Page 106 of Monsters in Love

For a moment, she thought he was going to reach for her. She tensed with worry—or was that anticipation? Before she figured out which, he’d moved a short distance away. Her shoulders sagged, though whether it was with relief or regret she couldn’t quite tell.

“You have questions.” His impossibly deep voice was strangely soothing. “We will answer. Later. For now, rest.” He pointed to the window. “The sun rises and you have had a long night.”

Dawn?

Isabelle blinked with surprise at the window.

Good grief, the light was gradually becoming brighter. She stifled a yawn, fighting a wave of fatigue. No wonder she had struggled with those stairs. Her ridiculous gown, with all its Bishop-approved layers of fabric and long sleeves, felt about as manageable as sacks of milled flour at the best of times. But after a night without sleep?

She checked on Emmi, noting the tiredness smudged below her sister’s eyes and the way she listed to one side.

Their unlikely host was correct.

They’d been navigating the tunnels all night—they were exhausted. Neither of them were in any state to search for an exit. Her eyelids drooped, feeling as heavy as wet dishrags.

“Thank you,” she said quietly. “We do need rest.”

“Here,” he rumbled, crossing the room and pulling a hanging cloth aside to reveal a nook with a layer of straw lining the floor and blankets draped overtop. “Sleep here. You’re safe.”

“Thank you,” she repeated, stunned to discover she believed him.

Safety. Somehow, they’d found a pair of demons with a magical tower room in the middle of a dark labyrinth. And these creatures had a wonderfully cozy, comfortable corner to rest in. Belle probably should have questioned that, but the sense that she and Emmi were truly safe had sucked any remaining strength from her limbs. She’d been running on near-blind panic since throwing herself into the tunnels after her sister, and now her body was trembling.

Questions would wait.

She ushered Emmi into the nook and, with a final smile for her monstrous savior, she pulled the curtain closed. With a yawn, her sister curled into the corner, and Belle sank down to join her.

“You truly think we’re safe here?” Emmi asked softly.

“I do.” Isabelle wrapped an arm around her sister’s shoulders. “Go to sleep. I’ll keep watch.”

“Liar,” Emmi muttered. “You’re going to fall asleep…”

Her sister’s words dissolved into quiet snores, and Belle couldn’t help but smile to herself. Only her sister could shift so quickly from blind fear to teasing. She was grateful Emmi was able to rest—and she knew they’d both need their strength for whatever came next.

Her eyelids drooped and her cheek rested on top of her sister’s head.

The creatures had been kind, but there was no guarantee their hospitality would last. She’d just rest for a moment, then she’d study her map and figure out how to get her sister to the exit.

There had to be a way out…

Belle woke slowly to the scent of stone-cooked biscuits and brewing tea.

Her brow furrowed and she scrubbed her eyes with the back of her hand. Had Mama started baking without her? But her mother hated the simple recipe used by farmers in the fields… And why was it so bright out? If she’d slept in, Mama would be furious.

She blinked with confusion at the unfamiliar shape of her bed, then froze as awareness rushed back.

The ball. The tunnels.

Demons.

Oh, Gods. She wasn’t at home, safe in her bed. She was in a strange tower room, with two bat-like creatures on the other side of a length of woven cotton. That fabric wouldn’t stop a small dog, let alone a winged demon large enough to dwarf a warhorse.

Yet, somehow, she was certain they hadn’t disturbed her while she slept.

Easing her arm out from beneath her sister—who remained fast asleep—she got to her feet. What had to be baking on the other side of the curtain smelled appealing, and gods knew she’d give blood for a cup of tea. Besides, she could hardly hide behind a curtain forever. She needed answers, and to find a way through the labyrinth of tunnels.

She started for the curtain and her skirts dragged along the floorboards in a heavy lump.

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