Page 8 of Their Pretty Little Monster

Lany’s glare hardens in response, her smile quickly fading as she clearly understands the warning in Sage’s words. Her lips pinch.

Something inside me ignites on Sage’s behalf, impressed by her response. It’s evident that the villagers are aware of the turmoil the previous Viscount had caused. Feeling the weight of her words, Lany abruptly turns and storms down the path, her bucket of berries swaying angrily.

Meanwhile, Sage gets to her feet, grasping the second wooden bucket firmly in her hands and swinging it toward the house, momentarily facing in my direction. She doesn’t see me, but finally, I get a clear view of her face.

My pulse thumps wildly—fuck, she’s devastatingly beautiful. High cheekbones, soft porcelain skin, and mesmerizing icy glacier eyes are framed by long, dark lashes. Full lips are tight, and her brow furrowed. Even in her simple brown dress, her curves are undeniable. She must be about twenty or twenty-one years old.

The mission of taking her to Blight suddenly seems like it might be more intriguing than I had initially anticipated. She vanishes into the house, and I find myself whispering under my breath, “I’ll be back for you.”

Turning on my heel, I head for the village mess hall. I need to blend in and give them something to remember, considering I plan to vanish for a few days soon.

As I enter the expansive, dimly lit hall, it’s buzzing with the murmur of voices and the clatter of dishes. Everyone’s head turns as I stroll in, their conversations falling into a hushed silence. They know change is coming; they just don’t know what kind yet.

That’s when I spot Lany again. The girl in the blue dress rushes into the room, joining what appears to be her parents at a table near the back of the hall. Seizing the moment, I nod to the Village Protector who has been watching my approach.

“Your Grace,” he mutters as he leans in close to me, his voice barely above a whisper.

In a low tone meant only for his ears, I instruct him, “Have that girl in the blue dress, Lany, and her parents removed from the mess hall. Make sure everyone sees the commotion.”

He pulls back at first, taken aback, but recovers quickly, nodding in understanding. “At once, Your Grace.”

I take a seat at the head table, picking at a bowl of fresh berries bursting with flavor. As I watch, he quietly instructs two of the other Village Protectors. They stride purposefully through the hall, stopping at Lany’s table.

“Turner family, rise and stand,” commands one of the Protectors in a firm, authoritative voice.

“What’s the meaning of this?” Lany’s father demands, his voice rising as he stands, followed reluctantly by his wife and daughter.

“The Viscount has ordered your removal,” the Protector states flatly. “You are to leave the hall immediately; your invitation is revoked.”

“But we’ve done nothing wrong!” The mother’s face is a mix of confusion and fear as she clutches her daughter’s arm.

“It’s not up for debate. Move now, or we will remove you,” the Protector insists.

A heavy silence falls over the hall, every eye fixed on the unfolding drama. The father’s face reddens with anger, but he leads his family away from the table, not daring to meet my gaze. Lany, however, looks directly at me, her face pale with shock and embarrassment.

“Out. Now!” the Protector’s voice booms again, echoing through the hall.

As they are escorted out, the tension in the room thickens, and I can’t help but think I could have made things much worse for her. Yet, she’s not a true villain—she received the punishment I deemed fair.

The Protector scurries to smooth over the ruffled atmosphere, welcoming people and lifting the heavy energy with practiced ease. I let him ramble on, my thoughts drifting back to Sage and the mission at hand.

Announcing my need to travel for urgent business, I finally inform him once he returns, “I will require a villager to accompany me to carry my supplies and assist with various tasks. I’ll only be gone for a few days at most.”

He nods eagerly, ready to facilitate. “Of course, Your Grace. We will find someone suitable immediately.”

“There’s no need,” I interject with finality. “I have already chosen someone.”

As the meal progresses, my mind remains consumed with thoughts of Sage. With her by my side, the balance of power in Blight will shift.

She has no idea yet just how important she truly is.

Chapter

Three

SAGE

Tonight, the shadows seem heavier.

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