Page 26 of Our Monstrous Hearts

Growls erupt from my stomach, and I hiss, flashing my pointed fangs as if the two parts of me battle for dominance. Why do I feel compelled to hold onto my humanity? I don’t have to be a sweet, pliable woman. That version of me is gone, buried. Now I live on my own terms.

I can be a monster without a shred of shame.

Decided, I nod my head in agreement. “Only men,” I tell him. Any of the little humanity I have left will be saved for women. They have suffered enough, and I won’t contribute to more harm. Instead, I will devour the men who think they can take and take with no consequence.

Izcacus grins, pleased by my response. He kisses the top of my head.

At my request, Izcacus bows low before fading out of the room, darkness wrapped around him.

Chapter XVIII

Cassandra

With a full stomach and blood pumping through my veins, I finally feel satisfied, my body thrumming with energy and extraordinary strength. I can do anything.

I’m high on fresh human blood, and Izcacus leads me to the throne room, the double doors swinging open to reveal the domed ceiling. With my palm in his hand as we walk, I admire the stained-glass windows that depict historic scenes. Humans fighting each other with swords, past kings and queens, future rulers being born. My eyes are drawn to a woman with long, black hair and eyes that shine so tragically it’s as if I can feel her sadness. But before I can ask Izcacus about her, we reach the stairs that lead up to the throne.

It’s an opulent pedestal of black stone, with carvings of mythical beasts that climb either side before extending into towering points. The throne looks like a mini castle in itself.

With each step that I take as I ascend to the throne I feel energy pulsing around me, like the universe is telling me that this is my future to claim. That this is meant to be. The seat is unyielding beneath me, and pride shines in Izcacus’s eyes as I take what is mine.

“How do I look?” I ask him, flourishing my hands through the air, the attention making me feel giddy.

“Like a queen. I could not be more blessed.”

I roll my eyes at him despite my wide smile.

“And for my queen, I have a gift. Close your eyes, my love. I will be back.”

His voice is kind and sweet, so I close my eyes as he asks. The excitement builds as I wait. After a while, the anticipation becomes almost too much to bear, especially when I hear muffled screaming.

“You may open your eyes.”

My eyes shoot open, and I gasp in surprise at what lies at my feet. A naked man tied up in ropes––there’s even a little bow. As I start to say thank you, I pause, my eyes meeting the man’s before I realize. I know him. It’s Dalton, one of Clayton’s closest friends. A frown crosses my now stony face, and I look to Izcacus for answers. He grins victoriously.

“He was lurking near the castle with a knife while you were in slumber. Perhaps he thought that he could sneak in.”

My worst fears materialized. My fingers grip the marble armrest, the unnatural strength that I now possess damaging it, a resounding crack echoing in the cavernous room.

“Ungag his mouth,” I demand, keeping my voice steady despite the past that haunts me. Any euphoria I felt from the blood disappears as I face a harsh reality––my work has not been finished. I am not yet safe.

Dalton spits out the rope, and Izcacus hoists him upright. He kneels before me, his gaze piercing. Angry. Accusatory. “Fucken’ whore.”

All I see are shades of violent red. Dalton is Clayton, Clayton is Dalton. Every cruel memory echoes around me, and rage flares as I flash my pointed teeth at him with a low growl. Let him witness what I’ve become.

Disgust flashes across his face but I hold his stare, my tongue tracing the sharp points that would tear his flesh to pieces. With one bite, I could condemn him to hell. Satisfaction crosses my face, because underneath his false bravado is fear. I can smell it.

It helps to calm me, knowing that there’s nothing he can do. He will be dead by morning, and by my hand. Dalton is no more than a tiny, insignificant man who no longer holds any power. And this will be the fate of every man who thinks he can cross me.

Straightening my shoulders, I look down at him and smile politely, showing him that I am an unshakeable force. That I can be the queen Izcacus wants me to be.

“What are you doing here?” I ask saccharinely.

Dalton spits on the floor. “Comin’ to kill you. We know what you did to Clayton.”

“What did I do?” The words come out in a coy whisper, but I want to hear him say it. I want to know that Clayton’s gone and that I was the reason for it.

“You slaughtered him!” My smile grows wider as Dalton relives the moment. “He didn’t even look like himself. So many wounds…” He pauses, and I watch with delight as a faint sheen of green washes over his face. “You butchered him, and now we’re gonna do the same to you.”