Page 11 of Their Lethal Pet
It’s the way he always ends his sermon.
Except this time, he adds, “And if, for whatever reason, the monsters are not pleased, we will make an example of the offending Offering to ensure the monsters are never displeased again.”
Thatcauses a few members of the crowd to shift a little, their surprise evident in their not-so-subtle gasps.
What the hell does that even mean?I wonder,stillstaring at the Viscount.
But he simply smiles in response and claps his hands together. “Let’s get started, shall we?” He’s practically beaming now, causing every warning bell in my mind to blare with alarm.
And not just because he’s finally looked away from me.
But because his last statement sounded like a threat.
One aimed directly at me.
My heart hammers in my chest, thethud, thudechoing in my ears.
It’s loud.
Violent.
Overwhelming.
I can’t think over the sound. All I can do is see. Observe.Watchas the Chalice is brought forward on its ceremonial platform.
It’s so heavy that three Village Protectors have to wheel it across the stage.
Thud, thud.
The Viscount’s mouth is moving again, but his voice sounds so far away. Like I’m ten feet underwater and he’s growling from the surface.
Thud, thud.
I’m still the only one looking at him. No one else dares to disrespect him in such a way.
No one except me.
Thud, thud.
His hand goes toward the Chalice, his jawline hard as he digs deep for the name of the first Offering.
Did he say how many there will be?I wonder, my throat dry.Do I have a chance? Hell, do Iwantto have a chance?
His words linger in my head.
“We will make an example of the offending Offering.” An example. An example. An example.
What does that mean?
Am I the example?
Because I’m staring at him? Or because I’ve drawn too much attention to myself?
I force my eyes to close, my need to take a deep breath overpowering whatever rebellious instinct overtook my senses.Focus,I tell myself.Focus on the ceremony.
At this rate, I won’t even hear my own name over the beating of my heart.
If he calls my name at all,I think, swallowing. My heart pangs uncomfortably in my chest at the thought, my motivations over the last year coming to a grinding halt.I need to go to Monsters Night. I need to find Serapina.
