Page 129 of Their Pretty Little Monster

“He’s built a kingdom of stone and fear. No wonder he’s survived so long.”

Killian, staring out beside me, shakes his head. “Not for much longer.”

I stare at Wolfe, his face pale as he studies the kingdom. I can’t imagine the pain he’s feeling. This was his family’s kingdom, destroyed and rebuilt by my father, who shoved Wolfe out of the way. The anger, the jealousy, the unfairness would eat me up, so I move closer to him, taking his hand in mine. I don’t say anything but let him know I’m here for him.

“I never expected it to look like this,” he says with a tight voice. “This… beautiful. I fucking hate your father for making it so perfect. For excluding us, for taking my father’s life…” His arms are tense, breaths heaving.

My heart aches at his suffering. Seeing him like this, so torn, fills me with a sorrow I can hardly bear. “I’m sorry,” is all I manage to say.

He glances at me, shaking his head. “Nothing for you to be sorry for.”

I embrace him, wrapping my arms around his strong chest, knowing he needs me. “I’m not afraid,” I admit. “I’m ready to face anything he throws at us.”

Nyko and Killian stand close, their presence a comforting reminder that we’re not alone in this.

“Well, if we’re going to reclaim a kingdom, can we at least do it after food, sex, and sleep? In that order because I don’t fight well without those things.” Nyko grins because, of course, he’d say that.

Killian snorts, a half smile tugging at his lips. “Always thinking with your stomach and cock.”

I turn back to the window, watching the people below. Wolfe moves away and crashes down on the couch.

As I stare out at the city, I think of my sister’s happiness in the gardens from the visions she sent me. The thought that we’re sitting ducks crosses my mind, but I’m trying my best to find hope. With me here, I doubt my father will attack us outright… at least not yet.

Breathing heavily, I watch the people below. They’re moving fast, too quickly to enjoy their surroundings. What’s the use of having everything if you live in fear?

I sigh, pulling away from the window.

“I’m going to rest,” I tell the guys as they discuss our next move. “I’m exhausted.”

I leave them talking strategy and head to the bedroom. Pulling back the curtain, I’m greeted by a breathtaking view of the mountains in the distance. I crawl into bed, curling up and trying to stop the panic stabbing my stomach. The worry is almost unbearable.

Staring out at the mountains, the edges of my vision blur, just like before. In seconds, I’m thrust into a vision. This time, I know what’s happening.

Elara stands outside an ajar door, peering into a meeting room. Inside, our father is pacing, angry, hands clenched into fists. He smacks his cane hard against the stone floor with each stride.

“That idiot thinks he can come here and demand land for him and those traitors on his vessel. They never supported me when I took over, so fuck them all. I’d rather burn it to the ground before I let those fools remain here.”

“My King,” a tall monster covered in white fur says. “What of the King’s Oath? It must be adhered to. Someone’s already leaked their arrival and the call of the oath to the locals. They’re asking questions, wanting to see a fair trial.”

“Who the fuck leaked it?” my father growls, gripping his metal cane like a weapon.

The monster doesn’t respond.

“Find them. Find out who leaked it. Interview every one of those fucking guards, then kill them for betraying me.”

The vision ends abruptly, and I’m back in bed. My head feels fuzzy, and my eyes shut as I try to make sense of what I saw. The dread and horror grip me.

I know your real reason for coming to our kingdom… to kill our father. Suddenly, Elara’s voice echoes in my head.

My eyes fly open, my heart squeezing with terror. I’m alone in the room, searching for any speakers. “Elara?” I whisper.

I won’t tell him, you know.

Wolfe said she has a psychic link with me because of our shared lineage. Is she speaking to me through her mind?

“What do you want?” I say out loud.

You don’t need to speak your response. Say it in your mind. There’s a hint of mirth behind her words.

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