Page 6 of Ruthless Monsters

“Very good,” he murmurs under his breath. “Now, one last thing.” He lifts his hand into the air, sending out a burst of power, and I’m surprised when pain lashes my back, my muscles convulsing as fire ignites on my skin. I grit my teeth, refusing to cry out and give him that satisfaction, but I bend over, breathing heavily. When the pain subsides seconds later, I straighten and peer over my shoulder in horror.

“My wings,” I choke out, and my hate-filled glare goes to the king. “What have you done?” Panic flutters in my chest, but I work on steadying my heartbeat. The king has alreadysuppressed my power. I shouldn’t be so surprised that he’s taken my wings from me, too. It’s simply another thing I’m going to have to fix when the time comes.

“Blake? What’s happening?”Shade asks from back in the room, clearly sensing my distress through our connection.

“I’m fine,”I tell her quickly, and I block her from my mind. I haven’t forgotten Sassia’s warning to be wary when using my power around the king, and the last thing I want is for him to take that small win away from me now.

I don’t need to worry. King Celzar is too busy beaming at me like he’s proud of his handiwork. “The existence of other realms isn’t a secret, but this way there will be less…questions,” he says primly, replying to my earlier question. “I don’t need the high lords and ladies of The Haven knowing there are outsiders here. Now come, my beloved.” He gestures with his head and holds out the crook of his arm like he expects me to take it.

My eyes narrow to slits, and I can’t believe the audacity of this guy. Forcing the thought of my missing wings from my mind, I lift my chin and stride forward, ignoring his arm as I stand beside him. I might be in another realm, but I assume the rules here are the same.Never show weakness.I’m not about to let the king think he’s already broken me.

On the other hand, I know he might retaliate at my show of defiance, but his grin only grows wider. He lowers his arm and turns to the two guards closest to us. “We’d best not forget our other new friend, as well,” he tells them, and I watch in confusion as the guards nod their heads and disappear into my room.

There’s a squawk, and my heart sinks.“What are you doing?” I hiss at King Celzar, but I’m pretty sure I already know. It turns out I’m right, because the guards reappear shortly after with Shade’s cage held between them, and my friend clinging onto the perch for dear life.Fuck.

Something sinister enters King Celzar’s eyes as he watches me. “Behave tonight, and no harm will come to your precious pet,” he warns me, his lips quirking upward into a smile like he thinks this is all a game.

“Behave? And what exactly are you expecting from me?” I say, glaring at him. I should know better than to give him the reaction he wants. Years of growing up while having to deal with the demon king’s games should have prepared me better, but I’m overwhelmed in this strange place, and I’m on edge without my mates, so I can’t help but ask.

King Celzar leans closer to me, and his overpowering scent of roses makes my nose twitch. “The announcement celebration we’re about to attend will solidify our engagement. The high lords and ladies of The Haven will want to meet their future queen and offer their congratulations.” He flashes his perfect teeth when he smiles. “All you have to do is play along and mind your tongue. I trust that’s not too hard a task for you to accomplish.”

Mind my tongue?The fact he’s just said that shows hereallydoesn’t know me, and I give him a forced smile. “And if I don’t?”

His smile turns cruel, his thin lips twitching as his gaze slides to Shade before finding me again. “If you don’t, let’s just say our guests will get to witness a different kind of spectacle tonight.”

A chill races down my spine. “Hurt Shade, and you’ll wish you never kidnapped me.” It’s a promise, but the king doesn’t look bothered by my threat.

“Shade? Is that what you call her?” He smiles, tapping his chin with his finger. “Now, why is that name so appropriate?” There’s something about the way he says his last comment that has unease going through me, but he starts forward, his heeled boots clicking on the floor as he strolls away from me and up the hallway. I snatch another glance at Shade before I begrudginglyfollow him. The moment I move, six guards flank us, two of them carrying Shade’s cage between them.

King Celzar walks slowly, clearly waiting for me to catch up to him, and I maintain a healthy distance as I keep pace with the male. The slit in the white gown I’m wearing reveals a generous portion of my left leg as I walk, but otherwise, the stroll through the palace is mostly uneventful. You know, aside from the fact that the palace is absolutely huge, and much more extravagant than the demon castle back at home.

Despite the shitty situation, for a short while, I find myself distracted by hallways filled with incredible murals that are expertly crafted, crystal sculptures that are so detailed they almost appear lifelike, and intricate paintings that are embedded with enough crystals that it starts to feel as though we’re walking past stars. Larger crystals extend from the walls, bathing the hallways in glowing white light, and my heels sink into the plush silver and blue patterned carpet beneath our feet. Unlike the demon castle which has been designed for war, this palace screams luxury, and it’s hard not to get swept up by the stunning artwork.

We turn down another hallway, and it’s filled with at least a hundred mirrors of different sizes, all with frames made of white crystal. The mirrors are arranged together like some kind of mosaic artwork, and I can’t help but roll my eyes when the king tilts his head to the side, admiring his reflection. He is attractive, I have to admit, with his sleek features and sharp jawline, but he always seems to have a pinched expression, and I still think he’d look better with my hands wrapped around his neck.

Not thinking, I unblock Shade, unable to help myself.“I don’t see why he needs another bride when he’s obviously already in love with himself.”Of course, going by what the servant, Sassia, said, the real reason he’s chosen me is because of my power, butwhy go through all the effort of a wedding ceremony? Why not just kill me now?

Shade’s laughter trills in my head, and just the sound of it is enough to ease some of my tension.“All he needs is his hand and a mirror, and he’s set for life. Do you think he calls out his own name when he comes? That would be weird, right? Like, ohhh Celzar.”

Her comment makes me snort with amusement as that unwelcome image works its way into my head, but then her laughter abruptly stops, and she hisses a warning in my mind.“Crap, Blake! Look out!”

I lift my gaze to find King Celzar scrutinizing me. He’s stopped before a set of double doors made from white crystal, and I quickly squash my magic again, re-blocking Shade from my mind.

As I move to stand beside the king, I feign innocence, and he examines the side of my face. “You, my darling, smell…different,” he muses suspiciously.

I give him a sweet smile. “It must be all the excitement,” I reply, fighting hard to keep my sarcasm contained.

His gaze lingers on me for a moment longer, and then his attention goes to Shade in her cage.

Oh, fuck.“Well, what are we waiting for?” I blurt, indicating to the doors in front of us with my head. “Is this where the announcement party is being held? The guests must be getting antsy.” Truthfully, I have no idea if we’re late to the party or not, but King Celzar turns his attention from Shade, so thankfully, it looks like my distraction tactic works.

The king levels me with a stare, and when he finally speaks, his voice is deathly calm. “Don’t embarrass me, my betrothed. When we enter, you will be on your best behavior. I will not be laughed at.”

So clearly, I must have done a terrible job at hiding my sarcasm, and my instinct is to respond with something offensive, but I’m smart enough to keep my mouth closed. I simply nod once, and it must be enough to satisfy him, because he turns forward again. Lifting himself higher, he puffs out his chest.

“Open,” he commands, and the guards standing sentry near us, pull the doors wide. My mouth drops open.Whoa.Despite my reluctance to be here, I can’t help but look on with surprise as I peer into the enchanting space beyond. Like the rest of the palace, everything sparkles and gleams, and white crystals are embedded into every surface, even arranged in intricate patterns along the walls. Three large chandeliers hang from the ceiling, comprised entirely of crystals shaped into perfect roses, and they glow brightly, bathing the room in bright, white light. Guards wearing royal armor stand sentry along the walls, their centaur forms tall and imposing, and the large room is filled with hundreds of guests dressed in lavish, glittering clothes. Unlike the guards, the guests all stand on two legs, and now that I know to look for them, I notice the cuffs visible around their ankles. Unlike the king, they don’t have the option to change into their centaur forms at will.

Gasps erupt around me when I enter the room, walking beside the king, but the high born of The Haven are quick to bow their heads, showing their respect as we make our way through the center of the ballroom. All the while, King Celzar beams proudly, keeping his nose high in the air as we stroll past the guests toward the raised dais at the other end of the room. There, the king stops before a long table and turns to face the guests.

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