Chapter 21

Chapter

Twenty-One

SAGE

" W hat is this place?" I ask, glancing around the long hallway Nyko and I are strolling through. Chandeliers hang overhead, their crystals scattering the light across the arched ceilings, the stone walls lined with tapestries. Lining our path, there are carvings of lifelike beastly heads on podiums. It's terrifying, yet I can't stop staring at the collection of severed animal heads.

"The Beast Hall." His voice deeply echoes around us, a wicked grin curling on his mouth as he stares at me like he's in his favorite place in the world.

Since waking up in Wolfe's room, Nyko's been determined to show me around, and I welcome it, as I haven't had a chance to see more of the vessel.

Besides, it takes my mind off the reminder that I'd woken up with the most beautiful orgasm rocking me awake. I swore I had dreamed of one of the monsters going down on me, and I couldn't stop him… I didn't want to, to tell the truth. Because I wished I'd woken up and found one there, to put out the flame that's constantly burning me up.

Of course, I blame it on all the talk about true mates, about my body going weak around them, and the ridiculously wicked sex I've had with Wolfe and Killian. Still slightly sore, I feel it with every step I take, reminding me of how much I enjoyed them.

Yet, here I am, also stealing glances at Nyko alongside me in our stroll.

"That's a Braucor," he states loudly, sticking his chest out, staring at a two-headed goatlike creature with curled horns. "I single-handedly destroyed that asshole. Look at him now!" He's chuckling.

I scrunch up my nose even more to think these are real heads. He points to a particularly large one with fangs jutting upward from its lips, a squashed nose, and bulging glassy eyes. It's freaky.

"That one took a bite out of me." He lifts his shirt, revealing his toned stomach and the low hang of his pants on his hips. As I trace the contours of his muscles, I spot the healed scar on his side—large teeth marks.

"Oh, hell! That would have hurt!"

"Like a damn bitch." But he's smiling, proud of his war wounds, studying another grotesque head, smiling to himself. He wears his human form again, dressed in a long-sleeved shirt that has metal bands across his biceps and dark pants that hug powerful legs, while he keeps raking a hand through his hair. Except, it's his jade eyes, how they glint behind his long lashes, that leave me breathless.

I have yet to see his monster side. Though, for now, I'm beyond content with him being less terrifying. There's actually something deeply captivating about him but also slightly scary.

He catches me staring and grins, showing perfect white teeth, well except for the two canine teeth, much longer and sharper. Since when are monsters so beautiful?

At the end of the hall, we swing left, where against one wall are lofty windows revealing the sea. For a change, the golden and purple sky's bright, the water settled.

Sunlight illuminates Nyko's hair, revealing strands that look bronze and gold, hair that sits messily around his face. It's as though he rakes his hand through it most mornings and declares it done. That rugged look goes with his constant brooding appearance when he's not smiling. There's a dimple in his chin, a heavy brow, and tanned skin telling me he spends lots of time outdoors… fighting beasts, no doubt.

He remains close to me, almost touching, especially as we begin to pass more Shadowfen strolling by. He ensures he places himself between me and them, seeming to study them with such intensity that they avoid his stares and lower theirs, moving past us quickly.

I appreciate it since the recent attack has me constantly glancing over my shoulder.

The room opening up ahead of us is peppered with round tables and seats, and one wall is completely made of glass… well, a tapestry of colored shapes mounted to create a window. It throws a rainbow across the room.

"This area is gorgeous."

He just nods, studying me constantly. "So very beautiful." Then he winks my way, releasing all the butterflies in my stomach.

I blink away from him before he has me blushing.

We pass several tables full of monsters chatting, coming in all kinds of forms.

Some are completely covered in hair; others have claws and tails. A few stares come in my direction, including a young girl with three eyes who smiles my way. I give her a small wave back.

Before I know it, Nyko and I are heading down a set of stairs at the rear of the room, two floors to be precise, where the sound of chatter reaches me, and the smell of spices and foods has me sniffing the air, stomach rumbling for food.

"We're going to eat at one of my favorite spots," he tells me, giving me a sneaky smile.

"I could eat whatever I'm smelling." It's savory, spicy, and delicious. I might be drooling.

He leans into me playfully, his breath on my cheek, his words in my ear: "Have I mentioned how delicious you smell?"

"Hey," I gasp. "Don't distract me because I'm starving."

He chuckles, guiding me toward a set of lofty double doors that open on our approach. Inside spreads out an indoor market, but unlike anything I could have imagined. Stall after stall lines the wide pathway, filled with all kinds of items for sale. Jars filled with tiny creatures floating in a blue liquid, baskets with dried meat, and I don't care to know what animal they belong to. Another table displays bowls of strange, long purple fruit, another with potted plants where the leaves grow faintly. And one vendor has a dead Tidecreeper strung up from its hind legs, with its head off.

I cringe.

Above the narrow walkway, there are strings of lights giving off a glowing effect, lighting up the area even brighter. Something small rushes past my legs. I might have yelped and bumped into Nyko, regretting it instantly as the store girl nearby laughs at me. I look back to see it's a bright magenta-colored, bunny-looking animal.

"You're safe," Nyko tells me. He automatically loops an arm around my lower back, drawing me against his side. "It's only going to gnaw on your ankles."

"Haha." I untangle myself from him, while he's giving me his mocking smirk.

As we continue through the market, he subtly guides me with a protective arm, ensuring no one gets too close. Despite his playful demeanor, there's an edge to his movements. We pass a vendor selling strange, twisted roots that seem to pulse faintly with light. Another stall displays intricate tiny carvings of creatures I can't even begin to name.

Nyko turns us down a narrower path until we stop in front of a stall filled with jewelry. I'm in awe at the glittering they release from the lights—necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, and even beautiful brooches made of metal with tiny colored stones.

"Anything catch your eye?" he asks, his voice soft, leaving me buzzing. His closeness has me leaning into him.

"Are you sure?" I ask, glancing up at him. "These look expensive, and I?—"

"Absolutely." He's giving me his brilliant smile, full of charm today.

I might have just swooned, but I quickly drift toward a brooch of something that resembles a butterfly with tiny stones in its wings. While I study it, Nyko's talking to the stall owner in a language I don't understand, and in no time, he has my piece paid for, and the man behind the stall hands me a small paper bag, which I take and hold close to me.

"Thanks." I glance up at Nyko. "I've never owned any jewelry, and no one has ever given me such a gift. Thank you." I pause, fighting the tightness in my chest. "Why are you being so nice?"

He takes my hand in his, swallowing it with his own.

"No reason needed, unless you want me to make one up?"

I blink at him, smiling, unsure if I've experienced a day of being spoiled in my life. Back home, I have errands to run daily, to look after my mom, to collect berries. And now, part of me feels guilty for taking it easy, for being bought a brooch when my mom's at home sick, without me. As much as I remind myself she might not even be awake yet with the time differences, I still miss her terribly.

"I'm starving. Come on, let's grab some food before I start snacking on you," Nyko teases, winking at me, and I somehow wouldn't put it past him. His large hand squeezes mine lightly, and we move quickly until we end up in front of a stall that smells heavenly, like roast. I'm salivating. There's a bowl filled with oversized drumsticks on a small fire, roasted, coated in spices, and continuously turned over. As tempting as it looks, the notion terrifies me of what animal it could be.

Nyko starts ordering, and I lose track of what he's selected. We move quickly behind the stall, where there's a tiny courtyard-style area with lights and lofty plants in pots, giving the look a fairy-tale vibe. It's gorgeous. He guides me to one of the empty tables in the corner near a glowing plant. A soft song plays around us, blocking out some of the chatter from the market. I can't stop glancing around, really liking the location. The people we pass bow to Nyko, showing their respect, I assume.

"Wow, this place is wonderful." I place the paper bag on the table, reaching inside, grabbing out the brooch, loving how it glints in the lights, and pin it to my shirt.

"This really is so pretty. Thanks." I pick up the bag to throw it when I feel something else jiggling about in the bag. Curious, I tip it out into my palm, revealing a bright silver necklace. The chain is a long strand with intricate floral patterns on the ends, each holding a mauve pearl that glints and reflects a pearlescent shine.

"Whose is this, because it's beautiful?"

"I got it for you." His eyes are sparkling, and I'm about to cry.

My mouth falls open, excitement flaring through me.

Nyko nods, leaning forward with that intoxicating smile. "In Blight, it's said that such necklaces show a connection between two Shadowfen… the person who gifts it and the one who wears it, which is why there are two pearls. And I want you to wear something that will remind you of me. Plus, that metal is a white blood-gold, a rare material."

"Do I want to ask what blood-gold is?"

He's laughing but still holding my stare, and it's odd as I haven't yet seen this calmer side of him yet, and we're just getting to know each other, so why's he gifting me a necklace? I'm no fool and know he likes me, I see it in the way he stares at me, so maybe he's a lot more romantic than he lets on.

"It's a fusion of white gold and my blood."

My throat chokes up at the sentiment, his gesture beautiful… though the part of a pearl being each of us feels slightly obsessive. The blood part is a bit disturbing.

"Your blood?" I ask, my voice slightly squeaking.

He grins, his gaze darkening, and that tells me everything. "Blood-gold is known to have protective energies."

"Now, that I like." I glance at the piece, not seeing any hooks on the ends to latch it, and it's not as if I can tell him I won't put it on when he stares at me like he's never been happier.

"It's gorgeous. Will you help me put it on?" I ask, not even freaked out as much as I should be, but I adore his gesture.

He's already on his feet, coming over to me.

"So, how do I wear it? I can't see where to loop it closed."

"It doesn't latch," he states, standing and moving closer to crouch next to me. He takes the necklace, saying, "Lift your hair for me."

I do as he asks, and he threads it around my neck. The metal molds softly against my skin, but not tightly, and the two pearl endings drop in the middle of my collarbones, one sitting slightly lower than the other.

I reach up, my fingers shaking. "It's stunning. Are you sure about this? It looks really expensive."

He reaches over, straightening it, the tips of his fingers grazing my skin, leaving behind a path of tingles. But he's gone just as quickly back to his seat. He stares at me with those hypnotic jade eyes, his smile having a way of making me swoon and forget my thoughts.

"It's made for you and now you'll never forget me." He's smirking, leaving me laughing.

I sense the necklace settling, its weight comforting yet cool against me.

"It's a really special gift. Thank you." My cheeks are burning up as I keep smiling.

That's when a waiter appears at our table, delivering a large round silver platter brimming with food. She sets it down, almost taking up the whole table. My stomach is growling with hunger at all the delicious roast and spicy fragrances.

The oversized drumsticks coated in herbs and oil glisten under the courtyard lights, alongside bowls of vibrant salads and an array of dipping sauces. There are skewers of what looks like grilled vegetables and cubes of meat, but their colors are more vivid than anything I've ever seen, almost glowing in the light. There are also buns similar to the ones I ate the other night in the bakery.

"This looks incredible," I gush.

"Dig in while it's warm."

I reach for a drumstick, its size and weight much larger than I'm used to. "What kind of meat is this?" I ask, slightly afraid.

Nyko's laughing already before he's said anything. "It's a Pluckar. A large birdlike creature. I've hunted a few in my time. The bastards are fast, super aggressive, and territorial. Catching one is a challenge as they often turn on you in a flock."

"Sounds like turkeys, what we had back on the farm. I've been chased by them in the past, and it's terrifying." I take a tentative bite, and the flavors explode in my mouth. I moan instantly, eyes widening. The spices and salt blend perfectly, and I can't help but groan in delight. This can pass for turkey meat. "I love this." I take another large bite.

Nyko watches me while grabbing his own drumstick and tearing into it. Juices run down his chin, and he catches them with a napkin. The sight makes my stomach growl even louder. I take another bite, then another, until I'm left with a bone that's easily as long as my hand.

"It's the most delicious thing I've ever tasted." And it's not some weird creature that slides on its belly or drools or shoots poison from its saliva. Just normal meat. I pray I'm right.

As I set down the bone, I notice Nyko watching me with the same hunger I just showed the food. Embarrassed, I quickly grab my napkin, wiping my mouth.

"I love watching you eat so excitedly," he coos.

"That comes from not eating for what feels like forever." I reach for one of the buns. It's a pale cream color, and when I tear it open, it reveals a bright yellow center with small pieces in the jam-like sauce. Nearby is a small bowl with blue cream… the butterfly larva, if I remember right. No hesitation, I dig right in.

"Noted," Nyko murmurs, grinning at me as he leans back in his seat. "Make sure to always have food for you."

"Where do you raise these animals, anyway? On the vessel?"

He's shaking his head. "We have a regular Day of the Chase at various islands where we stop for supplies." He nods, leaning in closer, pushing the plate of drumsticks closer to me.

"Last time we went, Killian was cornered by the Pluckars. The fuckers surrounded him, and he was there with his swords out, ready to battle, shooing them away." He's chortling at the story.

"And what did he do?"

"Well, while he killed some, he ended up climbing a tree until they left him alone."

I giggle, trying to imagine Killian scared of anything, let alone cooped up in a tree from birdlike creatures.

As I keep eating, my thoughts drift to Killian and Wolfe and how they still haven't been truly honest with me. I take a deep breath, studying Nyko, deciding it's time to get some answers.

Putting the second half of my bun down on the platter, I ask, "So, Nyko, let's talk about something serious."

He nods. "Hit me."

Taking a quick sip of the table water, I ask, "Do you know who my father is?" I hadn't expected to shake this much from asking one question.

He pauses for a moment, his expression unreadable as he wipes his mouth before lowering the napkin.

"Your father is the false King in Blight," he answers directly, no hesitation.

My mouth drops open for the second time today. "You better not be damn joking."

Except, his expression is dead serious.

"That son of a bitch took over the Silvercrest Kingdom after the Great Desolation, and it's why we're now fucking stuck living on this vessel." Frustration and anger ripple behind his voice.

The food in my gut churns. I can't find my words, and I'm struggling to breathe. My father destroyed their lives and took over a kingdom!

"You deserve the truth," he adds with a low voice. "I know Killian and Wolfe want to tell you but are worried about how you'll react."

"Why?" My shoulders shoot back at his comment. "I have no allegiance to my father. I've never even met him, so what difference would it make?"

"Because we're planning on going in to remove him from power… by any force necessary."

I'm fully aware of what he's saying.

They're going kill him.

It's difficult to have feelings toward someone I've never met, someone who abandoned my mother and me, who left us ostracized in a village that ended up hating us. My whole life, I've desperately wanted to know who my father is… to ask him why he never returned, never wanted to meet his daughter.

Yet, the unsettling sensation that I'm now with a powerful Shadowfen who intends to kill him dawns heavily on me. I frown, my hands shaking in my lap.

"It's a lot to take in, and why we've taken our time to tell you."

"But I had a right to know," I answer curtly.

"Yeah, you did. But your father's actions have impacted us all, so it's not that straightforward."

"Then why not just summon a portal and pop into his kingdom and get your revenge when he least expects it?" Anger simmers in my veins.

He sighs. "It's not that simple, Sage. A portal can only be summoned to take you out of our world and back, not across Blight. And we tried having Killian transport himself from Earth right into the kingdom, but it backfired. They have magic around their island, and Killian was thrown back into Earth."

The reality hits hard, and part of the stings is that if he'd wanted to visit us, he couldn't have.

Thoughts fly in every direction, dread squeezing my gut at his revelation about Wolfe.

Shifting in my seat, I ask, "So, Wolfe is the true heir to the kingdom?"

"Yes, he is now the rightful King of Silvercrest Kingdom."

I swallow hard, trying to come to terms with the news, with everything I've learned since arriving in this world—the reason for them living on this vessel, why Wolfe and the other two are in charge. My thoughts spiral on what Killian had said to me in Nightingale Village… that he's been searching for me. That I'm needed.

He's watching me intently. "Are you all right?"

I blink at him, my words pouring out, "Why was I brought to Blight?"

He doesn't respond instantly, and his face is stoic, blank of any emotions. But when he doesn't answer, I do it for him.

"You were all planning on using me to get to my father, weren't you?" My voice trembles with a mix of anger and betrayal. "That's why you brought me here—to use me as bait or have me convince him. Whatever it is, you three were going to use me to your benefit!"

"Sage, it's not that simple," Nyko replies, his face blanching, that serious expression confirming my worst fears.

So, all those things about Killian and Wolfe being my true mates, them bringing out emotions in me… was it all fake? Did they trick me? My heart's galloping, the courtyard tilting, and I feel like I'm going to be sick. Pushing my chair back, I jolt to my feet.

"You've all been using me this whole time."

"Sage," Nyko states, reaching for me, but I flinch away from him and dart across the courtyard, bursting into the busy marketplace. I glance back to see him coming after me.

Betrayal churns in my gut, and I hate that I feel anything for them. I turn and push myself into the crowds and down a path on my left to get away from him.

At that exact moment, something sharp jabs me in the side of the neck.

I cry out as my knees buckle.

Dizziness comes so quickly that I have no time to react before my world darkens, and I fall.