Page 11 of Ruthless Monsters

“It’s not that simple,” our new friend says. “The only way to travel there is by using the portal key. The king wears the ring at all times.”

Nate places his tray onto the cot and cracks his knuckles. “That doesn’t sound too bad. Get me close to the king, and I’ll have that key in no time.”

“Don’t forget about our cuffs,” I remind him, gesturing to the cuff around his ankle.

“Yes, about that. Any information for us?” Nate says to the Perstalian prince.

“No,” is the curt reply.

I curse again, and so do the others.

“You haven’t told us why you’re risking speaking to us,” Prince Callan says.

Nate flexes. “I’m guessin’ this king guy is a piece of shit, considering you’re in here. What are you, the rightful ruler to the throne or somethin’, and he threw you in here so he could rule in your place?”

“It’s complicated,” the prince replies.

“But you think we can help you get out of here,” I say, and when the prince doesn’t reply I know I’m right.

Nate claps his hands together. “So we simply need to break you out so you can take the king’s place, somehow remove these cuffs, and use the portal key to return to the surface. Any great escape plan you want to share with the group?”

“Not really,” the prince admits, but then he adds, “But for Celzar to even bring you here, he must have plans for you, and that means opportunities.”

I cross my arms in front of my chest. “Well, we’d better figure out something, because if we don’t find Blake soon, I’m going to start killing people, consequences be dammed.”

“Blake?” the prince asks.

“Our mate,” I drawl, and it feels so good every time I admit that out loud. For years, I’d kept it to myself, not declaring it to the world, and now satisfaction goes through me at being able to publicly voice the claim.

“Who is this, Blake?” the male asks.

“She’s the future queen of Seral, realm of the demons,” I reply proudly.

“Our fated mate, so it happens,” Nate adds.

“And a pain in my ass,” Prince Callan grumbles.

Alaric doesn’t say anything, but I note the way his body reacts to hearing the sound of our princess’s name again. His muscles grow tight, and his gaze is sharp.

“…If she’s the future queen, I take it she’s powerful?” the prince asks.

I grow wary. “You could say that. Why?”

There’s another pause before the prince speaks. “That explains why he wants her.”

“What do you mean?” Alaric speaks up, his voice gruff.

“Celzar steals power from others,” the prince explains. “It’s how he was able to take over the throne. He’s as strong as thepower he feeds on, and it’s been a long time since his last big meal.”

My expression hardens as I think of this Celzar and how he’s probably holding Blake captive. “So, what you’re saying is…”

“He’s planning to take your princess’s power,” the prince says bluntly.

Rage flows through me at the idea of some king taking what belongs to my demon mate. Before I can ask more, the bars at the front of our cell rattle as the door swings open. Javier, the guard who had been watching us all day strides inside, flanked by three other guards.

“Funny, I don’t remember ordering night-time entertainment,” I drawl, though my eye twitches at the sudden intrusion.

Javier bares his teeth, smiling cruelly at us. “Couldn’t leave for the night without singin’ you all a lullaby, now could I?”

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