Chapter 39

Chapter

Thirty-Nine

SAGE

Two Weeks Later

I 'm spit out of the portal, stumbling in the dark, landing in Nightingale Village in a field near the pond. Night encases everything, and it's surreal. Nausea churns in my stomach from being back here. A lot has happened, yet I feel like I'm back to that night Killian found me in the garden and took me to Blight. Now I don't feel like the same Sage I was before.

I'm no longer naive.

Not as afraid.

And I've embraced that I'm different. I love who I am now, and I understand why I never fit into this village. This whole time, I was a monster pretending to be a human.

Even though only about four-and-twenty hours have passed, the world feels different… almost smaller, more back in the times, but also cozy and familiar.

I steady myself, straighten the backpack on my shoulder, and try to shake off the dizziness and the overwhelming sense of traveling through the portal.

Killian leaps out of the portal with more grace than I managed, landing softly beside me. He stretches, his muscles rippling under the moonlight in his human form, dressed up fitting a Viscount. When I glance at him now, I'm no longer afraid of him. Killian is my true mate. A Shadowfen who saved my life, who loved me so passionately it left me with marks, and someone I absolutely love. Besides, we're going to get married, so technically, he's my fiancé.

"Ahhh, this place," he groans, making it clear he's not a huge fan. "Let's move. It's best if no one sees us and asks questions."

I nod, my heart pounding with a mix of excitement and anxiety.

"I can't wait to see my mom again. It's been so long, but for her, I know it's more like four-and-twenty hours. I just want to stop her worrying about me and let her know that I'm all right."

Killian glances around, ensuring the dark field is clear.

I try to steady my nerves, and start strolling quickly toward the village. My mind races with thoughts of my mother. What will she say when she sees me? How will I explain everything that's happened? The anticipation is almost too much to bear.

As we near the first few homes, the reality of what we've been through hits me. When we reach my house, I turn to Killian, who gives me an encouraging nod.

We're in the shadows, outside what used to be my bedroom.

"I won't be coming inside with you since I have a few things to settle," Killian says. "I promised to take care of this village before I left, and that's what I'm going to do, but first, I need to visit the Elite City."

It makes me wonder if my friend, Alina, actually made it there, but I don't want Killian to ask about her in the Elite City, not wanting to draw attention to her just in case she doesn't want to be found. I smile, telling myself that, just like me, I hope she's found her happiness.

"So, what's in the Elite City?"

"It's a who," he says with a grin. "The Elite City King offered me the position of temporary Viscount in Nightingale Village, which I took to come and learn more about you."

I grin shyly, realizing how things had been set into motion by him way before we ever met.

"And I'm going to gain approval for our regular returns to Earth from Blight to visit your mother and notify him that I won't be spending time in the city any longer."

"Unless my mother wants to join us?" I ask, hopeful though worried she'll struggle there. "However, before she fell sick, she loved the simple village life."

He shrugs. "Sage, that might be difficult, seeing as approval may be needed from Cain, and it may not be given since that could raise a lot of questions. I have something else in store to help your mom, but initially, I have to speak with Cain. Something that could go either way."

I swallow hard. "Should I be worried?"

He laughs softly. "Never with me." Then he places something in my palm, and I glance down to find a small clear bag with powder inside. "Give her this to drink with water, and her chest infection will completely go away. She'll be healed in a few hours."

My throat thickens. "Really?" I throw myself into a hug with him.

He threads a finger under my chin, lifts it, and in the dark shadows of my house, his mouth meets mine. It's fire, passion, an explosion of carnal pleasure. With it comes a memory of the way he adores my body when he claims me. He's a dominant lover, enjoying me being tied up, and I've grown to love it. I'm planning to surprise him next time with a trick of my own—binding his hands. The thought excites me, and I kiss him back deeper, leaning against him, pushing myself on my tippy-toes to reach him fully.

I almost laugh, thinking about how those girls who used to bully me in the village would react now if they saw me kissing the Viscount.

Killian pulls back. "All right, my pretty little monster, now head inside, and I'll return as soon as I can." He walks me to the front of the house, takes a quick kiss, then whispers, "I love you more than stars sparkle in the sky. I'll see you soon." And he's gone.

I'm buzzing all over, my lips slightly sore from his kiss, my insides swooning from his words. I watch him vanish into the dark.

The familiar creak of the front porch has me covered in goose bumps from excitement. There's a soft glow in the window, telling me the kitchen light is on. She must be up, probably worrying about me.

Taking a deep breath, I gently knock on the door, not wanting to just barge in and scare her. Hurried footsteps rush to the door, and moments later, the door swings open. My mother stands there, her face pale with shock and relief. She's suddenly crying, and I burst into tears.

"Sage?" she gasps, pulling me into a tight embrace. "Oh, my sweet girl, you're home!"

I hug her back, the warmth and love of her embrace bringing me back home.

"I've missed you."

I pull from her and move inside, closing the door quickly behind me, then I hug her again.

"You have no idea how much I wanted to contact you, but I couldn't leave the monster world at first. It's complicated."

We move into the kitchen, where it's warm, and she's just made herself a hot tea. She's in her robe, her hair messy. She breaks into a rough cough that has her trying to clear her throat several times. Then she stares at me, smiling as she wipes her tears.

"Where have you been? What happened? After I read your note, I suspected the worst… that I'd never see you again." She examines me, smiling yet uncertain. "You look different, your hair, it's more violet. And your eyes." It's as though she finally sees me now.

I grin at her, and she sighs heavily.

"You know what I am, don't you?"

She nods almost reluctantly.

My insides tighten to think that she knew this whole time.

I set my bag down on one of the chairs at the kitchen table. "We have so much to catch up on, but first, here." I give her the small bag of powder from Killian. "Mix this with water and drink it all in one go. In a few hours, your chest infection will be completely gone."

She looks at it skeptically but trusts me enough to say, "All right, but you need to sit down and explain everything. I'll get you a hot cup of tea."

I'm not sure how to begin as I flop down in a chair. She hurries about the kitchen, setting the hot water kettle on an already burning stove that keeps the house warm. She then prepares her own concoction, the liquid in her glass turning a vibrant violet. She stares at it carefully, then looks at me.

"Are you sure?"

"I am. I promise it will heal you," I reassure her.

She takes a sniff, her face relaxing slightly.

"So, anyway," I begin. "You knew my father was a monster the whole time? And that I was different?"

She sighs, setting the glass down on the table, the memories clearly weighing heavily on her.

"Yes, Sage. I knew. I was working in the field late one evening. I was younger then, and since I lived alone with my parents long gone, I had to finish my quota to get food. So, I worked late that evening." Her voice softens, her eyes distant as she recalls the past.

"I met a man who I didn't recognize. He was the most beautiful man I'd ever seen, and I should have been scared of him, but I wasn't. Especially as he was much older than me, but his presence was mesmerizing, and I couldn't look away. After he approached me, we talked for hours. He was charming and kind, and I found myself drawn to him in a way I couldn't explain. Then he blew sparkling dust in my face, which was so strange, but it made me relax. He told me I'd be okay… then one thing led to another and…" She glances at me, her cheeks flushing. "Well, nine months later, I had you."

I listen intently, my heart aching for my mother. "What happened next?"

"I never saw him again," she continues, her lips turning downward, and I can tell she really felt something for my father, while I hate him for everything he's done to her, to Blight. "But I think of him often, wondering who he was. Before he left, he whispered to me that he was a monster who had snuck into our world behind someone else from his world as it was Monsters Night, and he had to return soon. Then he left."

Tears well up in my eyes. "Mom, why didn't you tell me?"

"I wanted to protect you, Sage. I thought if you didn't know, you could have a normal life. But as you grew, I saw the signs. I knew you were special, that you were different, and I figured one day I'd tell you."

I reach across the table, taking her hand. "I know you did the best you could." I can't be mad at her, not after all she's gone through, too, being the outcast in a town for getting pregnant by a man who left her. A monster. And she could never tell a soul.

"I'm sorry for keeping it from you." She squeezes my hand, her eyes glistening with tears. "I thought I was doing the right thing."

The kettle whistles, and she's on her feet, returning moments later with my cup of tea. She's brought a small pot of honey as well, and I put a few swirls in my tea before sipping the chamomile brew.

The room falls into a comfortable silence, the weight of our conversation hanging in the air. Thoughts of my father spins on my mind, of the darkness that runs through my veins. But I also think of my new family—Wolfe, Nyko, Killian, and my half sister.

I notice she hasn't drunk her concoction. "Mom, drink it up so you can heal."

She starts sipping and then gulps it all down in one go. She makes a scrunched-up facial expression, saying, "Tastes like grass. Not pleasant."

She coughs again, and I hope that's a sign of it being effective. If I've observed anything about powders from the monster world, it's that they work almost instantly.

"I've got something else for you." I open my backpack and pull out a bag of Moon Puffs, opening it to reveal half a dozen, some slightly crushed. "These are delicious monster treats."

She stares at me. "So, you survived a monster world? How did you get out and return home?" She stands and collects a small plate from the kitchen, and when she returns, I set the puffs on the table.

"It's a long story, and I've got all night to tell you everything. But do try these; they'll take the grassy taste from your mouth."

She studies one and takes a bite, then makes a moaning sound. "Oh, what is this? It's so delightfully sweet, and those little candy pieces are so chewy and fruity."

"They are meant to replicate lunar worms."

My mom pauses, staring at me, scared.

I laugh. "They aren't real worms. Trust me, I asked."

She eats it quickly, then takes another, and I join her.

"You know, I met my real father."

She stops mid-bite, her eyes widening. "You did? What was he like?"

I take a deep breath, trying to find the right words.

"He was… complicated." A fucking asshole. "Powerful." A bastard monster. "Ruthless." A murderer. "And terrifying."

My mom's hand trembles slightly as she reaches for another puff.

"Did he hurt you?"

"No," I reassure her. "He tried, but no. He's not someone you can easily trust but not someone to worry about ever again."

Her brow furrows, and she catches on to what I'm saying. I reach over and squeeze her hand as I sip my tea.

"Anyway… Let me tell you everything from the start."

"Please." She settles comfortably in her chair, taking another Moon Puff.

"I met Killian first," I begin, my mind racing back to the night that started it all. "He told me that I'd been selected to be offered to monsters. So, he took me to his world, Blight. The vessel, the monsters, the mind-blowing world—it was all so surreal." I explain it all in detail, and my mother's eyes grow huge. Her hand grips mine like she's scared for me.

"Sage, that sounds terrifying. And wait, so Killian, the Viscount, is a monster?"

I nod. "Yes, he is. Anyway, I wasn't alone in the world. I had three Shadowfen who looked after me." I go on about the devastating state of the old kingdom and how my father killed the old King, knowing I can't shield her and she deserves to know the truth.

She gasps aloud. "No, he wouldn't!"

"He did." My voice wobbles as just thinking about everything brings up so many emotions, so many memories. "Someone even tried to kill me." My mother looks pale, but I quickly say, "I was saved by the three Shadowfen, who turned out to be my true mates."

"True mates?" she mimics, the bridge between her eyes bunched up.

"It's a perfect match for life. Like soul mates," I say. "There's Wolfe, Nyko, and Killian. Each one is different but amazing in his own way." I go into more explanation about each one's personality and how they spoiled and protected me. "And they had a plan to take revenge on my father," I continue. "Wolfe is the son of the King my father killed. It's so twisted."

"I don't even know what to say."

I go into everything else, and finally, I reveal, "I have a half sister."

She's almost crying, and my heart breaks. I reach over to her, embracing her. "I can't tell you how happy that makes me. What is she like?"

I pull back smiling. "Elara is amazing, younger than me, and we get along so well," I say, feeling a warmth at the thought of my sister. Then I add, "I can't stay here in Nightingale Village. I think you know that, right?"

She nods, understanding. "I know, Sage. I see that now. I'm so sorry for everything you went through, my baby."

I hug her back, having missed her so much. "It's all right because I feel stronger now, as though I am who I was meant to become all along." I break away.

"Killian is going to the Elite City to ask their King about getting approval for me to come back and visit you more often, unless…" I stare at her. "You want to join me in the monster world?"

She shakes her head almost instantly, her shoulders back. "Oh, I don't think I can do that. I won't like it. This is my home, where I feel safe, where I have a close friend next door…"

"But I can't stay here," I say, feeling the weight of the decision.

"I know," she says softly. "But now that you're safe and you have three men looking after you—which is a little bit strange, I must admit—I can stop worrying. Especially if you keep visiting me and bringing me monster treats. And maybe one day, I can meet your half sister."

"Of course," I say, hugging her again, feeling exhausted from talking so much. "When I say it all, it sounds like a crazy, made-up story."

She chuckles, and I notice that she hasn't coughed since she took the drink.

Outside, the roosters are already singing, and I keep wondering what Killian meant when he said he had something in store for my mother.

T he late afternoon sun is shining brightly on the horizon, casting long shadows across the village. My mother is making supper, and my mind is far away. I can't stop thinking about the weeks I've missed back in Blight. How terribly I long for Wolfe and Nyko and wonder how they are doing, how my sister Elara is managing. The ache of not being with them is a constant throb in my chest.

A firm knock sounds at the door. My heart leaps, and I rush to open it. There stands Killian, looking as strong and handsome as ever. My excitement explodes, and I drag him inside, shut the door, and throw myself into his arms.

"So happy to see you're back!"

He catches me, his arms wrapping around me. He kisses me deeply, his lips warm and familiar.

"I missed you so much," he murmurs against my lips. "I've been experiencing such dirty thoughts about what I plan to do to you once we get back home."

I laugh, and he sets me back on my feet.

He lifts his head as my mom approaches, and she pauses, slightly uncertain about seeing a Viscount in our house. But he's so much more.

"You must be Sage's mom. I'm Killian," he says, offering his hand.

Instead of shaking his hand, she moves forward and hugs him tightly.

"Sage told me everything," she says, her voice trembling slightly. "Thank you so much for taking care of her."

Killian laughs, a warm, hearty sound that has me close to purring. Who would have thought that our distance would make me so hungry for him?

"Well, that makes it easier," he murmurs.

We move to the kitchen table and sit down, and Killian turns serious as he faces my mother.

"My role as Viscount was temporary," he begins. "I now have permission to appoint someone new permanently, and I want you to take over the village."

My mom's eyes widen, her hands flying to her chest. "No, I don't know what to do…" she gasps, clearly shocked.

I stand next to her, rubbing her arm for reassurance.

Killian smiles. "But you're no longer sick, right? I've spoken to others in the village, and even though they treated you as an outcast, many have admitted, even reluctantly, that they see how much you love the village, how hard you work. You care for anyone who comes to you in trouble. So many from the village can learn from you. And this the chance to show them they were wrong about treating you that way and teach them to better accept differences."

Her eyes fill with uncertainty.

"You will be amazing at it," I say, taking a seat next to her.

"Will you take the offer?" Killian asks. "You will receive great benefits that will make your life more comfortable, and no one will ever look at you as anything but the Viscount they should respect and abide by."

"Mom," I say, my voice soft but encouraging. "You said yourself you love it here. Think how much you can help others and change the way the village has been treated."

She glances at me, a smile teasing her lips, her eyes glistening, then back at Killian.

"You think I can do it?"

"Yes," we both say in unison, and I giggle while Killian grins deliciously.

"All right, I guess I can try," she finally agrees.

"Excellent," Killian says, shuffling closer, and I do the same. He begins to detail that he will return in a day or so to go over everything with her, about who she reports to in the Elite City, and how it all works. "I have been given permission to come and go as I please, along with bringing Sage with me, which means you will see a lot more of her. But first, we will return home. Our kingdom is being rebuilt, and I would hate to discover what decisions they've made for my quarters in our new home. You know, one day here is a month back home, and Wolfe and Nyko will be crazy with worry over our Sage. Maybe one day, we can bring you over to see the kingdom?"

She's not saying anything but staring at Killian.

"Mom, are you all right?" I ask.

She turns and drags me into her arms, sniffling tears. "I think this might be good for me," she admits. When I break away, she faces Killian. "I accept all of those offers."

"That is exceptional news," he answers. "Once I return, I will make an official announcement to everyone in Nightingale Village about your new role, and I will help you settle into it. I will also notify everyone that Sage was selected as a late monster Offering and has already left the village. That way, there will be no questions you need to answer."

"Thank you," is all she says, and I hug my mother, loving her so much.

"And not sure if Sage has told you, but you will receive a formal invitation to our wedding, plus she will officially be Queen of the Silvercrest Kingdom."

"Oh, Sage, that's amazing news!" my mother shouts.

We hug again. I'm still coming to terms with the whole thing, but I welcome it.

My mother suddenly makes a face as she pulls back and says, "Just don't start making everyone call you ‘Your Majesty' now."

I burst out laughing, not having given that even a thought.

I'm so proud of her and knowing she's getting healthier eases my stress. Yet, a part of me also aches to be back with Wolfe and Nyko, my true mates. I miss them horribly, and I know they must be worried about me.

I feel like, finally, I can start a new chapter in my life. And I'm more than ready.