Page 98 of My Monster’s Keeper

He lifts his hand, and a glowing white staff of clear crystal and silver metal appears in his hand. It’s as tall as him with a ball of glowing light on the top, with a net of metal holding it to the stick.

“What’s that?”

“It’s a weapon,” Frost says like I’m stupid.

I stare at him back until he turns and lifts an elegant alien eyebrow.

“What?”

“What does your weapon do?” I speak the words slowly and sharply.

“It kills things,” Frost says and shakes his head. He’s obviously perplexed, and I decide that it’s not worth it.

I’m looking at Frost when, out of the corner of my eye, I catch sight of something moving in the water. Puppy isn’t watching. He hasn’t seen it.

I spring into action and race down the bank on a diagonal. My legs pump as I watch that shape get closer and closer.

Stix and Wilder look up, drawn by my movement. I keep hurtling myself forward, baring my teeth.

I’m not going to make it.

If I make a sound, he will look at me and lose valuable seconds. I will him to turn. To sense it. To do something.

Tentacles break the surface, long and thick. Puppy doesn’t stand a chance. He’s flicked into the middle of the river and goes under.

“Like fucking hell!” I snarl and dive into the river after my Grim.

Chapter 30

Puppy

Fear is all I can feel. Terror-soaked memories are chains around my ankles, dragging me down into the depths.

I can’t see anything.

I shout, but only bubbles escape.

I thrash, and then, just when I think I’m going to breathe water, a hand locks around my wrist.

My downward propulsion stops, and we rise. In moments, my head is above water. I look to the side, to find out which of the group I need to thank, and it’s her.

She saved me. She jumped in and saved me.

Becky.

My meal.

No. This isn’t right. I was supposed to eat her. To consume her. Her eyes find mine, and she turns, dragging me through the water and to the bank.

“Out! Now!” she shouts.

I climb onto the bank, pausing only long enough to make sure she’s coming with me. She staggers along beside me and then turns.

There is something huge in the water, and several of its limbs are currently embroiled in combat with the other three irritants that inhabit my den.

I take a step towards the monster when one of its tentacles lashes out, hitting my human pet in the chest. She soars into the air, her eyes wide, and then she comes down, hitting the ground with a sickening thud.

I’m beside her in a minute.