Page 144 of Their Pretty Little Monster

I duck and run to my sister, who’s now screaming from the guard who tumbled half on her, shoving her back to the ground. Frantically, I move my shadow to roll the man off her. I desperately grab her arm, drawing her to her feet just as my shadow falls away to the wind like ashes.

“Sage!” Elara sobs, her cheeks red. “Take it off me, take it off.”

I fumble, trying to find where the chain on her neck is connected. At the back, I unlock the latch, and it falls to her feet.

She’s sobbing, and I hug her, quickly rushing her away from the fight, needing her safe.

“I was going to die.”

“It’s all right. You’re safe now. I promise,” I whisper, bringing her to a bench at the corner of the square, far from the battle.

“I saw them kill Father,” Elara murmurs, choking on her words. “It was horrific… I hated him, but I didn’t want to see that…”

“I’m so sorry,” I say, my heart breaking for her, for us. “But you’re with me now.” Her cries continue, and I try to comfort her, but I need to help my true mates. “Give me a moment.”

When I glance back, I find all three of them standing from the fight, splattered in blue and green blood.

Clay lies on the ground at their feet, broken, twisted, his head snapped backward and in a pool of his own blood.

He’s dead!

A few enemy guards survived, and they’ve dropped their weapons, heads bowed. Locals from the city are gathering around us; they must have watched the battle, seen it all. More of our guards and those belonging to the kingdom emerge, and there’s no hesitation from them in falling to their knees for Wolfe. Clearly, they weren’t loyal to my father or Clay at how quickly they give in.

“Anyone who stands with Clay does not belong here,” Wolfe growls. “I do not condone his actions, and for that, he paid with his life.” His breathing is heavy.

I stare at him, loving him more than I thought possible.

Nyko has Killian leaning on him, and he’s walking him over to a bench where he sits him down. He lifts his gaze in my direction and blows me a kiss, leaving me swooning, then he returns to Wolfe’s side. Elara and I get up and quickly move to join Killian, my sister clinging to my side.

“You’re hurt,” I say, taking in how much more blood he has on him, but not all of it is his.

“I’ll be fine. I mean, that hurts like a bitch, but it’s worth it,” he mutters, wincing as he shifts and tries to twist toward me. “Besides, we can’t leave just yet.”

I glance over at Wolfe, who stares at those surrounding the square.

“King Bren is dead. His torment and tyranny end today. My family and I…” He glances at Nyko, then over at us on the bench, directing everyone’s attention our way. “We will restore order to this kingdom, but we need everyone’s help. We’re here to protect you, not to harm you.”

His words are met with murmurs and nodding heads, along with a few skeptical glances. The Shadowfen in the kingdom must have seen my father’s brutality… I recall seeing them running around the city terrified, guards at every corner. That’s not a peaceful way of living but one of being controlled.

After a moment, Nyko steps forward, his presence commanding.

“The true King from Silvercrest Kingdom, the son of King Roan, has returned to claim his throne.” He steps aside, casting a hand toward Wolfe. “Wolfe Roan will take his rightful place on the throne of Blight and will now lead us into a new era! We will hold a coronation to make his title official and give the city a much-needed celebration. Soon after, there will be a royal marriage to arrange.” Nyko and Wolfe are staring at me, and I’m flushing all over. Did I just hear right?

Marriage?

I might be swooning.

Crying.

Killian’s laughing, an arm around me.

“We’ve been planning when to best ask you,” he says. “Seems this is the perfect moment.” He chuckles, and I lean against him. Reaching up to kiss him, I blow my other true mates a kiss each. I have so many questions about what that entails, but there’s time. First are the city and the kingdom.

Even more Shadowfen begin to gather closer, some clapping, others cheering, the shock giving way to realization. Someone shouts out that they recognize the old King in Wolfe’s face and that they look alike. That he wants the old ways returned. And slowly, one by one, they start to bend a knee to Wolfe, bowing their heads in submission and respect. The weight of their acceptance is beautiful.

Killian’s swaying on the bench. He’s going to pass out soon, and he can’t wait any longer.

Elara moves to his side. “I know who can fix your injuries, but we need to go to the medic room now!”

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