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She hesitates one second, two before she slithers forth and leaves the cage entirely. Her long, lithe body is covered in wounds, as if she fought valiantly to be free. Those scales, a deep purple shimmer, reflect the light of the torch Weyland carries as she moves. She looks back once, meets my eyes, and nods.
“I am in your debt, human,” she says before disappearing into the forest.
Kaito relaxes. “Nagas always put me on edge.”
My eyes stay on where she disappeared, on where she found her freedom.
Something inside me sings at my action, as if I opened my own cage and found my own freedom and found my purpose, even if it’s still the tiniest flickering flame.
The shadows stroke my flesh, and I look up at Rook, at this new monster who feels like everything I’ve ever wanted, and then I look at the four monsters I now consider my own.
“Let’s go home,” I murmur.
The tightest thread pulling at my heart loosens.
Chapter
Twenty-Six
KAI
While we walk back to our cabin, my mind wanders. My hand is still firmly held in Rook’s, and I can’t seem to let go. It’s almost comforting to be hidden in his shadows.
Humans are hunting monsters?
Since when?
Why?
Are those the screams I keep hearing? What’s happening out there in our world? I don’t understand, and I suppose I never will while hiding away here. I can’t bring myself to go back, not even for this warning. I don’t know if that will ever change.
As we reach the cabin, I’m still distracted as I wash and prepare for bed. It’s only when I’m lying down with my monsters surrounding me, filling the tiny cabin, that the truth hits me.
If humans are hunting monsters, is Cora in danger?
No, no, she can’t be. She’s queen now, not to mention the army of monsters she surrounds herself with. No human woulddare attack her, and even if they do, her monsters will keep her safe.
But who will keep the monsters safe?
Unable to handle the stress, I start to clean even though I should be resting. I see them all watching me, exchanging concerned looks.
“Is this normal?” Rook whispers.
I pretend not to hear as I sweep, focusing on the methodical task to stop my mind from throwing up exactly what could be happening to Cora right now. One thing is for certain—if the humans get to her, it won’t be pretty.
“No,” Weyland answers.
“I see,” Rook responds.
“What shall we do?” Dade hisses.
“Nothing. She will eventually tire. Let her work her way through this,” Kaito finally offers, his voice soft and caring, and then without a word, he picks up the other broom, heads my way, and starts to help.
I shoot him a grateful smile, and hours later, when I’m covered in sweat and the cabin is sparkling clean, I collapse into my bed.
Weyland yawns. “It’s about time.”
“Goodnight,” I tell them with a wince, realizing how late I kept them up with my troubles.
