Page 63 of A Curse So Vile

As they continued forward, the Ossorians parted, allowing them to pass.

“You’re going to feel really foolish about this in just a few days,” Brenna said, thinking of how she was destined for madness.

“Is that so?”

“I don’t know who you think I am, but it’s not who you believe me to be.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure of that.”

The path wound in back of the town to a series of caves that were not nearly as well kept as those of the Den. Piles of hay were stacked where beds should be and bones littered the floors.

“Don’t worry. If you wish, we’ll clean the place up for you.”

“I won’t be here long enough for it to matter.”

She didn’t like the look he gave her, arrogant and mocking. It was as if he knew something she didn’t, but that would be ridiculous. Aside from the occasional spat, the Denithians and Ossorians haven’t been in contact for decades.

They entered a chamber that was more modernized than the rest. At the head was a throne made of bone. In its seat, an Ossorian sat slouched with a smile spread across its toothy mouth.

“Ah, I see you’ve collected my bride.”

So this must be Constantine…

“Your bride?” Brenna chuckled. “I’m afraid you’re in for a sore disappointment.”

The Ossorian got up from his throne and crossed the room, stopping a few feet short of her.

“Leave us,” he said to Julian, his eyes never leaving Brenna.

She didn’t want to be alone with him, not that she had a choice. She did take a small measure of joy knowing he’d be furious once he found out her companionship would be very short-lived.

Constantine had an unusual look to him. Smooth of skin, red of eyes, with a mane of Snow White that was a stunning sight to behold. If his features weren’t so monstrous, one might think he was handsome.

“I hope you forgive me for the rudeness with how you were summoned. I hope you’ll allow me to make it up to you. My name is Constantine.”

He took her hand and kissed her knuckles, bowing slightly.

Brenna yanked her hand away. “By calling me your bride?”

“By allowing you to be who you truly are. My bride, yes, but so much more.”

Brenna lifted her brow. “I hadn’t realized the Ossorians were so keen on the human tradition of betrothal.”

“In truth, I detest humans. They’re as small as cockroaches, though much more tasty. But as time goes by, we’ve learned that while they may be inferior, there is something to be said about having culture. Kingships, celebratory holidays, gift giving are just a few of the things we’re keen to adapt.”

“Why, though? If you hate humans so much?”

“Because perhaps those things aren’t decidedly human.”

“That’s an interesting position for an Ossorian to take. Modify your diet a tad and you might as well just move into the Den.”

Constantine’s lip sneered in disgust. “Mayhap I will move into the Den, but only once it’s been exterminated.”

“That’s an awfully big risk for you and your people, considering how few you are.”

He smirked. “Oh, I have a feeling we’re about to swell in number.”

“Feeling horny? Something tells me that most of the women you keep in that decrepit town won’t survive an Ossorian fetus growing inside them.”