Page 76 of Their Pretty Little Monster

He catches me staring and grins, showing perfect white teeth, well except for the two canine teeth, much longer and sharper. Since when are monsters so beautiful?

At the end of the hall, we swing left, where against one wall are lofty windows revealing the sea. For a change, the golden and purple sky’s bright, the water settled.

Sunlight illuminates Nyko’s hair, revealing strands that look bronze and gold, hair that sits messily around his face. It’s as though he rakes his hand through it most mornings and declares it done. That rugged look goes with his constant brooding appearance when he’s not smiling. There’s a dimple in his chin, a heavy brow, and tanned skin telling me he spends lots of time outdoors… fighting beasts, no doubt.

He remains close to me, almost touching, especially as we begin to pass more Shadowfen strolling by. He ensures he places himself between me and them, seeming to study them with such intensity that they avoid his stares and lower theirs, moving past us quickly.

I appreciate it since the recent attack has me constantly glancing over my shoulder.

The room opening up ahead of us is peppered with round tables and seats, and one wall is completely made of glass… well, a tapestry of colored shapes mounted to create a window. It throws a rainbow across the room.

“This area is gorgeous.”

He just nods, studying me constantly. “So very beautiful.” Then he winks my way, releasing all the butterflies in my stomach.

I blink away from him before he has me blushing.

We pass several tables full of monsters chatting, coming in all kinds of forms.

Some are completely covered in hair; others have claws and tails. A few stares come in my direction, including a young girl with three eyes who smiles my way. I give her a small wave back.

Before I know it, Nyko and I are heading down a set of stairs at the rear of the room, two floors to be precise, where the sound of chatter reaches me, and the smell of spices and foods has me sniffing the air, stomach rumbling for food.

“We’re going to eat at one of my favorite spots,” he tells me, giving me a sneaky smile.

“I could eat whatever I’m smelling.” It’s savory, spicy, and delicious. I might be drooling.

He leans into me playfully, his breath on my cheek, his words in my ear: “Have I mentioned how delicious you smell?”

“Hey,” I gasp. “Don’t distract me because I’m starving.”

He chuckles, guiding me toward a set of lofty double doors that open on our approach. Inside spreads out an indoor market, but unlike anything I could have imagined. Stall after stall lines the wide pathway, filled with all kinds of items for sale. Jars filled with tiny creatures floating in a blue liquid, baskets with dried meat, and I don’t care to know what animal they belong to. Another table displays bowls of strange, long purple fruit, another with potted plants where the leaves grow faintly. And one vendor has a dead Tidecreeper strung up from its hind legs, with its head off.

I cringe.

Above the narrow walkway, there are strings of lights giving off a glowing effect, lighting up the area even brighter. Something small rushes past my legs. I might have yelped and bumped into Nyko, regretting it instantly as the store girl nearby laughs at me. I look back to see it’s a bright magenta-colored, bunny-looking animal.

“You’re safe,” Nyko tells me. He automatically loops an arm around my lower back, drawing me against his side. “It’s only going to gnaw on your ankles.”

“Haha.” I untangle myself from him, while he’s giving me his mocking smirk.

As we continue through the market, he subtly guides me with a protective arm, ensuring no one gets too close. Despite his playful demeanor, there’s an edge to his movements. We pass a vendor selling strange, twisted roots that seem to pulse faintly with light. Another stall displays intricate tiny carvings of creatures I can’t even begin to name.

Nyko turns us down a narrower path until we stop in front of a stall filled with jewelry. I’m in awe at the glittering they release from the lights—necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, and even beautiful brooches made of metal with tiny colored stones.

“Anything catch your eye?” he asks, his voice soft, leaving me buzzing. His closeness has me leaning into him.

“Are you sure?” I ask, glancing up at him. “These look expensive, and I?—”

“Absolutely.” He’s giving me his brilliant smile, full of charm today.

I might have just swooned, but I quickly drift toward a brooch of something that resembles a butterfly with tiny stones in its wings. While I study it, Nyko’s talking to the stall owner in a language I don’t understand, and in no time, he has my piece paid for, and the man behind the stall hands me a small paper bag, which I take and hold close to me.

“Thanks.” I glance up at Nyko. “I’ve never owned any jewelry, and no one has ever given me such a gift. Thank you.” I pause, fighting the tightness in my chest. “Why are you being so nice?”

He takes my hand in his, swallowing it with his own.

“No reason needed, unless you want me to make one up?”

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