Prisoner of Temptation. Zandria Munson

      She squeezed her eyes shut, concentrating. If she could muster enough of her ability to destroy the bonds, she might have a chance to escape. But that, too, was useless. She was just too spent. It seemed she would be staying a bit longer than she’d like. Well, at least she wasn’t dead. All she had to do was stay alive for a few more hours. Demetrius would come to save her or, if her abilities returned before then, she would save herself.

      She’d recommenced her struggles when the muffled sound of footsteps drew her attention. She went still, listening. Someone was approaching.

      A door to her right swung open and a gargoyle entered. A light bulb hanging free from the ceiling flickered on, spilling its dim glow upon the large wooden table that sat in the center of the otherwise empty room. The gargoyle approached. She immediately recognized him as Lucien Korzah. He’d removed his breastplate and wore only snug-fitting black pants and boots, but with his powerful frame and midnight spill of wild hair, he was unmistakable.

      She gazed in awe at the magnificence of the creature before her. She’d never seen a gargoyle up close before and despite herself, she was amazed by his physical perfection. It was said that gargoyles were not only warriors, but also lovers. They’d been known to seduce queens and peasants alike. Their sexual allure and prowess were unrivaled and now, looking at him, she could definitely see why.

      He was tall with sinewy muscles woven across the expanse of his body. His face was almost that of a man, except for the horns that protruded from his skull, the luminous eyes and the razor fangs. And the great horned wings that provided him with the speed and the balance he required for battle.

      Lucien eased the door shut and turned his attention to her, his silver eyes piercing deep.

      Again Tatiana found herself consumed by the uncanny awareness that they were somehow acquainted, and in more than just a casual way. She wondered if he could hear the frantic thumping of her heart as he sauntered toward her. Apart from the unexplainable emotions he was evoking within her, she also knew that this gargoyle was one of the most ruthless and dangerous that had ever walked the face of the earth. What fate he intended for her now, she couldn’t imagine. She only hoped it didn’t involve the stake she was presently fastened to.

      Lucien moved to the table and began sorting through the pile of devices and weapons that had been stripped from her. “You invaded my home, practiced your sorcery and killed my people. You may consider yourself fortunate to still have breath within your body.”

      “This is a war. Many of my own are dead—”

      His attention riveted to her. “As they should be!”

      Tatiana’s mouth snapped shut, but inside she seethed. How selfish and arrogant was this creature that he should think only of his loss? Death was a part of war that couldn’t be avoided. He of all people should know this, especially considering that he was responsible for hundreds of Solomonarii deaths.

      Lucien returned an item to the table. “I have kept you alive for one reason and one reason alone. You will tell me where the Solomonarii lair is and where Demetrius Borimirov sleeps.”

      Tatiana nearly laughed aloud. She realized her mistake in thinking this gargoyle was simply arrogant. He was also delusional.