Page 110 of Monsterland Mayhem

The closest sunflower field is almost a mile away.

I glance toward the forest edge where I would normally run, and frown when I find it missing. Narrowing my gaze, I realize there are a lot of details that don’t exist here. Just like the lock on the window in the basement.

It’s an imperfect mirage.

So what happens if I run toward something I know to be inaccurate?

I bite my lip, considering if I should make my move. It will blow my obedient cover, but what else am I going to do? Follow her all the way to whatever ceremony she has in mind?

No.

No, I willnotbe doing that.

Because I know what it’ll do. Catum purposely diluted my dose. I won’t be countering his work, not until I’m certain the ritual will be honored.

It’s my due as an Omega. My fate. And I accept that path.

Swallowing, I glance at the baroness, note that she’s walking with purpose toward the chapel. The details of it are perfect.

But the forest edge still isn’t.

Particularly the place I ran through during my escape after the ceremony.

She didn’t see it, I realize.Which means she didn’t anticipate it.

Something Catum, Krolic, and Craze did threw off her game.

Or maybe… it was simplyme.

She’s aware of their skills, has engaged in a careful strategy against them. But I’m an unknown.

What was it that pink-haired man said?

“You’re the new player on the board, the unknown queen. You have the power to fix all of this.”

By declaring I want a ritual,I add.

But I have to be heard.

I have to be seen.

And I can’t accomplish that in this illusion.

Time to run…

I don’t second-guess my instinct; I merely bolt toward the forest.

Baroness Clarice never spent time in there. She won’t know the details like I do. It should be enough for me to burst through her mirage and finally see what’s all around me. To finally embrace Monsterland and all its mayhem.

The Alpha in disguise roars behind me.

But I don’t obey her. I don’t listen.I don’t submit.

Kicking off the stupid, ill-fitting flats, I run faster. Harder. And burst through the tree line into a land of roses.

I knew it!

Only it’s an endless sea of colors and hedges, the maze sprawling before me in chaotic twists and turns.