Page 74 of Enticing Monsters

Didn’t Cadmus say thatbabieswere born as the rulers?

“She killed children?” I whisper, stunned. Horrified. Disgusted. Appalled.

Cadmus’s lips firm, and he manages a tiny nod. “At first, she painted herself as a kind, benevolent leader. She claimed a terrorist group killed her sisters, and everyone believed her. But when the first child was born displaying signs of being the new leader, her parents immediately took her to the castle. Queen Leah killed the child and her parents on sight. It was only then that the fae realized not everything was as it seemed.

“No matter how much power the queen had, it seemed as if she always wanted more. Nothing was good enough for her. It washerwho changed the ruling system—her offspring would be the kings and queens of the land, instead of the gods’ chosen child.”

V’s ancestors, I realize with a growing sense of dread.

Fuck.

“And how did the virus come to be?” Kian anxiously nibbles on his thumbnail.

“Another thing history can’t agree on.” Cadmus rolls his neck from side to side as if his hunched-over position is causing him pain. “Some claim it was the land itself punishing Queen Leah for her tyrannical rule. Others say it was the gods and goddesses trying to restore balance. And there are some who claim that Queen Leah herself created the virus in order to gain more power.

“I don’t think it was the queen, though. I think that the world was angry, and it wanted revenge. A lot of fae believe that.

“When the virus rampaged through the world, Queen Leah gathered her most loyal supporters and combined their powers to create a portal to Earth. Those who were against her rule—or just didn’t have a single gold coin to their name—were left here to rot.”

His lips pull away from his teeth in a combination of a grimace and a snarl. His slitted eyes flash ominously in the candlelight. “Most of us died, but those who didn’t…”

He absently holds up his arm and studies the scaled skin. “We changed. Our creatures began to take over. Some of our scholars believe it was our species’ way of adapting and surviving. After all, we’re stronger in our fae forms, so wouldn’t it make sense for us to evolve into them? I don’t know why some of us survived the virus while others didn’t. Is it faith? Divine intervention? Or are we simply being punished, forced to watch the ones we love perish before our eyes while we survive?”

I take a moment to process his words, unable to comprehend the horror all these people have been through.

“When we first arrived in Faerie, we spotted an abandoned town.” Tristan frowns. “Why aren’t you guys living there?”

Cadmus’s chuckle is cold and scathing, a beautiful noise dripping in malice like a rose skewed by a bloodied blade.

“I take it you guys haven’t been here too long.” He shakes his head in disbelief. “Do you really think we’re the only creatures in this world that changed and evolved with time? There are creatures out there…monsters that you can’t even begin to fathom. They usually reside near abandoned towns and villages, hoping to pick off any wayward fae.”

He laughs again, the noise devoid of any humor. “We found that it’s safer to constantly be moving. We’ve perfected the art of setting up and taking down our tents in the span of minutes. Sometimes, we stay in one area for a month. Other times, it’s only a few days. We’ve learned that the best course of action is being as unpredictable as possible. If you don’t know what the fuck you’re doing, then the monsters certainly won’t.”

I think of the cute kitten I found with Foster and wonder if that’s one of the monsters Cadmus is referring to. How badly things could’ve gone if V didn’t swoop in and save us.

One glance into my fire mate’s face shows he’s thinking the same thing as well.

“So there are more communities than just yours?” Kian asks, obviously remembering the wayward comment Rachelle made about clan gatherings.

“There are over a dozen that we know about. Probably more that we don’t. We meet annually to discuss the state of the world.” Abruptly, he stands and straightens, folding his arms over his chest. “I gave you a lot of information. Isn’t it fair that I receive some in return?”

He arches a dark eyebrow, waiting for me to argue or contradict him.

But he’s right. He does deserve at least some answers.

I just don’t know what to tell him.

Cadmus must see the indecision on my face because he takes a step closer, his eyes never leaving my own. “Why are you here, little fighter? And how are you still alive?”

“I came here a bit ago for answers about who I am and where I came from. But now, I’ve come here for help.” My stomach twists and tightens painfully. “One of my mates came with me the last time”—or stalked me here, but potato, potahto—“and he got sick. Very sick. I don’t know what happened to him, though I suspect he was exposed to some variation of the virus. I need to find a cure, and fast.”

“One of your mates?” He glances at my three guys curiously.

“Not one of them. He’s back home. Waiting for me.” Tears prick the backs of my eyes.

I know V’s still alive—I can feel it through the bond—but I have no idea what condition he’s in. Is he conscious? Worried about me? Or is he still withering in pain, sweat dampening his dark hair to his forehead?

Who will hold his hand if I’m not there? Who will wipe away the sweat from his face?

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