Page 85 of Their Pretty Little Monster

The thought that the affection these three Shadowfen have shown me is part of their strategy to use me against my father leaves my gut twisting into knots. A bitter taste of betrayal rises in my throat, leaving me sick to my stomach.

Killian

“She’s on edge. Nyko told her about her father. I saw it in her eyes.” Wolfe’s gaze sharpens, his voice a low growl as he leans against the cold metal hallway wall.

I nod, looking toward the infirmary where she’s with Nyko, my fingers itching to go claim her. To bring a smile to her face because that last glance she gave us screamed her fury.

“I want to wring Nyko’s damn neck to find out what happened. At least give us a heads-up.” I clench my jaw. “But the power Sage unleashed, it’s fucking impressive. That wasn’t just a burst of shadow. She manifested a damn replica of the Sylar. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“Me, neither.” Wolfe groans under his breath, his features set hard. “I need to speak with Sage. Come clean.”

Arms tight against my side, hands curling from tension, I nod.

“She’s really taken us off guard. I didn’t expect her to be our true mate, so that fucked up our plans. All I want now is to steal her away to be with me. Yet if we don’t get her to control her power, how long before she drains us all to death?” I’m not frightened of her, far from it. I’m more worried about her safety and her dealing with the risks. Fucking concerned she will do something stupid if she’s angry, as a lot of our shadow powers are triggered by emotions.

Wolfe swallows hard. “A power we shouldn’t mention to others. Remember the fear that spread in the old kingdom when everyone discovered my father’s assistant’s ability? They imprisoned her for life in a magic-encased cell because the city started revolting with fear that they weren’t safe.”

“Fuck them,” I snarl under my breath. “Sage’s energy should only impact us.”

“Try telling that to the terrified Shadowfen, already feeling trapped on this vessel.”

The girl I’m utterly obsessed with has the power to eliminate us, and our enemy is her father. Yep, this is getting really fucked up.

I pause for a moment, staring down the corridor that feels colder than usual.

“So, how much are we going to tell her about our original plans?” My response is low, not wanting the couple passing us to hear.

“Everything. She needs to know it all—the real reason she was brought here, what her father has done, and even our intentions with her.” His face is stiff, eyes steely.

“Fuck!” My voice trails off, knowing she won’t take it well.

“We’re way past the point of half-truths and shadows. She’s part of this now, whether we planned it or not. And she’s not just a piece on the board. She’s our true mate and will rule alongside us.”

I smile at the thought, but worry still burrows through me that she’ll push against us.

“And if she decides to side with her father?”

His lips are thin. “Then we did a shit job of convincing her how much she means to us.”

Chapter

Twenty-Four

SAGE

In the dim light of Nyko’s bedroom, shadows stretch long and deep across the walls. They’re carved from dark wood to resemble a dense, shadowy forest. It’s beautiful but slightly terrifying. Above, the ceiling is painted to depict a dense canopy of leaves with glimpses of the pinkish sky peeking through. The smell of medicinal herbs fills the space.

I’ve been sitting beside his king-size bed for several hours this morning, watching over him, caring for him. My entire body’s shaking as he still hasn’t woken up.

I did this to him!

I might have finally stopped crying from the guilt eating me up, yet I feel like shit on the inside. Fear crowds in my chest, breaths coming so fast, that I destroyed something inside him. Combine that with the possibility that Nyko’s also my true mate, and my life’s becoming an utter mess.

I somehow managed not to lose my mind and have been focusing on Nyko, gripping the small bowl of salve in my lap.

“Well, I need to paste you now. Doctor’s orders,” I whisper into the stillness of his room, my words a terrible attempt at lightness. The medicine is meant to somehow help regain his energy while he’s sleeping.

I cringe on the inside every time I remember the doctor’s words–you almost drained him to death.

---