Page 26 of Monster's Pretty Bride

“You’re either desperate or stupid.”

The voice slithers from the shadows.

I freeze.

Slowly, I turn.

A gargoyle steps forward from the darkened alcove, his eyes gleaming with faint amusement.

Not Naranus. Someone else.

Leaner than the others, but fast, his wings tucked in tight, his tail flicking lazily.

He blocks my path.

I say nothing. Just watch.

Gauge.

He tilts his head, his fangs glinting in the low light. “What do you think you’re doing, purna?”

I force my body to relax. “Just admiring your weapons.”

He laughs, a sharp, rasping sound. “Is that what we’re calling it?”

I offer him a small smile, stepping closer, letting my fingers brush against the wooden rack. “Do you blame me?” I let my voice dip, smooth, unbothered. “I was given nothing but dull blades to fight with. You didn’t expect me to win with those, did you?”

His gaze flicks lower, tracking my movements.

I shift my stance, letting my hip just barely brush against the weapons. Close enough.

He hums, considering me. “You lost because you’re weak.”

I tilt my head. “Weak? Or unarmed?”

His wings twitch, his stance shifting. He’s thinking about it.

I let my fingers glide over the hilts, trailing along the tip of a dagger before wrapping around the one I came for.

The moment my grip tightens, he moves.

He’s on me in an instant, grabbing my wrist, twisting sharply.

The dagger clatters against the stone. Fuck.

His grip tightens. “Oh.” His breath skates across my jaw, hot and amused. “Stealing from your husband’s armory?”

My lip curls. “Let. Go.”

He chuckles, sharp and low. “Or what?”

I jerk forward, slamming my forehead into his nose. The crack is sickening.

He stumbles back, cursing, his claws releasing me.

I snatch the dagger, spinning just as he lunges.

His claws graze my arm, not deep, but enough to sting.

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