Page 116 of Prince of Darkness and Deceit

What in the Gods’ names is that thing?

“A natchling," Rian answers.

I must’ve spoken out loud.

Silver churns in his gaze, and unease claws up my chest.

My voice scrapes out, low and wary. “What in the hells is a natchling?”

“A monster born of nightmares.” His voice is a razor-edged murmur as his eyes drag over my face, then lower. “They creep into villages disguised as children to lure in unsuspecting prey before they devour their souls.”

They what?

A shudder runs through me. Rian’s grip tightens.

“Take it to the forest,” he tells Jaxon. “You know what to do.”

“Aye, aye, Captain.” Jaxon salutes with a wry smile.

Then he and his shadows drag the beast into the dark woods.

I watch them go, my head spinning with questions. “Are natchlings intelligent?”

“Why do you ask?”

I tear my gaze from the ominous forest and swallow. “Because I think the monster chose to lure me in.”

Saying it out loud, I’m certain I’m right. There were dozens of people around, trying to douse the flames. Yet I’m the only one who heard the creature’s call for help. I can’t shake the idea that it was intentional.

“The beast likely scented your magic,” he says, voice edged with something that makes the back of my neck prickle.

“And what? Magic makes me a tastier snack?”

A flash of silver cuts through his gaze. “And more…nourishing, for lack of a better word.”

My stomach lurches.

I was almost monster chow. Even if that beast hadn’t killed me, the flames would’ve finished the job. I was almost wiped from existence, and no one would have known.

“Hey.” Rian’s breath brushes the top of my head. “It’s all right. You’re all right.”

I’m anything but.

“Put me down.”

The world tilts as he sets me on my feet, only for his hands to clamp onto my arms when my knees buckle.

Warm liquid trails down my back.

His head jerks, his nostrils flaring. Then he releases a guttural growl. “You’re bleeding.”

“Very observant,” I mutter, blinking hard against the haze pressing in at the edges of my vision.

His grip tightens. “Why are you bleeding? Use your magic.”

His words are clipped, demanding. Almost…angry?

“I can’t.” My legs fold, but he yanks me against his side before I hit the ground.