Page 77 of Their Pretty Little Monster

I blink at him, smiling, unsure if I’ve experienced a day of being spoiled in my life. Back home, I have errands to run daily, to look after my mom, to collect berries. And now, part of me feels guilty for taking it easy, for being bought a brooch when my mom’s at home sick, without me. As much as I remind myself she might not even be awake yet with the time differences, I still miss her terribly.

“I’m starving. Come on, let’s grab some food before I start snacking on you,” Nyko teases, winking at me, and I somehow wouldn’t put it past him. His large hand squeezes mine lightly, and we move quickly until we end up in front of a stall that smells heavenly, like roast. I’m salivating. There’s a bowl filled with oversized drumsticks on a small fire, roasted, coated in spices, and continuously turned over. As tempting as it looks, the notion terrifies me of what animal it could be.

Nyko starts ordering, and I lose track of what he’s selected. We move quickly behind the stall, where there’s a tiny courtyard-style area with lights and lofty plants in pots, giving the look a fairy-tale vibe. It’s gorgeous. He guides me to one of the empty tables in the corner near a glowing plant. A soft song plays around us, blocking out some of the chatter from the market. I can’t stop glancing around, really liking the location. The people we pass bow to Nyko, showing their respect, I assume.

“Wow, this place is wonderful.” I place the paper bag on the table, reaching inside, grabbing out the brooch, loving how it glints in the lights, and pin it to my shirt.

“This really is so pretty. Thanks.” I pick up the bag to throw it when I feel something else jiggling about in the bag. Curious, I tip it out into my palm, revealing a bright silver necklace. The chain is a long strand with intricate floral patterns on the ends, each holding a mauve pearl that glints and reflects a pearlescent shine.

“Whose is this, because it’s beautiful?”

“I got it for you.” His eyes are sparkling, and I’m about to cry.

My mouth falls open, excitement flaring through me.

Nyko nods, leaning forward with that intoxicating smile. “In Blight, it’s said that such necklaces show a connection between two Shadowfen… the person who gifts it and the one who wears it, which is why there are two pearls. And I want you to wear something that will remind you of me. Plus, that metal is a white blood-gold, a rare material.”

“Do I want to ask what blood-gold is?”

He’s laughing but still holding my stare, and it’s odd as I haven’t yet seen this calmer side of him yet, and we’re just getting to know each other, so why’s he gifting me a necklace? I’m no fool and know he likes me, I see it in the way he stares at me, so maybe he’s a lot more romantic than he lets on.

“It’s a fusion of white gold and my blood.”

My throat chokes up at the sentiment, his gesture beautiful… though the part of a pearl being each of us feels slightly obsessive. The blood part is a bit disturbing.

“Your blood?” I ask, my voice slightly squeaking.

He grins, his gaze darkening, and that tells me everything. “Blood-gold is known to have protective energies.”

“Now, that I like.” I glance at the piece, not seeing any hooks on the ends to latch it, and it’s not as if I can tell him I won’t put it on when he stares at me like he’s never been happier.

“It’s gorgeous. Will you help me put it on?” I ask, not even freaked out as much as I should be, but I adore his gesture.

He’s already on his feet, coming over to me.

“So, how do I wear it? I can’t see where to loop it closed.”

“It doesn’t latch,” he states, standing and moving closer to crouch next to me. He takes the necklace, saying, “Lift your hair for me.”

I do as he asks, and he threads it around my neck. The metal molds softly against my skin, but not tightly, and the two pearl endings drop in the middle of my collarbones, one sitting slightly lower than the other.

I reach up, my fingers shaking. “It’s stunning. Are you sure about this? It looks really expensive.”

He reaches over, straightening it, the tips of his fingers grazing my skin, leaving behind a path of tingles. But he’s gone just as quickly back to his seat. He stares at me with those hypnotic jade eyes, his smile having a way of making me swoon and forget my thoughts.

“It’s made for you and now you’ll never forget me.” He’s smirking, leaving me laughing.

I sense the necklace settling, its weight comforting yet cool against me.

“It’s a really special gift. Thank you.” My cheeks are burning up as I keep smiling.

That’s when a waiter appears at our table, delivering a large round silver platter brimming with food. She sets it down, almost taking up the whole table. My stomach is growling with hunger at all the delicious roast and spicy fragrances.

The oversized drumsticks coated in herbs and oil glisten under the courtyard lights, alongside bowls of vibrant salads and an array of dipping sauces. There are skewers of what looks like grilled vegetables and cubes of meat, but their colors are more vivid than anything I’ve ever seen, almost glowing in the light. There are also buns similar to the ones I ate the other night in the bakery.

“This looks incredible,” I gush.

“Dig in while it’s warm.”

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