Page 151 of Their Pretty Little Monster

“That is exceptional news,” he answers. “Once I return, I will make an official announcement to everyone in Nightingale Village about your new role, and I will help you settle into it. I will also notify everyone that Sage was selected as a late monster Offering and has already left the village. That way, there will be no questions you need to answer.”

“Thank you,” is all she says, and I hug my mother, loving her so much.

“And not sure if Sage has told you, but you will receive a formal invitation to our wedding, plus she will officially be Queen of the Silvercrest Kingdom.”

“Oh, Sage, that’s amazing news!” my mother shouts.

We hug again. I’m still coming to terms with the whole thing, but I welcome it.

My mother suddenly makes a face as she pulls back and says, “Just don’t start making everyone call you ‘Your Majesty’ now.”

I burst out laughing, not having given that even a thought.

I’m so proud of her and knowing she’s getting healthier eases my stress. Yet, a part of me also aches to be back with Wolfe and Nyko, my true mates. I miss them horribly, and I know they must be worried about me.

I feel like, finally, I can start a new chapter in my life. And I’m more than ready.

Epilogue

SAGE

Three Months Later

I’m a bundle of nerves.

The grand hall falls silent as Wolfe and I stand at the front, facing two golden thrones intricately crafted from interconnected bones that gleam in the light pouring in from the arched windows. The thrones sit atop a platform a few steps up, and everything feels like a fairy tale, that it’s not really happening.

Behind us, a crowd of at least a thousand Shadowfen remains hushed, their gazes fixed on us. I glance back quickly and see the crowd, their eyes gleaming. In the front row, I spot my mom and sister next to Killian and Nyko, who are blowing me kisses. I’m blushing crazily.

Mom’s smiling, though she occasionally glances around nervously at the numerous Shadowfen in their monster forms. But she’s been surprisingly embracing since she arrived in Blight this morning.

Seeing them together, I’m ecstatic, and my heart swells with emotion. I smile at them because it means the world to me to have them here, witnessing our coronation. This moment, surrounded by those I love and those who believe in us, is more than I could ever have dreamed.

“Your father would be so proud, Wolfe,” Eirik says.

I turn back around to see an older monster, who looks like a legendary warrior from ancient tales, standing several feet in front of us. He’s broad and huge, with white hair and aging lines etched deeply into his face, and he’s wearing a mauve robe. Wolfe told me Eirik is one of the closest friends of Wolfe’s late father, the old King. His smile is wide, genuine, and filled with happiness as he looks at us.

“Both of you, rightful heirs, standing here today, it’s a sight that is overdue.”

With my father taking over the kingdom—through him killing the old King—it means that as the eldest, I was also considered an heir to the Silvercrest Kingdom under Blight law. Which would have meant that Wolfe and I would be required to fight for the position to the death… that’s if we weren’t getting married and taking the thrones together.

Somehow, all the tragedy and chaos have brought us to this perfect ending.

Wolfe grins, standing tall in his monster form, his tailored black pants fitting him perfectly. It took some convincing, but I insisted he wasn’t completely nude—especially with my mother attending—and now he looks every bit the royal he deserves.

I’m wearing a mauve-pearl gown, holding my human form for my mother to avoid frightening her more. The dress’s delicate fabric shimmers in the light. The gown is more elaborate than anything I’ve ever worn. Its semitransparent material hints at my curves but doesn’t reveal anything. The bodice is fitted and adorned with silver embroidery that traces swirling patterns over my torso. The skirt flows out in layers of gossamer, trailing behind me in a long, elegant train. Tiny, enchanted spiders made of silver thread sit on the train, their presence apparently customary as they symbolize the powerful web of connections and responsibilities that come with ruling a kingdom.

I try not to think about them as it’s slightly creeping me out. Every time I shift, the spiders seem to come to life, their legs glinting as they weave their way through the fabric.

“Today, we honor not only the past but also the future. You both have fathers who were Kings, and while the past is the past, today you begin your reign as the rightful heirs.” Eirik’s voice booms across the extravagant hall, only recently built.

The ceiling is lofty and arched, and the walls are white but painted in dark gold with artistic drawings that depict the scenes leading up to this moment. From the collapse of the first kingdom to the vessel in the water, our battle with the Nythrax beast, to me in my monster form, and Wolfe, Killian, and Nyko in theirs. It leaves me giddy to think I am part of this world’s history.

The coronation is already well underway, and I’m almost bouncing on my toes. It’s overwhelming standing here next to Wolfe, about to be crowned in this magnificent hall.

Two monsters in mauve robes, similar to Eirik’s, step forward, each carrying a soft cushion with a crown resting atop. The crowns leave me breathless as they catch the light and sparkle brilliantly. The crown that I assume is mine is a masterpiece of mauve pearls, the radiant amethyst set in the center casting a soft purple glow. Smaller diamonds and pearls are encrusted around the band, forming delicate patterns that glint with every movement. It matches perfectly with the pearl necklace Nyko gave me. My eyes sting, but I promised myself I wouldn’t cry.

Wolfe’s crown is set with a large, dark sapphire at its center, surrounded entirely by gleaming diamonds, and is stunning. As the crowns are brought closer, I blink away the tears. Wolfe’s hand is in mine, and I glance over at him. He’s smiling at me like I’m the most amazing person in the world. My knees are weak, and I curl my fingers around his hand, needing his stability before the emotions engulf me.

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