Page 126 of Monsters in Love

The bishop drifted onto the ledge behind Jaston and she shuddered. Both the man in armor and the monster in holy robes disgusted her, and she wouldn’t let either lay a hand on her again.

“There is nowhere to go, little Isabelle,” the bishop hissed.

She lifted her chin. Her sister had made it to the forest—that was what mattered the most. She had to believe Talos and Tarn would find her, and would make sure Emmi stayed safe. The thought gave Belle strength to step toward the edge.

“Nowhere for me—or for you.” She aimed a cool smile at the bishop. “Your reign over this town is finished, demon.”

Bishop hissed at her. “Then you’ll pay.”

“No, she won’t.” A deep voice announced from above.

With a beat of huge wings, Talos landed on the ledge, his massive form standing tall between her and the bishop. His hands flexed at his sides, claws gleaming in the firelight, and his voice was a low growl. “You took me from her once. I’ll be damned if you’ll do it again.”

His wings spread wide, hind claws digging into the stone.

He stood so tall the bishop appeared as small as a child, and the roar he unleashed had Jaston staggering backward. The once-brave Captain of the Guard threw up his arms and covered.

Only the bishop didn’t.

As she watched, his mouth split into one of those horrifying grins, the kind that barred the layers upon layers of sharp teeth. Then his human form dissolved into smoke, melting away as if the face she’d known for so many years had been nothing but sugar paste.

What stood before them was no longer a man but a pale, twisted creature.

All bones and teeth and glowing red eyes.

It uncoiled itself, limbs crackling like dry twigs until it stood as tall as Talos. The creature had wings and fangs, and yet was nothing like her love. Where Talos was solid and warm, this monster was twisted and vile. Faded and mottled like a piece of meat left for days in the elements, its skin sat tight and thin over a skeletal frame. A massive jaw jutting from its mouth, and she could see dark blood running through its veins like rivers of smoke.

Tipping its head to the skin, it unleashed a blood-curdling cry.

It had spent her lifetime chastising every resident about sins. And now it seemed all would pay for those sins.

With an unearthly wail, the pale demon that had masqueraded as Windhaven’s Bishop threw itself at Talos. Its jaw opened to impossible proportions, its spindly limbs moving faster than should have been possible, it crashed into Talos with a shocking amount of force.

The air shook from the impact.

Her skirts and hair were blown back. Talos was driven backward and Isabelle had to drop to the ledge, barely avoiding being knocked off but a sweep of leathery wings.

Beneath her cheek, the stone trembled.

Flat on the ledge, she held on for dear life and peered up through her hair at the behemoths battling above her. With another wash of air, they took to the skies. The two creatures tangled on the ledge, almost weaving her love’s dark body with the bishop’s sickly pale. Fangs bared and claws outstretched, they twisted around each other.

She clutched the ledge, unable to tear her eyes off the battle unfolding above her.

Bony claws raked Talos’ side, leaving a trail of red in their wake. She screamed and pushed herself to her knees on the ledge, needing to help him without having any idea how to do that. She couldn’t even reach them, as they were flying above Jaston’s head.

Her love struck back, his enormous fists pummeling the bishop’s pale chest.

The snap of ribs sounded above the crackle of the flames below. The bishop bellowed and threw itself at Talos, and the two creatures spiraled out of sight, up the tower.

“Talos!” She staggered to her feet, searching the skies. “Be safe—”

“Give up, Belle.” Jaston’s cold voice sliced through her.

Stomach churning, she stared at the armored man blocking the way out. Fallen gods, how could anyone stand there so calmly in the midst of this chaos? His town was burning. His esteemed bishop was a demon. And below them, monsters murdered people and battled each other in the sky above.

How dare he wear that smug expression?

Her fingers curled into fists and she snarled at him. “You knew what he was doing. You knew and you didnothing!”

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