Page 69 of Monster's Pretty Bride

Stone splinters, deepboomsechoing through the halls.

I shove Eryss toward Thryx. “Get her out of here.”

Herrageis instant. “You are not locking me up again?—”

But then we hear it.

The sound that stills us both.

The sharp, hollowed-outwhistleof something unnatural, a screamwoveninto the air itself.

Eryss pales. “That’s?—”

Magic.

Purna magic.

I slam open the door and step into the chaos.

The halls are lined withbattle. Gargoyles are locked in combat, my warriors clashing against a force that shouldn’tbe here.

At the center?

Catalina.

My eyes burn, my lips curling into a snarl.

The Purna stands among the wreckage, magic coiling around her fingertips, a halo of eerie white light shimmering against the soot-stained air. She sees me. Sees Eryss.

Andsmiles.

She lifts her hand and the magicerupts.

It slams through the stronghold, splitting stone, sending my warriorsflying.

Imove, snatching Eryss and pulling her behind me, wings wrapping around her as debris rains from above.

Her breath shudders against my back. I feel her heartbeat spike.

Shewantsto believe Catalina would never.

But sheknowsbetter now.

The strongholdrumblesagain.

I drag Eryss forward, shoving her toward Thryx. “Get her to safety.”

“No—”

I ignore her protests. “Thryx, if you let her get caught in this?—”

Thryx swears but nods. “Iwon’t.”

Eryss thrashes against my grip. “Naranus?—”

I yank her close, my face inches from hers. “I’ll deal with your sister. You deal with yourconscience.”

Before she can argue, I shove her toward Thryx.

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