Page 76 of Prince of Darkness and Deceit

We reach the incline that leads to the forge. I take a fortifying breath. The climb is exhausting on a good day, but after the night I’ve had—with the eerie Fae soldiers and sexist human captain—this is going to be awful.

We’re halfway up the incline when Ferria says in a tired voice, “General Ironheart has commissioned more weapons for the army. Anton and I have been working around the clock.”

Dread curls in my chest. “Because of the Fae?”

She meets my eyes, and her silence is answer enough. But then her gaze flicks toward the dark forge up ahead. Moonlight outlines its edges, and something shifts in her posture.

“Maybe. Maybe not.”

I wait, but she doesn’t continue. “Ferria?”

She exhales slowly. “I don’t think the weapons are just for the Fae.”

A chill not from the night air settles on my skin. “What else could they be for?”

Her jaw tightens, but whatever answer she’s about to give vanishes with the sharp crack of a snapping branch.

We both freeze. Our eyes meet then shift to the forest’s edge.

Something moves.

Leaves rustle as a shadow detaches from the darkness a dozen feet down the slope.

Then I see it.

A klarv.

One of the most terrifying beasts from my childhood nightmares steps into the moonlight—hulking, sinewed, its long, needle-like claws gleaming like polished bone.

My breath catches.

It locks eyes with me, and a wide, too-intelligent smile pulls across its face.

And then—it charges.

15

The monster’s tattered cloak wraps around its skeletal legs as it barrels toward us. The fabric slows it down, but not nearly enough.

I throw the lantern at the beast. Glass explodes, and oil flames lick at the fabric. The monster rears back with a shriek.

“Run!” My voice cracks through the air like a whip, but Ferria’s legs don’t move.

Not until I grab her arm and pull.

She snaps out of her daze, and we sprint. My shoes slip on slick earth as we tear up the path.

“How the fuck is that thing out of the forest?” Ferria shouts ahead of me.

“I don’t know!” I pant, struggling to keep up with her faster pace.

This shouldn’t be possible. The monsters never leave the forest. We’re supposed to be safe.

Another shriek splits the night—inhuman and angry. It’s closer now. Too close.

I clutch my satchel strap tighter and pump my other arm. The heavy book slaps against my hip. I’d be faster without it, but I can’t risk losing the book. Not when I still have my deal to fulfill.

My foot catches on a loose stone. I fall hard.