The Monsters Emerge: The Monsters Series, #2

By Des Fonoimoana

Shadow is unaccustomed to life at court. Everything around her feels foreign—the Palace, the people, the fragile sense of security and peace. Eirho. Even her true name, the one that echoes through the corridors feels like it belongs to a stranger. For Shadow, normalcy lies in rage and ruin, chaos and panic. She knows blood, fire, and pain. But the anarchy she once knew is ready to return with a vengeance.

A new enemy strikes The City and everyone within its walls is clawed back into the depths of danger. This threat is unlike anything The City, or Shadow, has ever faced. A darkness that could drag them all to the pits of the earth veils the land, and an unknown enemy is at the front gates. Shadow needs to find a way to stop inevitable slaughter and her only chance is a clue. One name: The Eye. Everything and everyone is at stake; her magic may not be enough to save anyone… 

And this time, there may not be survivors.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Des Fonoimoana
• Release date: Feb 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215910368

Book preview

1

THEN

CRUNCH .

The heel of her boot pierces the soft flesh of the man’s cheek until she feels his cheekbone cave in. He lies on the dirt in front of her with his face pressed to the ground. The man clutches her ankles, trying to move her away, but she is strong. Too strong and too furious.

Without a second thought, she presses harder, enjoying the way that he winces beneath her heel. She tilts her head and smiles down at him. It doesn’t matter that he was an easy capture, the pride swells in her chest. He’s vulnerable and she wants him to know it.

"Either you tell me where I can find The Eye, Saryss growls, or you die with your face in the dirt."

The man squirms, struggling to get his words out: I—tell—you!

Saryss lifts her boot slightly, just enough for him to get his words out, and the man erupts into a coughing fit.

So, you’re willing to cooperate?

He tries to nod, his face turning a violent red. Outside the City... The Eye is outside The City, in the mountainside… I don’t know the exact location but The Eye is within the mountains. As the last words leave his mouth, pure hatred for Saryss clouds his face, then he hangs his head in shame. He told her The Eye’s location and now he’s a traitor to his group. The Order are bound by oath to protect the identity of their leader. Saryss can tell that he’s telling the truth; desperation is a hard thing to fake. Unfortunately for The Eye, this one was weak.

Saryss is trying to hunt down every single magic user who is corrupted by Dark magic, including this man who she’s been tracking for the past two weeks. She'll just have to keep killing them until she finds The Eye.

She reaches round to her back and draws out a crossbow as she presses her boot into his throat. Hard. The man squeezes his eyes shut and groans in pain. He flinches as he opens his eyes to an arrow aimed at his head.

You are getting the same chance you gave to those kids in the village last week, she snarls. Her finger hits the trigger of the crossbow and the force of the arrow snaps his head back as it sinks into the man’s skull. Just like that, his body is lifeless. Saryss shoves it with her foot, pushing it away without a second thought.

Behind her, a woman appears from the shadows with a loud exhale. Saryss, she murmurs. Was that entirely necessary?

Entirely. She puts her bow back, facing her companion with a smile. You know I cannot allow them to live. Not after what they’ve done.

Saryss can still smell the burning flesh and hear the sobs and the struggling final breaths. Most of all, she remembers the toys scattered across the ground and the children who would never return to play with them.

Her companion lets out a sharp exhale. We should leave here before anyone sees us. Members of The Order are rarely alone.

Erivos, we will be fine, Saryss assures her, placing a soft hand on her shoulder.

With a reassuring wink, she begins to look around the tiny house, digging through drawers and rifling through papers in hopes of finding something worthwhile. Nothing pulls her attention; most of the personal effects are just photos of himself from when he was young, along with some old vouchers and a weird collection of empty tins from taverns and street fairs. The most annoying part about hunting down The Order is their little habit of covering their tracks and keeping their movements a secret.

Calm and controlled, Saryss steps across the wooden planks of the floor and stands over the man’s body. In one smooth motion she grabs a burning stick from the fireplace and throws it at him, allowing the flames to devour his body until it’s nothing but ash. The smell hits her—a coppery smell and something like meat cooking over an open fire—and she covers her nose with her sleeve. Erivos is outside already, avoiding the stench of burning flesh and hair.

Saryss glides her fingers across the walls as she walks towards the door, letting hungry flames engulf the entire building. As she steps out of the door, the beams crash to the floor behind her. Now she’s the one covering her tracks.

Erivos reaches into her cloak and pulls out a small flask, offering it to Saryss. She smiles gratefully and swallows the last of the fiery liquid.

I hope there’s more where that came from. I need to go see my brothers, Saryss says. Especially The King.

2

NOW

EIRHO .

It’s her name. A strange name. One that sounds incredibly foreign to her now. Princess Eirho, Hand of Queen Alpha Blackthorne—her new title—is more peculiar. It leaves a bitter taste on her tongue.

But when she introduces herself as Shadow, those that know the name make a point of showing their distaste. Those that don’t, give her a confused stare, their mouths slightly open, eyes narrowed, and brows tight. It’s the same look that people give her when they figure out why she would pick such a name. She’s more than happy to enlighten them and play the part of a dangerous rebel turned diplomat. Sometimes she tells them that Xero was a cannibal and tried to eat her heart like a midday snack.

Though it’s been nearly a year since Alpha took over as Queen, using her old name again has been strange. Eirho is always correcting herself midway through, trying to laugh off her mistake as some inside joke. Truth be told, if people—mainly old men—recognize the name Shadow they usually turn away, feigning ignorance, displeased by the associations that come with it. Eirho sighs at the thought and thinks about how it will take Alpha and the others even longer to shatter The City’s perception of The Skulls and The Queen.

It’s not all bad, she reminds herself. There are those that are fascinated by the new Heir, grateful for what she did. They beg for photos and hugs, thrusting their children forward so that The Heir might kiss them. Some even pray to her as though she is a goddess amongst mortals. Some simply thank her, which is already more than enough. It’s embarrassing to have that much attention on her. But even the most eccentric citizens are better than those damn old men.

Eirho isn’t the only one struggling with her old name. After so many years of Peter being called Rum—a grating nickname from his teenage years that followed him to The Skulls—Peter turns his head at every mention of the strong liquor. Since the other Skulls weren’t known by any other name, they focus on becoming more open as they blend into society again. It’s easier said than done after living in secret for so long and only trusting each other.

Ugh, Eirho grunts beside Queen Alpha. Why can’t those damn council members give me a chance? I defeated their maniacal king and when they discover how, they treat me like the dirt under their shoes.

The council had been valued when Argos was king, but Thanthos dismissed them as soon as he had the chance. Without a council, his word would be undisputed. Now, Alpha has brought them back to form her court and guide her. Though they’re a bit old and weary, they have knowledge about The City and its people, and it is people that will help Alpha prosper.

The older sister grumbles. "I went a long time without anyone calling me by my given name. It’s something I have to get used to. And you know another thing? Those old men always judge my leg! At least I don’t need a hip replacement like them."

Alpha chuckles. You know, I almost forgot how amusing you are when you’re angry. Why don’t you come and spar with me? It’ll make you feel better and I could use a good match. It’s been a long time since you and I really went at it.

Eirho can’t fight the smirk that appears across her face. I would love to kick your ass, thank you for asking.

Please, you’ve been enjoying the royal life, eating too many dumplings and being pampered. You’ve hardly fought in months and you think it’ll be that easy?

"Ah yes, because sitting on your golden throne has really helped you stay in shape."

Oh ho, don’t talk to your queen like that, Alpha retorts playfully. She elbows her sister in the ribs. I’ll go change, meet you outside in a few.

Eirho rolls her eyes and hurries to her own suite to change into something more comfortable. Being in the resistance all those years has completely destroyed her desire to dress like a frilly princess. Pants give her a liberation that those ridiculous, suffocating dresses never will.

She tries not to knock over everyone in her path as she sprints towards the wing of the palace. Alpha had decided that Eirho should be given new living quarters, as far away from the ballroom as possible, especially when she learned that her sister rarely slept at night because of the haunting nightmares.

When she reaches her room, she swiftly changes into her sleek, crimson sparring armor. It’s lighter than her everyday wear and flexible enough that she can be swift and maneuver in it with grace. The sleeves are short and the bottoms stop at her knees, giving her full range of motion. As she walks back towards the door, she catches sight of her reflection in the mirror.

She stops, inhaling a ragged breath as she gingerly turns to see her leg. Despite what she said to Alpha, there’s a part of her that misses her old leg. Now that she is wearing shorts, she can see it in its entirety and she’s still surprised by the way it looks. Tools, her savvy tech friend, had designed it to look like the inner workings of a leg with the veins and muscles made from various metals and designs. It is a mix of silver and black; the places where her muscles once were are replaced with silver that runs the length of her leg while the black fills up the other spaces, working seamlessly when she flexes it. The leg mechanics are nearly flawless. Tools did some incredible work, no doubt.

Getting used to having a cold metal limb has been a challenge. Luckily, training her body to move as she used to do didn’t take too long once Tools had shown her how it works. If anything, she is lucky to have the metal leg. No pain is a great attribute when fighting.

In the bright light of her room, Eirho twists her leg left, then right, studying it from all angles. It’s sleek, beautiful almost. She wasn’t certain about the leg in the beginning. Thanks to the leg, however, she is really starting to see herself as strong and powerful again.

With a small smile, she steps away from the mirror and out into the hallway.

I can’t believe they want you to hold a meeting with all the other kingdoms, Eirho says as she blocks a blow from her sister. That would include Declan Snow’s family!

It’s not about Declan and I, it’s about how Father cut off ties to the other kingdoms. We need to mend our severed relationship with them, including the Snow family, which could mean another royal marriage, Alpha informs her. She dodges a hit and tries to strike her sister, who rolls out of the way.

You mean… you’re getting married off again? To who?

Alpha dismisses the idea with a wave of her hand. I’m not interested in being married off. There are other ways to rebuild relationships. Maybe I’ll open up some trading routes or offer to sign a treaty. I don’t know but I can’t handle being married to another pompous ass, she states exasperatedly.

Eirho laughs hard enough that Alpha manages to knock her over into the grass. Lying on her back against the cool earth, Eirho catches her breath and looks up.

We still have to figure out where the hell Dax took off to. Alpha flops down next to her and pulls her knees into her chest. I have no doubt that he will be back and chaos will follow.

You know, I never realized how complicated being in charge is. We had it easy when we were only princesses.

Yeah, you’re telling me, Alpha says. I’ll focus on diplomatic things. I just need you to focus on getting Dax. We need to know who knew enough about your gift to tell Xero that he could eat your heart out. Fucking idiot.

What noble words, my queen.

Alpha pulls up a handful of grass and tosses it at her sister’s head. Oh, be quiet.

Eirho laughs as she brushes a few blades off her shoulder. I’ll work with Vex and Aine to hunt down Dax. Vex has been feeling rather… upset since she didn’t see through the flaws in the system. I think she thinks that she should’ve found something when she checked Dax’s background. Maybe she’ll feel like she’s redeemed herself if she’s the one to find him, Eirho says. She’s been really hard on herself about it. It’s not as if humans never make mistakes.

They planted that information, Alpha states. Xero knew what he was doing the entire time. Her face is dark as she looks over the freshly cut yard, angry that such wickedness exists in the world.

Yeah. He used me until the time was right, until he could try to kill me and take the magic for himself. I did so much for him.

Alpha glances down at her. It’s not as if humans never make mistakes, she reminds her.

Eirho shakes her head, feeling the cold grass on her back. My mistake will always be trusting Xero Marcs. I have a strong feeling that Dax and Xero weren’t working alone. More darkness will be coming for us if we are not careful.

Yeah, maybe so but this time is different. We will be ready. And this time... we are together, she reminds her older sister. No one can use that to their advantage again.

Right, Eirho agrees. She pushes herself up onto her hands and leans back to stare up at the sky. I'll ask Vex to come stay in my apartments while we work to hunt down Dax. I might have to take leave from being the Hand of Queen Alpha.

Alpha nods. Of course. You should also consider taking someone with you though.

And leave you alone?

Well, with Peter second in command now and Cibor loyal to the Blackthorne sisters… she says with a proud smile. No one is getting anywhere near me. And Trenton Gustus is making quite the general.

Eirho beams. Trenton Gustus had been offered a position as a general under Jett, giving him the opportunity of a lifetime. His family now has enough money for anything they need, plus a little extra for things that they’ve always wanted but could never afford. It also means that they can see doctors and give their children a proper education. Trenton enjoys being a general and it allows his family to live closer to Eirho as well.

Plus, it means that Eirho’s able to spend time training a now fourteen-year-old Oak and help raise the new baby, Shadow Gustus.

You’re developing quite the team, Eirho grins. Aside from the grumpy council men.

You’ll get over that. They’re scholars and war heroes and doctors. I added a farmer or two for good luck.

Eirho isn’t convinced. You handpicked a bunch of old geezers who are always so rude to me!

They don’t mean any harm. You have to understand how people viewed the Skulls. And the royals. We have plenty of wounds to heal.

Her sister is right, but she doesn’t want to admit to it and she turns away to look over the palace walls instead.

And I want you to find someone to train you.

Surprised, Eirho whirls round to face her, tilting her head to the side. Really?

Yes, as soon as possible. Ask that old wizard in the forest, or any of the Free Folk. Someone must know a witch or mage who can train you. And maybe more magic users will feel safe enough to come back out of hiding, she insists. It would be nice to have wizards running about in the palace again.

Just like ancient times.

Yes. And then we’d have someone to help us find out more about the Creator’s tomb.

Eirho gazes at her, surprised. I haven’t been down there since—

—Neither have I. That’s on our to-do list as well.

Nodding reluctantly, Eirho pushes herself to her feet with a big stretch to ease her tight muscles. Sparing with her younger sister has never been easy on her body but it makes her proud to know that she has such a worthy opponent.

I need a nice hot bath, Eirho announces to her sister, swinging her arms around to release the tension. And maybe a long nap.

I want to meet with everyone tomorrow, Alpha says. We need to figure out our game plan.

Eirho sighs. With the council again?

"No. With those that we trust the most.

The door is locked and guards are posted around the secret meeting room to keep anyone from entering. Alpha ordered Vex and Tools to check for hidden wires or cameras with their gadgets. There is uncertainty still: Dax could be lurking around trying to find a way to reach Eirho again and they have to be cautious. If he has others with him, there’s no telling what he would do. Alone, Dax isn’t a threat, but if he has strong allies, they might be in trouble. Once the room has been thoroughly checked for security breaches and the outside is secured, Eirho allows Alpha inside along with the others.

Peter, Cibor, Aine, Tools, Vex, and Alpha’s good friends, Buck and Duncan, enter the room and find their seats. Commander Jett Torn is away from The City, otherwise he would be front and center on strategy plans. Eirho greets them all, though she’s cautious of Alpha’s trusted advisors despite their many months of service. Buck had been one of Alpha’s close partners when she served as a soldier. He had been eager to work with her again as she transitioned to Queen. He is a fair and composed man. Duncan had been in the Elite too, but while his fellow soldiers were eager to go back outside the walls, he decided to work from inside The City where he could help it thrive again. Unlike Buck, he is outspoken and hard-headed—something that Eirho admires about him.

Taking her seat at the head of the table, Alpha nods for everyone else to sit down. Eirho stands behind her sister, keeping her eyes on her. Even in this seemingly safe environment she keeps watch over The Queen.

The anticipation causes a buzz of noise around the table as everyone speculates the reason for the meeting. A few make the most of the opportunity to catch up with each other as they wait for Alpha to speak.

A while passes and Alpha remains silent. One by one, they look at her, expectant. And as the hum of voices dies down, Alpha decides to speak. I think it is time that we face the reality of our city. We are not safe.

Peter is the first to react, his mouth growing wide. Cibor slides his hand into Peter’s and gives it a reassuring squeeze, unable to imagine what Peter, Eirho, and Jett had faced in the tomb. Peter had never told Cibor the worst part of it. It wasn't the fact that he wouldn't see Cibor again. He'd made peace with that. It was thinking the whole time: this is where I watch Rho die. That kind of fear and helplessness doesn’t go away, no matter how much he wants it to.

We believe that Dax is working with a larger group. We don’t know much else but Xero Marcs implied that he wouldn’t be the only one to put The City in danger. My sister mentioned that Marcs wasn’t private about having more loyal allies ready to kill her on the night of the ball. I cannot trust anyone except those around this table. We need a game plan.

How do we find him? Duncan asks, scratching through his goatee, He’s gone completely MIA and he’s an outsider, so we know he’s familiar with the land beyond the walls.

You’re right, Duncan. It is dangerous out there, Alpha says, addressing the table, her voice even and calm, but it’s not like what my father made us think. He used fear to keep us trapped within these walls. She shudders inwardly at the thought of her father and what he did. She has to keep it together, no matter the sting that hits her whenever, though the guilt threatens to crumble her. It was her father who took countless lives, manipulated everyone, and tried to kill Eirho. Now she lives each day trying to make it right.

Aine shakes her head. It might be suicide to send people out. We don’t know what’s out there.

We’re working on a plan, Buck says to her. He motions to Tools, who nods eagerly. Tools is helping. In order to protect ourselves, we have to figure out what the hell is out there. Thanthos could have been lying for all we know.

So... Peter starts. How do we go about it? Do we let our men volunteer for the search? Or do we order them to go, knowing full well that they might die?

Alpha opens her mouth momentarily, shutting it quickly and frowning. Luckily, her sister quickly interjects.

I will go. Dax is my responsibility and I have to find someone to teach me about this magic anyway. If I have it, I might as well learn how to use it to our advantage. Eirho steps forward, placing a small button in front of her sister. A pair of hands holding a rose. It makes a small clink noise and Alpha’s head jerks to look at her in the silence.

What are you doing?

Eirho takes a single step back, her gaze never wavering from her sister’s. You knew this moment would come.

I did, just didn’t think it would be this soon, Alpha admits solemnly. She pinches the button between her forefinger and thumb and brings it up in front of her face. She flips it back and forth for a few minutes before she lays it in front of Buck. I would be honored if you would be Hand of The Queen.

He grins and nods eagerly, everyone patting him on the back and congratulating him as he admires the button. Eirho gives her sister’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze and glances around the table with a smile. She knew that Buck would be Alpha’s next choice and she knows that he’ll do a fantastic job while she steps back into her comfort zone: kicking ass.

Great. Rho can work with Aine and Vex to figure out what to do with Dax, Alpha says as she gets to her feet. Buck, you and I have a lot of work to do. She turns to her sister. And we have a lot to discuss.

Come on, what’s your master plan? I know you have one.

Eirho cannot deny that. She’s been scheming all day, trying to plan the best way to draw Dax out and lure him to her. First, though, she has to be prepared to face him. Her magic is more of a weakness and a threat to those around her right now. Without much control and no knowledge, she is a danger to others. Once she finds a teacher, she can learn how to use her magic safely and to her advantage. After that, she will do whatever she can to bring Dax out of whatever shithole he is hiding in.

Next Gods’ Day, I’ll head to Oakenstaid’s and see what he knows. I don’t know where that’ll leave me but I do need to know that you will be safe while I’m traveling. Buck was a good choice. The breeze picks up, making its way through the courtyard and wafting her hair around her face. I trust him.

I knew you wouldn’t last long, Alpha admits with a sheepish grin. I knew you’d be itching to go on another adventure.

I can’t wait to explore out there. I’ve never been outside the walls much and I can’t wait to find my teacher, Eirho begins to ramble on and on about the adventures that await her.

Alpha averts her gaze. She’s silent long enough for Eirho to notice that something is wrong.

Eirho pauses mid-sentence and frowns. What is it? You can tell me.

I don’t want you to leave, I only just got you back.

Eirho’s mouth tightens. You are not losing me, Alpha. I will be back, I promise.

I finally had you by my side and now I’m going to be alone again. She knows she sounds like a child but she can’t help it.

You won’t be alone. Peter will be here, and Cibor, and Aine, Vex, and Buck. We have good people on our side. she points out. Our family fell apart but a better family replaced it.

Alpha doesn’t say anything which makes Eirho apprehensive about her plans. Something is on Alpha’s mind, no doubt.

Something more than her sister leaving again.

Something else is bothering you.

The Queen crosses her arms over her chest and sighs. I haven’t had the heart to torture that shit bag Declan Snow yet. I know he has information on Father… I just can’t bring myself to do it.

Rho can understand why, even if she didn’t agree. Alpha had been married to that bastard after all and once he was locked up, she avoided him and any mention of him. He was yet another part of her life she wanted to leave behind. Unfortunately—despite a lot of debating on Rho’s part— she wouldn’t let anyone kill him.