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“It’s going to be all right,” the stranger explains in a deep, growly voice. He steps into my space, but I recoil. The guards and the Barons keep their distance, just watching us.

“What’s going on?” I glance at the mark again, which is already fading. Thin black lines are left, then the wings blur and vanish completely.

Drawing in each breath, I lift my gaze to the stranger, realizing just how much taller he is compared to me.

Dressed in a black jacket, there’s nothing simple about his clothes. Silver glints from his cuffs, a black belt low on his hips and adorned with strange symbols. Black pants and shirt, open at the throat, except the fabric has the same symbols that seem to move when I try to stare at them. Plus, he’s way too polished for Moonstone Village, which instantly makes me wonder if he belongs to the Moonstone family. That would explain why the Barons and the guards are keeping their distance from him.

And he’s terrifyingly handsome. By his clothes, this man is rich. He must own land, cities, or people.

He shoulders his jacket off and hands it to me. “Put this on.” Glacier-blue eyes flash, and for a heartbeat, I’m lost, confused. Who exactly is this man? Blond hair shaved close at the sides with dark patterns cut into it, longer on top and swept to one side. He’s impossibly attractive in a rugged way—sharp cheekbones and jawline, full lips that frown, skin pale as winter snow.

Just as quickly, I accept the coat and throw it over me, hands rushing down the sleeves. Even if I’m swimming in his heavy coat, I appreciate him allowing me to cover myself. His masculine scent engulfs me, and for a moment, I inhale it deeply because it makes me feel almost untouchable. Which is a strange way to describe his smell.

“Thank you,” I say, tightening the coat around myself.

He stares at me, no signs of anger or disgust in his expression, not even shock at what he’s witnessed. That part is disturbing, especially since I’m panicking enough for everyone in the village. I’m barely holding myself together, but staring at his man does something to me. It’s as though he calls to me, which makes no sense.

“Are you all right?” he asks.

I shake my head. “Not sure anything is right today,” I whisper in response, and he turns his attention to his torn sleeve. It’s stained with blood from the four deep gashes over his bicep. The ones I put there. A few drops spill onto the ground.

“Yes, today does carry an air of strangeness about it,” he answers and retrieves a folded cloth from his back pocket. Examining his wound, he dabs it with calmness.

“I’m sorry I did that. I wasn⁠—”

“I’ve survived worse,” he says with a chuckle behind his words, returning the cloth to his pocket. “Now, what are we going to do with you?” He steps closer.

“Hopefully nothing,” I answer quickly, lifting my chin.

“Shh, little one.” He studies me, and I hate that when I look at him, it’s his eyes and beauty that captivate me.

“Who are you, and what do you want?” I glance around, wondering how difficult it would be for me to slip away.

“You are safe now,” the beautiful stranger says as though he read my intentions across my face.

Does that make it better or worse?

The Barons and the guards haven’t said a word, but their eyes are huge, watching me and the stranger. One of the guards suddenly turns on his heel and bolts toward the village.

Wonderful, he gets to run away.

“I arrived here for my Offering,” the stranger declares loudly, grabbing my attention.

But wait… His Offering?

No, that can’t be right. I’m shaking my head. That’s when I realize this stranger isn’t from the Moonstone family. He’s not even from this world, and I whimper at the thought.

He’s one of the monsters coming to collect their brides.

Of all the cursed hells that decided to ruin my day, this one is making my life worse by the second.

He raises his hand and points at me, and my knees almost give out. “I’ve made my choice.”

The ground seems to disappear beneath me. Please, no.

“Her,” he continues. “She’s mine.”

Oh, fuck no!