To Marry A Monster (by Brey Mitchell) novel Chapter 75

Chapter 75

ATASHA’S POV

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“This has been going on for hours. If we don’t move now, I may not be able to stop him next time,” I said, keeping a hand around Cassian’s wrist until the last tremor left his muscles. Ever since I finished healing the soldiers, Cassian has been waking almost every hour. It’s clear now that soon, I may no longer be able to hold him down with my ability.

Mendez checked the slit in the curtain, listening. “The numbers outside have dropped, but it’s still ugly. We’ll get openings between surges, not clean, just thinner. I’m afraid going out there-‘

“I know… but do we really have a choice?” I pushed myself up from the bench and moved to the wall map pinned beside the storage chest. “If Cassian loses control here, he won’t just hurt the soldiers, he could expose his condition to our enemies. Leaving this place takes priority. I traced a narrow route along the map, one that ran close to the inner ridge east of the main road. “You told me the beasts avoid this stretch most of the time?”

“Most of the time,” Mendez repeated. “Red moon changes patterns.”

“It’s still our best chance,” I said. “Prep everything. We leave as soon as we’re harnessed.”

He held my stare for a beat, then nodded once. “Understood.”

A knock hit the carriage door. “Enter,” I said.

Grace slipped inside, hood down, cheeks flushed from the cold. “Your Highness. I came as soon as I received your letter.”

“Perfect timing,” I said. “We’re leaving now.”

She didn’t flinch. Mendez had told me earlier that Grace, and a few of the lieutenants knew more than most because their families served under Cassian’s grandmother. That explained the set of her jaw now.

“Arms and harness in five,” she said, already turning. “I’ll fetch the kit.”

We climbed down to the yard. Then I saw Sivi cross the boards toward me.

“Your Highness.” He held out a stoppered flask the color of coal. The liquid clung to the glass like tar. “Take this,”

“What is it?”

“The blood of a grand alpha–beast we brought down last tide,” he said. “Old stock. There are

11:22 Wed, Sep 10

Chapter 75

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only two flasks left in the vaults. We use it to break a chase or scatter weak packs. They hate the scent, turns them cautious.”

I took the flask. It was heavy and cold. “Thank you.” I have read about this somewhere. Apparently, weaker beasts are scared of the really strong ones. So, they tend to avoid its smell. If we could use this to travel through that pathway, then perhaps… the trip would be a bit safer.

“Smear it on the wheel hubs and the lead horses,” Sivi said. “Not on skin. It’ll burn.”

I passed it to Grace. “Thin line on the hubs and traces. Keep it off the vents and wear gloves while applying it.”

“On it,” she said, moving.

Since Cassian was already secured inside the carriage, the only task left was to reinforce the restraints that Physician Mendez had insisted on. He explained it wasn’t an act of disrespect, but standard protocol.

The restraints were padded and fastened tightly, designed to withstand the force of a full shift if Cassian thrashed. I inspected each buckle one by one, making sure nothing was loose, before sliding the inner bar into place.

“Side gate,” Sivi called. “Clear the yard!”

Runners peeled the lane open. We moved at a clipped pace toward the secondary exit, a squat, armored portal set into the wall’s base, high enough for a carriage, low enough to be defended from above.

Winch teams hauled on chains. Iron teeth withdrew from the stone, and the gate groaned, opening a slit that widened into a black mouth. Outside, the noise was immediate.

The deep roars of beasts carried across the field, mixed with the harsh clang of weapons striking against flesh and bone. From the tower line came the steady roll of war drums, a signal to keep the formations tight and the soldiers alert. Every sound was a reminder that the battle outside the walls hadn’t slowed for even a moment.

I stepped onto the running board. “Mendez,” I said quietly. “You can stay. The lines need a physician. I can handle him”

He huffed once, then tugged his collar aside. A pale, ropey scar ran from just under his ear down into his shirt. “A witch put a blade there years ago. I was cooling on the ground, dying, when the Lord pulled me back? He straightened the collar. “My work is with him. If he breathes, I’m beside him.”

I nodded. “Then mount up.”

11:23 Wed, Sep 10

Chapter 75

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78

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We set our column into formation. There were only ten riders in total, chosen for speed over numbers. Rio took the lead at the front, while Grace held the rear. The others were veteran soldiers, their shields dented from old battles and their lances tipped with fae stone for maximum impact. Two archers rode along the flanks, quivers strapped tight to their saddles, ready to cover us from a distance.

The formation wasn’t random. We kept our numbers small on purpose. A larger force would only draw more attention and increase the chance of provoking the beasts.

Mendez climbed into the carriage opposite Cassian and I took the board beside the door where I could drop inside in a breath.

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