Page 114 of Their Pretty Little Monster

While slightly shocked at her story, I’m also laughing at how casually she talks about attacking him.

“So, it’s normal to seek revenge like that?” I pop more of the pancake into my mouth.

“Absolutely. You are frowned upon if you take no action when someone has wronged you. But I met someone new at the infirmary recently, which made it worth it. Destiny always has a plan for us.”

Destiny… I’m starting to believe I’m meant to be here. It’s my fate.

Joa’s gaze flits to a beastly monster across the room. He reminds me of the Minotaur creature from my mom’s old books. He’s bulky, with horns that curve off his face, and he’s surrounded by other monsters, but he keeps glancing our way. Or I should say, in Joa’s direction.

“That’s Brakar,” she whispers, pretending not to glance at him again. “The gentlest Shadowfen you’ll ever meet. Every night, he massages me.”

“So, it’s official? You’re living together and getting married?” I tease, smirking as I reach for a small transparent pastry pouch filled with what looks like peas in a sauce. Placing it on my plate, I tear it apart with the two-pronged fork. The contents spill out, and I scoop a bit into my mouth. Dirt. That’s how it tastes. I scrunch up my face, trying my best to force it down my throat and not insult anyone.

Joa giggles at me, then looks over at Brakar, batting her eyelids.

“That was the ritual, silly. Once someone selects you, you’re meant to be bound for life. If you’re lucky enough to find your true mate, which is rare, then that’s a whole different level of emotional connection. Because my connection wasn’t a true-mate one, it was easy for him to leave me, and why I had a right to take my revenge on him. Customs believe this will discourage Shadowfen from leaving a relationship after the Veil Ritual.” She takes another sip of her juice. “And you? You’re the talk of the vessel.”

“Me?” I raise an eyebrow. “Why?” After my attempted assassination, I’d prefer not to have such attention on me.

“Not only did you take Killian, but all three leaders of the Howler. The three most eligible bachelors. So many girls are jealous, but I’m proud of you.” She grins, and I really like her.

Our conversation flows easily after that, talking about life on the vessel, the strange foods, and the gossip that never seems to stop. Joa’s lightheartedness is contagious.

“Oh, and did you hear about the strange vessel spotted in the waters this morning?” she asks, her tone dropping to a whisper.

I freeze, my fork halfway to my mouth. “What sort of vessel?” Please don’t let it be related to my father.

She shrugs. “No one really knows, but it didn’t come from us. Some are saying it’s from the kingdom, which is absurd. Why would they come to check on us when they haven’t visited before? Some are saying it could be another colony of Shadowfen we didn’t know existed on one of the small islands.”

My mouth goes dry, and I feel a sick twist in my stomach, convinced the lingering vessel is from the kingdom. And if they’re here, it can only mean one thing.

We’re in huge trouble. My father’s coming for me.

I try to focus on Joa’s chatter, but my mind is racing. The food now tastes like ash in my mouth. I push the plate away, my appetite gone. The guards nearby remain still, watching over me.

“What’s wrong?” Joa’s smile fades when she sees my face.

“Nothing,” I lie, forcing a smile. “I’m just full.”

But it’s not nothing. It’s everything. I worry my father might be coming for me, which will result in him attacking Howler. I keep replaying the burning vessel from my vision over and over. “I need to go,” I mumble, trying to keep my voice steady. My heart hammers in my chest, and the room spins slightly as I rise to my feet. “I’d like to do this again. I don’t have many friends on the vessel.”

“Count me in.” Joa nods, smiling. “See you later.”

With my guards, I cross the eating area, unable to move fast enough. Once we’re in the hallway, I glance at the nearest guard, catching his eye.

“Take me to Wolfe right away, please.”

The guard nods, and without another word, we hurry through the hallways, in and out of elevators. The dark corridors twist and turn.

We pass several locals, their monstrous forms towering and intimidating, yet they pay me no attention. I follow the guards, my insides tight.

Finally, we arrive at the beastly hall I recognize, the one dominated by a set of double doors flanked by terrifying creature heads carved in intricate detail. The guards knock, and a deep, familiar voice calls for us to enter.

The doors creak open, revealing a room bathed in shadow and flickering light from torch-like faux lights set in iron sconces. My three mates—Killian, Nyko, and Wolfe—sit at a round table with Clay and several others I don’t recognize. Their discussion halts as their attention turns to me. Killian’s on his feet immediately, crossing the room toward me.

“Everything all right?” he asks, his brow furrowing with concern.

“I’m sorry to interrupt. I-I can come back,” I stammer, turning to leave, feeling their intense gazes on me.

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