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The Monster's Only Desire

The Valerith Empire claims it is protected by holy saints. That’s funny, considering how disposable people are here. I’m Lior Valen, second son of a Viscount—which is a polite way of saying I’m excess. Well dressed. Well educated and easily sacrificed. I also have a secret that would get me ruined if spoken aloud: I like men. I know this because I’ve lived once before, in a modern world where loving the wrong person didn’t come with a death sentence. That experience taught me an important lesson. Live quietly. Don’t stand out. Survive. Unfortunately, a masquerade ball ruined my entire plan. Because all terrible decisions are made at masquerade balls, someone suggested a game of truth and dare. I accepted a dare. I kissed a stranger. This was, in hindsight, a mistake. Because the stranger was the Monster of the North. Ruler of Skeldryn. Alleged executioner. A man rumored to kill anyone who touches him. I touched him. He did not kill me—which was unexpected. Instead, the monster became interested. Possessively so. He dragged me north, away from a lover who had already replaced me and a court that was more than happy to let me go. I followed—not out of courage, loyalty, or love. I followed because I enjoy being alive. Now I’m in Skeldryn, where saints are unreachable and monsters are persistent, and I’m beginning to suspect that surviving his attention might require more than luck. And possibly an exit strategy.
supriya_shukla · 21.8k Views