Page 181 of Barbi and the Villain

In the past, I was just part of the decor—whether at home, at school, or with my so-called friends. It made me think that was all I was capable of—to be present but never seen.

Finally, I am important in one way or another.

I might have been mad at the fates initially, but now I’m thankful that they chose me.

“Barbs, quiet,” he murmurs.

“Oh, okay, sorry.”

He fights a smile as he maintains his concentration.

Lowering the dog house and our luggage to the ground, he retracts his tentacles, making himself look perfectly normal.

My ears perk up. Leaves rattle and twigs break as the stranger continues toward us.

I take a deep breath.

If he attacks, I am ready.

The foliage parts to reveal a tall man dressed in a military uniform—a black linen shirt and trousers covered by a brass armor.

He stops when he sees us, his eyes narrowed.

His features are harsh but beautiful. His jaw is strong and square, his cheekbones high. He appears to have some East Asian ancestry like myself—though I wonder what they call that in other worlds. As I study him, however, it’s his eyes that I’m drawn to. They’re a beautiful swirling amber, a mix of the lightest honey and red wine.

“Whoa, he’s beautiful,” I blurt out under my breath.

It’s not every day I see someone with his looks. In my world, he would definitely be an actor or a model, gracing the covers of magazines.

Nykander stiffens next to me, shooting me a harsh look.

“Barbi,” he warns softly.

My eyes flare and I realize I misspoke. I certainly wouldn’t like it if Nyk called any other woman beautiful.

“Sorry,” I mumble.

The newcomer comes closer, his stance that of a warrior ready for battle.

“What brings the two of you here?” he asks, his voice deep and grave. “This is an uninhabited realm.”

“We are in passing,” Nykander answers in an equally belligerent tone. His body is tense by my side, and I suddenly feel overwhelmed by the testosterone flying in the air.

“We’re on a holiday,” I hurry to say in an attempt to defuse the situation. “We wanted to take our dogs on a trip.” I motion to the dog house and the three dogs currently peeking their heads through the small window.

The man regards us suspiciously.

“This is not a realm where you vacation,” he continues, his voice measured. “It is toxic for life, unless…”

“Unless?” I frown, glancing questioningly from him to Nykander.

He hadn’t mentioned anything about toxicity. And we have our dogs with us! How could he not tell me that?

“Unless you are immune to it, which would make you either a deity or a demon,” the man states. Reaching for the sword sheathed at his waist, I realize he’s already determined we must be the enemy.

And based on the fact that he can walk around freely, I assume he is not a demon. Then that makes him an Aperite deity.

Nykander tenses.

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