Page 49 of Their Fierce Little Monster

“We found some,” Insy says, bouncing on the balls of her feet, and I grin up at her.

“You have no idea how happy this makes me.” I pick up the fork and turn to her as she takes a seat across from me. “Hope I’m not being rude, but can I ask what the meat is? Just want to make sure I’m not about to eat someone’s foot or something.”

She giggles, those scary teeth on display, but she’s so sweet at the same time. “No feet, I promise, but it’s a bird. Think of it like human chicken.”

I take a bite, and it’s seasoned beautifully, but it’s definitely not chicken. More gamy, yet I’m so ravenous that I just eat it without complaint.

Insy sits there watching me with a huge smile. “If you like, after you finish eating, I can show you around the compound some more.”

I lick my lips. “Would love that.”

She’s clapping her clawed hands. “Excellent. I don’t get to meet a lot of people, as many who stay here are older—usually grumpier and more dangerous too. Just like the three who accompany you.”

I nod. “They are both of those things.”

That’s when I make the decision that I’m going to use my time here to uncover as much as possible about the city and the monsters with me, as well as those who rule the Elite Mountain.

I need something on my side if I intend to survive. And knowledge might be the only damn advantage I can get.

Chapter

Thirteen

DAWN

When someone knocks at my door, I’m on my feet in record time, hoping it’s Insy. After giving me a tour of the compound, I’ve grown rather fond of her.

I sweep open the door with a grin, only to find the Gamemaster standing in the hallway, flanked by two guards in black uniforms. I groan on the inside at the sight of him.

He’s in his deep-purple coat with his face pinched as though he’s just eaten a pickle.

“Is everything all right?” I ask.

“That does depend on you,” he rebuts, his gaze trailing down my body and back up with a sneer at the edges of his mouth. “I’m here to inform you that the king has no time for your group at the moment, and when there is availability, you will be summoned when it pleases him.”

“All right,” I answer. “Hopefully, it won’t be too long.”

He simply glares at me in response, his guards not moving an inch.

“What about Kazak? Would it be fairer to give him a room here rather than in the prison if we are to wait longer? After all, the compound is protected by guards, and we aren’t going anywhere.”

He snarls. “He can rot down there, for all I care, after breaking a sacred law.”

My blood freezes in my veins.

“Which means he now belongs to the crown of King Slate to do with as he pleases. Just pray the king is in a generous mood when he finally spares him time. So, the short answer is no.”

“Can I see him, then?” I ask stubbornly, lifting my chin.

My question is met with silence at first, and he just stares at me incredulously. “No!” he finally barks flatly. “Remain in your room. That’s the single most useful thing you can do.”

Feeling uneasy at the way he and his men stare at me as though I might be a meal, I tighten my grip on the door handle and step back, ready to slam it in their faces.

He straightens. “Watch how you speak to those above your station. For a village girl, you are rather brazen, and if you intend to stand before the king, I suggest you learn manners quickly.”

A chill slips down my spine. I tell myself he’s just trying to frighten me into submission, except I suspect the king and he are not men who are denied anything.

He spins on his heels and marches down the hallway with his guards. Quickly, I shut the door and lock myself inside. For a few moments, I stand there, shaking and absolutely hating that man. Or whatever he is, because it’s impossible to know whoe a monster or a human in this city is.