Page 30 of Monstrous Truths


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Cato nods, his relief clear. Despite what he says about wanting space and sometimes feeling worried about his duty, it’s clear he loves it and loves helping people.

“For the human.” The man’s eyes swing to me, neither angry nor hopeful. “She will be allowed to live, but I think I speak for us all when I say it is under the provision that she helps us, and if she in any way betrays us, she will be put to death immediately.”

“Understood,” I respond, almost slumping. I am to live. They believed us. I grin up at Cato, and he grins at me.

I know we dodged a bullet. They are more worried about what the humans want and gaining my help than killing me. One death versus their entire race, they truly are the smart ones. No wonder they have lasted this long.

“Then I suggest we get back to our desires, no?” Cato calls. “They won’t do themselves.” That causes some chuckles, and although I know some will still be angry and probably resentful, they clearly trust in him. They start to scatter, some watching me with interest and others with outright hatred.

Cato’s brother stops before us, glaring at me. “I will never trust you, and when you mess up, which you will, human, I will destroy you.” He glares at Cato and storms away.

Cato snarls, watching his retreating form before looking down at me. “Stay here, I need to talk to him.” He hesitates and leans down, pressing his forehead to mine. “They won’t harm you now, okay? Trust me and this. Just don’t run away.” He chuckles, and I nod, wrapping my arms around myself as I watch him go after his brother.

I’m now alone with the lingering monsters. I meet their gazes and smile shyly, my cheeks blushing under their regard. “So, erm, do I get a tour?”

SIXTEEN

CATO

“That’s all you have to say? Threaten the woman?” I roar at my brother, chasing him outside.

“The human!” he roars, turning on me, the space between us bigger than it has ever been. We have been inseparable since we were kids. When I left Akuji’s tribe, he followed me, always trusting in me.

“You have never doubted me before, so do not start now, brother,” I beg, hating the hurt in his voice. He’s surrounded himself with anger, letting it rot his soul. I don’t know when I stopped hating humans or started to think of Talia as different, but knowing that my best friend, my brother, hates her and wants to kill her destroys me.

“I never doubted my brother, but you? I don’t know you. The brother I knew would have killed the woman the first time he saw her for everything they did to our people, to us, and our parents!” he yells, his eyes flashing red as he faces off with me. “He would not have kept her like a fucking pet and protected her, especially from me!”

“I did what I had to for our people—”

“They might have bought that, but I saw it in your eyes—you want her. It’s simple and plain. You want the human.” His lips curl in a sneer. “You chose her over your own people, your duty…and me.” He pants as he stares at me. “I don’t know you, so I certainly don’t trust you, but congratulations, you get to keep the human. Do not expect me to stand around and watch as you destroy yourself and our people.” He turns, but I won’t let him leave until we finish this.

“Brother, do not do this. Our people need you, I need you.”

“You never did,” he says, facing away. “You never needed me, but I needed you. You were the only family I had. I looked up to you so much and trusted you with everything. I would have given anything for you. Now, you’re just a stranger. You will make us weak and destroy us, but hey, at least you aren’t the only monster keeping secrets and humans.” He tosses a crumpled note at me and then fades into the darkness, walking away from me and our brotherhood like it was nothing. The ache makes me rub my chest, even as I grab the note, curious what he’s talking about.

I might have just lost my best friend, my brother, for Talia, and yet I can’t regret it, especially when I read the note.

Cato, my friend.

Can we meet? I have a human here searching for her friend, and I think you have her. Talia?

-Akuji

Akuji has Aria. I almost slump in relief, glad to hear Talia’s friend is alive and well. She was so worried, so at least it’s one less concern for her, but they want to meet. That could mean anything. They could take Talia. I hesitate, but I know what I have to do.

I won’t lie to her, and I won’t hurt or risk my tribe anymore, so when I find the first runner, I send a message back. I tell him it can wait until tomorrow night, since it’s nearly morning, but in reality, I want to keep Talia to myself a little longer.

At least for now.

SEVENTEEN

TALIA

“No, I won’t ever grow horns.” I giggle. The kid at my side nods seriously, looking back at the bunch of little ones following me. They are a mix of ages, with eyes ranging from all black to a bright orange, short to fully grown tails, and horns of all sizes, since those are still growing. They are cute as hell. After Cato disappeared, they cornered me on the stage and started peppering me with questions. A female who introduced herself as Noya told them to at least let me sit down if they were going to quiz me, so now I’m following a herd of children and a few adult monsters back into the sleeping area.

“What about a tail?” one whispers.

“Nope.” I grin. “I like your eyes. How come they are orange?” I inquire, seeing as fair is fair.

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