when she noticed her audience.

“What do you like to draw?” he asked.

Julia shrugged. “Anything, really.” She turned the pencil in her hands, seemingly mulling over another thought. He remained silent, waiting for her to voice it, and soon she continued. “I do not really care what I’m drawing. I just enjoy the process of it. When I’m focused on this, I can forget about other things for a while.”

Gabriel nodded his understanding. “I’m sorry you’ve been involved in this.” He tried to put some levity in his tone. “I’m sure you never would have married me if you’d known there would be demons in the bargain.

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