Personal gargoyle

It clung to the footboard of her bed like a miniature vulture waiting for something to die.

Blankets pulled tightly to her chin, she stayed motionless praying it didn’t notice she was awake, afraid light reflected in her eyes would give her away.

It never moved from its perch, only sat and waited.

Smaller than she imagined it would be, it was still a hideous demon – red, fire-ravaged skin, barbed spikes running down its back and tail, bulging eyes, fangs and talons razor-sharp.

Anger finally turned to her with a toothy grin, “Who shall we destroy today?”