Page 51 of Psycho Beasts

Why had I thought everything was simple because the numb was common to half-breeds?

I’d forgotten the bigger picture.

The endless problems.

But not knowing what was going on changed nothing. The beast realm and its bloodthirsty Mafia were my new reality, and Aran was still the Queen of the Fae Realm.

All we could do was adapt. The rules might change, but the stakes didn’t lessen.

One thing was constant: the realms punished the weak.

I admired the constellations that were carved into the ornate mahogany ceiling, and said, “Fine, just don’t freak out if I wake up screaming in the middle of the night.”

Aran squeezed my hand. “Oooh, what if we both wake up screaming at the same time?”

“That would be soooo fun and flirty,” I said sarcastically.

Aran looked down at our blood-caked hands and shuddered. “I call the shower first.”

Before I could argue, she sprinted into the en suite room and slammed the door shut.

I rolled my eyes. “This is literally why it’s dumb that we’re sharing a room. There are enough bedrooms and showers that we shouldn’t have to share.”

“Go eat some food, bestie!” Aran yelled back, ignoring me as the water started running.

I shook my head because she was insane and wandered down the massive hallway. Aran had five minutes tops; then I was coming back and causing a scene.

My skin crawled with disgust as I realized how dirty I was, crusty sand mixed with old and new blood covering my body.

It itched something fierce.

As I rounded the hall, an older woman in a black dress with a white apron hurried past me, carrying sheets. She smiled and gave a small curtsy.

I grimaced.

Xerxes’s servants must be under orders to appear happy.

Down the massive hall and sweeping grand stairs, I followed the smells of bacon and syrup.

When I found the source of the food, my feet stopped in shock.

I didn’t know that kitchens could be so shiny.

The walls were a dark green, and every surface was covered in glittering black marble flecked with gold. Stunning gold fixtures and yet another extravagant crystal chandelier cast sparks of light throughout the dark room.

Everyone must have been showering, because food was spread out buffet-style. Walter stood alone in the room with a serving spoon.

“Mistress, please help yourself.” Walter nodded toward the feast before him.

I gnawed on my lower lip and tried to act casual as my stomach howled like a beast.

Walter held up a shiny plate with gold trim. “Just tell me what you want, and I’ll fill your plate.”

My face burned with anger.

How dare Xerxes force his servants to fill his plates for him? How lazy and pretentious could a person be?

“Um, I’ll take everything,” I said, and Walter nodded like choosing twenty different pieces of food was completely respectable.

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