Page 52 of Monster's Pretty Bride

I force the thought down, clawing for something solid to hold onto. "It’s my mission," I say, hating how unsteady my voice sounds. "I chose this."

"You keep saying that." His lips curl, something vicious and knowing in his expression. "As if you believe it."

I hate him.

I hate how easily he sees through me.

"Enough," Catalina cuts in, her tone sharp. She’s standing by the window, body tense. "We can’t waste time on this."

Amelia frowns. "What is it?"

Catalina’s silver-blue eyes darken. "There are gargoyles coming."

The room turns ice-cold.

Naranus stiffens. "How many?"

"More than five," Catalina murmurs, pressing closer to the window, watching the tree line. "They're moving fast."

I force my body up, ignoring the sharp ache in my ribs. "They’re following us," I whisper. "They must’ve picked up our trail after we left the village."

Amelia’s gaze sharpens. "We need to leave. Now."

Naranus exhales through his teeth, jaw locking. "Agreed."

It’s strange, hearing him agree with them. With us.

We move quickly. Catalina throws out the fire, casting the cabin in shadow. Amelia helps me steady my footing before we slip out the back, the cool early morning air thick with the smell of damp earth and impending danger.

Naranus takes the lead, his movements predatory, cautious. His tail flicks behind him as he listens to the wind, as he tilts his head slightly to track the approaching enemies. Catalina and Amelia flank me, their hands ready to summon magic if needed.

But magic won’t help if they catch us before we’re ready.

The trees loom overhead, our only cover. We move fast, our footsteps muffled against the damp leaves.

The wings come closer.

A dark rush of sound, the sharp snap of branches overhead.

A shadow streaks across the air.

My stomach lurches.

They’ve found us.

24

NARANUS

The morning air is overflowing with the scent of battle. The trees groan under the winged shadows that hunt us, and the wind howls like a beast ready to sink its teeth into flesh. We are being hunted. The relentless flapping of wings above us is a drumbeat of pursuit, and I know what comes next.

Eryss skids to a stop, turning back toward her Purna kin. “Leave! Get out of here!”

But they don’t.

Catalina’s silver-blue gaze burns like ice in the darkness. “We’re not leaving you.”

Eryss steps toward them, her movements frantic, her chest heaving. “You’ll die! They don’t care about you, they only want me!”

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