Page 95 of Monster's Pretty Bride

A sharp cry rings through the battlefield.

Catalina jerks forward, her body twisting unnaturally.

A blade of dark energy buries itself into her side.

My heart stops.

I whirl in horror as Amelia’s hand remains outstretched, her expression bored, as though stabbing Catalina was nothing more than an afterthought.

Catalina stumbles, her hands pressed against the wound, her blood pooling between her fingers.

A cold, merciless smile spreads over Amelia’s lips. “I never liked you.”

Catalina collapses. A scream tears from my throat.

I race toward her, but hands grab me, forcing me down.

My magic flares wild but I’m too late, the Elders are there, surrounding me.

Amelia steps closer, tilting my chin up with a finger.

“Now, little sister,” she whispers. “It’s time for you to choose.”

The magic tightens around me.

Their voices echo in my mind, forcing me to my knees.

Kill Naranus now and be free.

Defy us and die alongside him.

I gasp, choking. My body thrashes against invisible binds, my soul screaming under their influence.

Naranus roars my name, trying to reach me, but he’s forced back, his body breaking further, his cursed power spiraling.

I meet his gaze, desperate, wild, terrified.

They’re killing him.

And if I don’t choose?

They’ll kill me too.

43

CATALINA

The world spins around me, the edges blurring in a haze of blood and fading magic. My body is failing, my breath coming in short, painful bursts. But none of it matters. Not anymore.

Because I see her.

Eryss.

My little sister.

She kneels beside me, hands pressing desperately against my wound, her magic flickering weakly against my skin, trying to hold me here. Trying to keep me.

She doesn’t understand. She can’t.

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