The Queen of Monsters: The Tarrassian Saga

By Aria Mossi

Natalia comes from a past full of darkness and a horrific childhood spent in the Siberian taiga. Her Monsters are real, and they hide in every corner of her memory. Her state of mind, fragility and child-like innocence make both humans and aliens question her sanity.

In reality, Natalia is an inspiring young woman who owns her past and fears. Her determination shapes her new alien planet's future, defeats a Sphinx and tames the scariest Monster of all. She may be afraid of her own shadow, but she is not scared to fight for love, even when it comes in the shape of her worst nightmare: a Monster.

Natalia owns her many weaknesses until they become her strengths. She fights darkness with light and unconditional love. As it turns out, those are the only weapons able to win the fight. Natalia’s dark past taught her the most important lesson of all: One is most likely to find their angels when running from Monsters.

The Queen of Monsters is the second book in The Tarrassian Saga. It features the inspiring story of one of the five Humans taken from Earth by alien slavers. The five books in the series are individual stories and do not end in cliffhangers. However, the stories are best enjoyed when read in order. The Tarrassian Saga is aimed at a mature audience.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Troubador Publishing Ltd
• Release date: Sep 28, 2021
• ISBN: 9781800466777

Aria Mossi

A literature teacher by trade and bookworm at heart, Aria Mossi lives in rural Suffolk. However, her cosmopolitan ethnic background makes her feel as though she were a citizen of the world, including the alien worlds she is so fond of.

Book preview

Author’s Notes and What Was Before

The Tarrassian Saga

The Tarrassian Saga is an adult Sci-Fi Romance series consisting of five books:

•The Ice Queen

•The Queen of Monsters

•The Warrior Queen

•The Protector King

•The Queen of Light

Each book is a standalone, following the story of a different couple, with a complete HEA. Reading the books in order is advisable as they are part of the same Universe, with connected characters. This series was born from my obsession with soul mates and my respect for our resilience. All the human MCs were inspired by a real-life person; one of these five stories is mine.

The Saga follows the epic adventures of four women and one man taken from Earth by alien slavers. In a world of ancient magic, legends, and advanced technology, they are seen as powerless primitive creatures. When a mysterious enemy threatens the survival of all sentient life, the superior alien species will learn to respect and fear the unassuming humans. The five survivors will revive an ancient mating mark and forever alter the fate of the Universe. They will teach the advanced species of the Universe that resilience, willpower, hope, and love can succeed where everything else fails. These traits define the Human Spirit, the most feared weapon in the Universe.

Tropes: fated mates, soulmates, enemies-to-lovers, morally grey hero, forced proximity, rejected mates, victim-to-survivor, age gap, diverse characters, LGBTQ+ characters, ancient magic, empowerment, Viking warriors, Egyptian mythology and legends, newfound power, overcoming trauma, empowerment, alien smut, spicy read (you must be over 18).

Disclosure

The Tarrassian Saga is aimed at a mature audience. Please, check each book for specific triggers and sensitive topics. 18+

The Ice Queen

Tropes: alien romance, enemies-to-lovers, fated mates, rejected mates, forced proximity, high angst, intense jealousy, obsessed with her, newfound power, magic, Egyptian mythology, Greek mythology, empowering female character, alien romance, fantasy romance, plot twist, spicy romance 18+.

Trigger Warnings: The Ice Queen is an adult Sci-fi Fantasy Romance. 18+ Off-page recollections of childhood trauma. Orphaned at a young age FC. Off-page recollection of a car accident and life loss. Graphic, on page evidence of violence and torture against enslaved species. No description of torture in progress. Sexual content. On-page descriptions of intense sexual situations between consenting adults. Spice level, five. 18+ Insta-love between fated mates. Fast-paced action. This is not a book for readers who prefer a slow-burn romance. Controlling, half-mad, and entirely over-the-top male MC. The King of Tarrassia comes with his own triggers: domineering, controlling, unhinged and ridiculously jealous. Most of all, don’t fall for him. He is not real.

The Ice Queen is book one in the new epic fantasy, The Tarrassian Saga. It follows the journey of Sia Bentley, a famous British supermodel, as her life changes in the blink of an eye.

To the world, Sia is an exceptionally beautiful young woman, the best-paid fashion model, the prodigy fluent in seven languages, with a PhD in Classics. She is the cold, fiercely private celebrity, the English rose with a posh accent and an impressive bank account. She is The Ice Queen.

Behind the spotlights, Sia is the lonely shadow of a woman who lives behind carefully built ice walls. Her glacial persona is not a publicity stunt nor a consequence of her unusual beauty. It is simply a mask, a desperate attempt at self-preservation.

The day she is taken from Earth by alien slavers, she expects her life to change beyond her control. Sia soon finds out her tall walls of ice, exquisite intelligence, and non-existent emotions are weapons feared by aliens, monsters, and humans alike. She can once again survive behind her terrifying walls of loneliness.

Until he takes them down…

The King of Tarrassia is the ruler of the most advanced, respected and feared species in the Universe. He is also the Commander of the most powerful Galactic Coalition, the last defence against the slavers and the Coalition of the Dark Moon. The King is everything Sia is not. Reckless. Arrogant. Unhinged. Unlike Sia, he thrives on being out of control. His people call him the Mad King behind closed doors.

Despite their knowledge, political power, and physical superiority, the Tarrassians are an elitist, snobbish society with a hero syndrome, outdated rules, and narrow minds. They had long lost their beloved mating marks, called THE SIGN. Years of inbreeding amongst clans have led to a lack of fertility. When the Healing Elder discovers that Humans are the only compatible species, the Tarrassians rescue five enslaved Humans. The King is bound to rule by example and choose one of them as his Human queen.

This event is the beginning of an epic love story meant to change the history of the galaxies and the course of humanity—a love born out of the inevitable conflict between fire and ice.

The King peels off Sia’s carefully constructed layers of ice. She peels off his carefully constructed layers of madness and anger. They suddenly become two vulnerable, raw people with no defence against each other. Together they learn there is power in weakness and gratification in surrender.

Stranded on a hostile planet, they kindle an unexpected love story that will eventually shape the beginning of a new world—a world where the strong learn the power of the weak.

The once arrogant and elitist King learns to step back and become the protective shadow, the shoulder Sia can lean on while she takes the limelight. With his support, respect, and love, Sia finds her inner hero. She uses knowledge, hope, and kindness to free a planet, restore the Universe’s balance, and break the chains of angels and enslaved people alike. She becomes what she was always meant to be: The Queen of Tarrassia.

In return, the once glacial and emotionless Ice Queen turns into a fiery, passionate woman, fighting tooth and nail for her man. The King finds his inner hero with her support, respect, and love. He becomes what he was always meant to be: The Brave King.

Disclosure

The Tarrassian Saga is aimed at a mature audience. Please, check each book for specific triggers and sensitive topics.

The Queen of Monsters

Tropes: Monster Romance, alien romance, fated mates, rejected mates, forced proximity, love triangle, age gap, overcoming trauma, empowering female character, diverse characters, unexpected plot twist, spicy romance 18+

NOTE: Please be aware there are spoilers in the trigger warnings.

TRIGGER WARNINGS: The Queen of Monsters is an adult Sci-Fi Fantasy Romance. 18+ This book deals with very sensitive topics: human trafficking, trafficking of minors, abuse, and extermination of species. All these topics are off-page descriptions and past recollections of trauma and anxiety. Moderate on-page violence. This is a fated mates romance with a slower-paced insta-love (I hope that’s a thing), love triangle, and descriptive sexual encounters between consenting adults. There is a love triangle, but this is a MF Romance. Spice level: 5. This Tarrassian alpha is the only male character in the series who doesn’t come with triggers. Prepare for a grumpy gentle giant with a heart of gold, a mile long protective streak, and an exceptional talent for kissing.

All the books in The Tarrassian Saga support diversity and inclusion. There are characters from different species, races, ethnicities, faiths, gender identities and sexual orientations.

(The hot-as-sin Sphinx shifter will get his HEA in a spin-off. Please, don’t get sad over his broken heart.)

The Queen of Monsters is book two in The Tarrassian Saga, the story of an inspiring young woman. Unlike most fantasy characters who embark on epic journeys of self-discovery, Natalia already knows who she is. Her journey is all about those who hide in the darkness; no matter if they are aliens, monsters, mythical creatures, or humans. Natalia can see behind their labels, protective walls, and scars. This is her greatest gift. This unforgettable heroine comes wrapped up in a hilarious, whiny, giggly, scheming, tiny package, confusing to both aliens and humans.

After a traumatic childhood, Natalia became a well-known commercial model by nineteen, famous for her hair adverts and cute girl’s next-door appeal.

Once again, fate shatters her newly found peace when alien slavers take her from Earth.

Another alien race, called Tarrassians, rescue her, but as it turns out, the word rescue means a different thing to aliens.

The Tarrassians are an elitist, snobbish species with a strong hero syndrome and outdated, rigid laws. Their narrow-minded way of life affected their fertility and took away their precious mating marks they call The Sign. They are a dying species, and their Healing Elder’s research proves that humans are the only compatible species. They rescue five humans stolen from Earth by slavers, but their intentions are from noble.

Natalia joins Sia, the protagonist of The Ice Queen, in a poorly organised escape, only to find herself stranded on a hostile planet. One that looks like the perfect habitat for her worst childhood nightmare: monsters.

Tannon, the alien protagonist, is the only half-blood Tarrassian. A tormented soul who can’t adhere to his people’s perfection standards or outdated laws. His family’s traumatic history, the shame of his birth, and his scarred monster-like appearance keep him running from anything familiar, but mostly from himself. He is the Great Warrior to his people, a made-up title since he refused to take his rightful one. He is the male responsible for the empty throne in the Council, the male who can single-handedly win a battle, the one who hardly ever talks, and everyone fears.

Nothing is as it seems. Not Tannon’s past, not the story of his birth and especially not who he pretends to be. He is content with living a life on the run from himself and the perfection of the Tarrassian society. That is until the confusing alien female turns his life upside down. She fears everything, yet nothing stops her; she is fragile, yet she can tame Sphinxes; she never stops talking, laughing, or crying, and most times, she does it all at once. Her emotions change in the blink of an eye, and her curious mind will leave no stone unturned, and no mystery unravelled. She is genuine, intensely alive, and those around her have no choice but to surrender to her light.

Together, they embark on a journey that will free Tarrassia of its outdated laws, give power to those who need it and rein in those who abuse it.

Natalia will soon find out that you will likely find your angels when you run from your monsters.

Oh, and there’s a hot-as-sin, morally grey Sphinx shifter, who always wants what he can’t have. We’ll let him get his happily-ever-after in a spin-off, because villain or not, we are all crushing hard on him.

Disclosure.

The Tarrassian Saga is aimed at a mature audience. Please, check each book for specific triggers and sensitive topics.

Author’s Notes and Acknowledgements

The crude circumstances of Natalia’s childhood are based on a real-life story. The beautiful soul who inspired this character couldn’t find her HEA in this life. I wrote this story to give her the closure she deserved. Hopefully, this book will remind people that there are no victims, only survivors who have the right to their HEA.

Despite my characters’ pain and unfortunate twists of fate, it felDespite my characters’ pain and unfortunate twists of fate, it felt like their story wrote itself as they found their way into the light. We connect with some characters more than others, and it is fair to say Natalia and Tannon might just be my favourite couple in the series.

The third book in The Tarrassian Saga, The Warrior Queen, is the story of Gianna. Like all my characters, she was inspired by a real-life hero, a woman who turned her fragility into a deadly weapon. As the Tarrassian Saga draws closer to an end, the characters and their stories become more entwined, and their journey will culminate with The Queen of Light. I always recommend reading the instalments in order, but I wrote them as standalone with full HEA. The epilogue of each book is a bridge to the next story in the series.

This is the correct reading order of the five books in the Tarrassian Saga.

The Ice Queen

The Queen of Monsters

The Warrior Queen

The Protector King

The Queen of Light

The Sphinx shifter will have his own story in a Tarrassian Saga spinoff. The Book of Leo is expected to be released in 2025. As always, my first acknowledgements go to my readers. I don’t have enough words to express their loyalty and support. I am almost tempted to name a few of the most passionate ones, but I don’t want to leave anyone out. They know who they are, the wonderful people who know my books by heart and support me on every social media platform.

I thank my family, even though they probably expect an apology. According to them, my favourite words are: In a minute. Mixing a busy family life with an even busier writing career is not always easy. I am grateful for their patience and unconditional support.

I am one of those lucky writers backed by outstanding professionals. They put the final touches and turn my scribbles into readable books. I thank Troubador Publishing for their unrivalled professionalism and patience. I ask a lot of questions, to say the least.

As for my amazingly talented illustrator, Dave Hill, do I need any words? Those beautiful covers, painted by hand in stunning acrylics, speak for themselves. I always say that the biggest competition for my writing is my covers.

A huge thank you to my team’s latest additions. They are Book Babes PR, my three Musketeers, as I like to call them. Aimee @bookbabesuk, Stacey @staceys_bookcorner_editing, and Natasha @natasha.j.pa_

I saved the last thank you for you, my new readers. Hopefully, you have enjoyed my stories and beloved Tarrassian Universe if you made it this far. As an indie author, your feedback is priceless; it would mean the world if you took the time to write an honest review. Positive or not, I treasure all your input and am forever grateful.

Loads of love and carry on,

Aria

Contents

Author’s Notes and What Was Before

Author’s Notes and Acknowledgements

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Epilogue

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NATALIA

Sia is dying and it is all my fault. I should have paid attention when the old alien explained their mating Sign. I was just too scared and tired after watching over her for hours on end. He seemed nicer than the other Monsters, the one who introduced himself as the Healing Elder of Tarrassia. Maybe because he looked so ancient. It made him less threatening. He came to help her, after their King infected her with that thing…

I touch the strange patterns on Sia’s arms, as her limp body rests in my arms. I don’t even dare touch the pattern in the middle of her forehead. It’s just too scary and right now it looks painful. It’s not really a virus, but it’s killing her, nevertheless. The swirls on her hands go up her arms and her shoulders, meet behind her neck and probably go up to her scalp. Her beautiful white hair covers its pattern. However, nothing could cover what she has on her forehead. They call it a mating mark. They refer to it as the Sign. Sia calls it a slave mark. She was angry and scared and I can’t blame her. The King of the alien monsters touched her and her skin exploded with light. It traveled up her arms and ended its journey on her forehead. The strange pattern reminds me of a lotus.

Her marks and Sign are a dull gray now and, without the glow, they look more like Human tattoos than alien marks. But I know better. They were alive, with swirls of purple, blue, and white. The Sign on her forehead was pulsing with life and light. I was there, on the royal alien ship, when the scary King of the alien monsters touched her. His touch burned her skin. His too, I guess, since their marks and Sign are absolutely identical. He is huge and strong, so I wasn’t going to feel sorry for him. He is a Monster.

I shouldn’t be thinking about them that way. It’s easier to think they are just aliens, but I can’t help it. I have spent a lifetime trying to hide from the Monsters. Not a long life, perhaps, since I am only nineteen. But I cannot lose myself now. I cannot let the Monsters see me or hear me. Maybe the Tarrassians are only aliens after all. That explains why they can see me. Sia thinks they are slavers and she said it in that many words to their King. He was so angry with her. He grabbed her wrist and then everything changed. Just when I thought we were safe. As safe as a bunch of women taken from their planet can be.

The Tarrassians are huge and scary and have strange copper eyes. They have lots of hair and long scary-looking beards. Their massive bodies are quite hairy and their voices can make the ground shake. Oh, and I am sure they get bigger when they are angry. And claws… Bozhe moi, they have claws! Despite all that, once you get over your fear, they look quite Human. Compared to the first aliens who kidnaped us, they are very Human. They refer to those as the Noorranni slavers, but I refuse to think about them. Those are Monsters, indeed. And they have a horrible stench to their wrinkly, wet gray skin. Just the memory makes me want to gag. One of them snapped the Brazilian girl’s neck, like she was a chicken.

I had never spoken to Yara back on Earth. She was one of the runaway fashion models, not just a hair model like me. A different league than mine, no matter how famous I was. Still, she was someone I knew and I had seen laughing and talking and so full of life. Just like me and the man, her bodyguard I think, she woke up on the alien ship. For some reason, their drugs didn’t work on the three of us. I was naked and strapped to a cold metal table, but Yara and the big Human man were not. Her scary bodyguard had his wrists bound and he was strapped to some sort of rod. They used it to give him electric shocks when he fought them. The smelly aliens were twice his size, but they were no match for him. When one of them killed Yara, her bodyguard lost it and for a few minutes he looked far scarier than they were. He broke his restraints and killed two of them with his bare hands. They shocked him with their rods over and over again. All of his skin was bleeding. I couldn’t watch and I prayed for sleep. Eventually it happened and when I woke up the man was gone. I hope his death was quick.

The other three women, who just like me were taken from the London Fashion Week show, slept through the entire hell. Why didn’t I? Am I losing my invisibility? Could it be that I am only invisible to Monsters on Earth? It doesn’t matter anymore. I know I am going to die in this metal egg. It’s the emergency pod Sia and I escaped in, but it really looks like an oversized metal egg. I don’t fear death. Being seen by Monsters is a far worse fate. When a scared and determined to escape Sia asked me to join her, there was only one answer I could give. I knew it meant choosing certain death, but so was staying.

The Tarrassians saved us from the other ship. They put translation devices inside our ears and we weren’t naked or bound to tables anymore. They gave us food and we even had our own set of servants, as they called them. Some strange and rather scary-looking women, who weren’t Tarrassian. Apparently, they had also been saved at some point by the Tarrassians and couldn’t be returned to their homes.

Neither could we. We were told Earth was a forbidden planet and they couldn’t travel there without breaking their laws. The girls were right. That seemed suspicious. When the Tarrassians saved the four of us they took us to their warship. We were told we were on route to their planet, Tarrassia. We were given soft furs and food… raw meat, of all things. They called themselves Warriors and they sure fit the description. They were huge and scary but at least they smelled nice. Nothing like Monsters. We were just as scared and then one of us did something stupid. Gianna ran away from their ship, in an emergency pod, probably no different than this one. At least, that’s what we were told.

Back on Earth, Gianna was one the two best-paid models in the world. She was a proper celebrity, always surrounded by press, other famous people, and a lot of men. She must be brave. To me men are just as scary as the aliens. But her braveness did not include other species, apparently. She was terrified of the new aliens. Maybe because she had been lucky enough to have slept through the entire experience. She didn’t see the first aliens. Or smelled them. She seemed especially terrified of the Commander of the Warriors who freed us. For the short time we spent together on the new ship, she kept saying how she would never let him touch her. So, she escaped before any of us could do anything to stop her. The aliens were furious, so, instead of taking us to Tarrassia, they took us to what they call the royal ship, as that was closer. They didn’t really explain.

Levianha, the ship, was like a monster itself. How can something that huge travel in space? Sadly, another girl was taken from us in the process. Perhaps not that unexpected. Jade can rub everybody the wrong way. Humans, aliens, probably even Monsters get fed up with her foul language and crazy behavior. Jade is not afraid of anyone. She is loud and speaks her mind freely. It must be amazing to be that brave or that bold. Just like Gianna, Jade was very popular with the men, back on Earth. We are not friends and she always makes fun of me. But, then again, most people do. I don’t mind being strange. It keeps men away. Or at least it used to. I really don’t like men. I don’t think I like Jade any better. Working with her was a nightmare. She is the fashion industry’s best-paid hair stylist. Her name is a trademark and everybody wants her. To be honest, she is the only one able to do things with my hair.

It’s a huge mass of bright red curls; it reaches to my waist and the volume of it is four times its length. It doesn’t help that I am tiny and my hair looks bigger than I am. It’s a pain really. Not to mention, bullies like Jade call me Merida and all sorts. To start with, I kept it this long to hide from the Monsters. Later, I was in a work contract saying I couldn’t cut a single inch, without the brand’s permission. One of my two foster moms got me that contract when I was only fourteen and ever since I have been the face of that brand. For the last two years, since Jade became famous herself, she was the one doing my hair and no one else. I had to put up with her cursing and sex talk every single day. I have never watched porn or been with a man. But listening to Jade is probably more informative than both. Most times, my face was just as red as my hair.

I moved from a little village in Russia to Nevada, when I was six. I was moved, rather. My two new foster moms were not afraid to curse so I shouldn’t have found Jade too outspoken. After living in London for two years, I decided her vile language was probably too much even for the Brits. Sadly, the same mouth aggravated one of the new aliens in charge and he separated her from us. We have no idea if Jade and Gianna are safe. Probably not. There is no safe in this world.

Sia and I were given joined quarters on the Levianha, beautiful dresses, and two servants each. We were treated like a bunch of princesses in the two days we spent on that ship. Until he came. Their scary King. He touched Sia and strange patterns started to develop under her skin, burning it and causing pain. I didn’t think women like her could get scared. Sia is more beautiful than anyone I know, probably more famous than Gianna and most people don’t even dare talk to her back on Earth. The press nicknamed her The Ice Queen. And it’s not just because of her white hair, gray eyes, and pale skin. It’s because she hardly ever smiles; she is distant, cold, and unapproachable. I have seen her on catwalks and in magazines and she seemed indeed all iced up. I know now she is far from that. She is fragile and kind and she pretends not to be scared. She looked after me on the first ship, her voice soothing my fears. She kept on looking after me until the Tarrassian King touched her three days ago. She lost her consciousness for many hours. She was different when she woke up. Fragile, scared… desperate. It doesn’t really show and to most she might still look like the same beautiful Ice Queen, but I know better. How could have I not join her when she decided to escape her fate? I heard the girls talk and, besides, I am not stupid. I know the new aliens want us to become their mates or something.

While Sia was taken by darkness, the old alien healer confirmed that was indeed our purpose. He explained later to Sia how their race was no longer producing cubs after years of inbreeding. Apparently, they consider themselves better than all other beings in the Universe and mating with other races was forbidden. They had also lost their Sign for hundreds of years. He said the mating Sign was taken away by their gods, who they call Astrals. He was the one who discovered that Humans had the same genetic code as them. That is why they have decided to rescue and keep us, I guess. To become their new breeders. Just the thought of that makes me shiver. I don’t want any man, Human, or alien to ever touch me!

Accepting to follow Sia to a certain death was not hard, considering my choices. I am surprised we made it this far and escaped Levianha in one of the emergency pods. I think Sia really believed we could make it back to Earth in this pod. We have no idea how to fly this thing, but we asked their MI to do it for us. Everything is controlled by what they call Mechanical Intelligence. Back on the Levianha, in our quarters, I nicknamed ours Sasha, after my long-gone doll. On the pod, we had to ask Sasha to disable itself after it confirmed to be a tracking device. Now, our course was set for the closest planet with breathable air. Sasha called it Zora 23. Apparently, the autopilot is enough to help us land there. To do what? More aliens? Worse than the Tarrassians? Better? Who knows? I have a feeling we might not ever find out. How can we land in this thing without the MI? What if anything goes wrong? I know we are going to die and I am not afraid. I just hope it will be quick.

It is sadly not quick for Sia. She is in so much pain. And it’s all my fault. She was never going to survive being away from him. The scary, angry alien King. When she was healing from her burns, the Elder told me the Sign can kill when a couple is being separated or they are too far away from each other. He said the marks would fade, the light will leave the soul and eventually life would perish. At no point did he mention she would be in so much pain. After we escaped, she got weaker and weaker and now her skin is ice cold. I hope she dies in her sleep, before the inevitable crash.

We are both lying on the cold metal floor of the pod and there are no windows. Not that we could see anything in the dark space. Her head is on my lap and her limp body shakes with cold, in her sleep. I covered her with the few furs available in the pod, but it’s not enough. The cold comes from inside her. The marks and her Sign are killing her. She is slowly dying without him. I stroke her long white hair and hold her close to me. I am also tired and hungry. There are some emergency supplies in the pod, but I just can’t bring myself to leave her alone. I think I am also a bit sad. Hard to tell, as I hardly ever get sad. Sad reminds me of the past, so I keep sadness away. Despite the fear of Monsters ever so present, I loved being alive.

After being put in the witness protection programme and brought to America, life wasn’t scary anymore. My foster moms are two loving women and it breaks my heart knowing how worried they must be now. I am not of foster age anymore, but to them that doesn’t mean anything. They are my family and their ranch is still my home. Because of my fear of men, I was fostered with the gay couple. There were seven other kids at their farm and sometimes a lot more if emergency accommodation was required. Only girls, never boys or men around, and that made me feel safe. I was the longest with them and they became my moms, even though I only called them Laura and Jess. Yes, life wasn’t bad, but I knew things were going to change. As my stupid boobs started to grow to DDs, looking ridiculous on my tiny frame, men began to notice me, especially now, with my face on every magazine and poster around. It had become increasingly more difficult to avoid men’s attention. Yes, this imminent death is a much better outcome. I just feel sorry for Sia. Maybe if I had told her about the marks, she would have stayed with him. Despite my fear of men, Monsters or aliens, and, Bozhe, he is all of those things, the Tarrassian King seemed completely obsessed and consumed with her. I have never seen a man look like that at a woman. I am not exactly sure it was that scary after all. For a tiny second it made me think what would feel like to have a man look at me like that. Obviously, only for a second. I would never want that. Or survive that. So, yes. This is for the best. There are no men or Monsters here and it’s all peaceful and cold. Like death. Death doesn’t scare me. Only Monsters do.

Sia stirs in my arms and opens her big gray eyes. They look even more alien now, with the King’s Sign on her forehead.

I am so sorry, Sia, I say while rocking her like I used to rock my dolly when I was little. Sasha was also scared of Monsters, maybe because she looked so much like me. Same face, same baby-blue round eyes, and the same freckles. Just different hair. Most Russian dolls are blonde, for whatever reason. I am so sorry, I didn’t remember what the Elder said. I didn’t really believe him; it was just a detail… I don’t know.

What detail?

I can barely hear her. There is no life left in her voice.

I explain to her what he said about her marks and her Sign. And, as I do, I feel increasingly guilty. She shouldn’t have left her mate.

What? Am I dying because of these marks? she asks with teary eyes.

I think you are dying of love. We always say that on Earth, but here that can happen. This is all my fault, and I should have remembered what he said.

Me and my stupid words! Why did I have to say she was dying of love? That obviously affected her badly. I know I act and sound childish most times. Jade never fails to remind me there might be something wrong with me. But I have my reasons. Children can hide better.

How long has it been? Sia asks in a whisper.

We slept for a while. I don’t really know. It’s so dark in here, and there are no windows. As I watch her shudder with pain, an idea comes to my mind.

Please don’t hate me, Sia. I can’t let you die. You have to go back to him, I tell her, and to my surprise she nods in agreement.

I don’t wait for any further encouragement and try to reconnect with Sasha. The MI won’t enable itself, and static is all I get in response. I ask her to try with whatever strength she has left. Like it or not, she is the new Queen of Tarrassia, and the stupid MI should listen to her. But it doesn’t. The metal egg feels strange. Like a sudden cold, it’s taking over. I am sure the temperature hasn’t changed. It’s more like a feeling. She is dying. Death is here for her, and I can feel it in my bones. As I hold her in my arms, my tears fall over her pale face and mix with her tears. Her lips barely move, but I can hear her question. And, because she is dying, I have to answer.

"Do your Monsters have names?"

"No names, just Monster faces." Grown-up Natalia cannot answer that question. Only the little Natalia can. I can hear my child-like voice, and I get the same thought as most people do when they listen to me. I sound like I am crazy, or perhaps a bit simple. But I don’t care. I just need to survive, and the child who was invisible to Monsters can help me do that.

Do they come to see you often? she says, and even her breath on my face feels cold.

"No, they can’t see me. They come for my mother and my sisters. I hide. Monsters never see me. They can’t see me; they can’t hear me; I am invisible."

My answer brought a shadow to her empty eyes. There is knowing and some sort of memory in her big grays. Sia knows of Monsters, too.

It feels like an earthquake is shaking my body, but I realize it’s her.

I squeeze her tightly to my chest, and she presses her face into my huge mane, inhaling the