Page 12 of Her Guardian Demon

From behind a tower of precariously stacked books emerges the strangest being I've ever seen. She appears to be a fae or changeling, with an otherworldly beauty that's both alluring and unsettling.

Her skin shimmers with an iridescent sheen, shifting colors like oil on water. Her hair is a wild mane of what seems to be living smoke, curling and twisting of its own accord. She moves with an ethereal grace, her feet barely seeming to touch the ground.

Most striking are her eyes - they're large and almond-shaped, their color constantly shifting between every hue imaginable. When she looks at me, I feel as if she's peering straight into my soul.

She's dressed in a gown that seems to be woven from moonlight and shadows, adorned with strange symbols that hurt my eyes if I look at them too long. Around her neck hangs an assortment of charms and talismans, each one stranger than the last.

"Zyx," Kieran says, nodding in greeting. "We're here for-"

"Oh, I know why you're here, you old scoundrel," Zyx interrupts, her voice a melodious blend of wind chimes and rustling leaves. She turns her mesmerizing gaze on me, and I feel a shiver run down my spine. "You must be Aria. My, my, aren't you an interesting one? Hexeblood, is it? With a dash of... ooh, now that is intriguing."

I glance at Kieran, unsure how to respond. He gives me a slight nod, so I clear my throat and say, "Um, yes. I'm Aria. It's... nice to meet you?"

Zyx lets out a peal of laughter that sounds like a spring breeze through crystal chimes. "Oh, she's adorable! Kieran, where did you find this one? No, don't tell me, let me guess. Plucked from the mortal realm, thrust into our world of twilight and wonder. How positively cliché of you, darling."

Kieran's expression darkens slightly. "Zyx, we're here for-"

"Yes, yes, a gift for the little hexeblood," Zyx says, her eyes swirling with mischief. "Well, dearie, what catches your fancy? A grimoire bound in the whispers of forgotten dreams? A wand carved from the heartwood of the World Tree? Ooh, how about a nice set of enchanted tarot cards? They only predict the most delightfully twisted fates!"

My head spins as I try to process the options. "I... I'm not sure. What would you recommend?"

Zyx's grin widens, revealing teeth that seem just a bit too sharp. "Ooh, dangerous question, that. My recommendations tend to be a bit... unpredictable. How about this?"

She reaches into what seems to be a fold in reality itself and pulls out a small, ornate box. "A music box that plays the song of your heart's deepest desire. Warning: listening too long may drive you to madness or ecstasy. Sometimes both!"

I reach for it, fascinated, but Kieran clears his throat. "Perhaps something more... practical, Zyx."

"Spoilsport," Zyx pouts, her lower lip quivering in a way that defies physics. "Fine, fine. Let's see... Ah! Perfect for a budding dreamweaver."

She produces a set of crystal vials filled with swirling, iridescent liquid. "Distilled essence of nightmares and dreams. Excellent for practice or for, shall we say, influencing others. Use responsibly! Or don't. I'm not your fairy godmother."

The vials are beautiful and terrifying. I can almost hear whispers coming from them, promises and threats intertwined. "They're amazing," I breathe.

"An excellent choice," Kieran says, approval in his voice.

"Wonderful!" Zyx claps her hands together, sparks of magic dancing between her fingers. "Now, as for payment-"

"Put it on my account," Kieran interrupts smoothly.

Zyx's eyes narrow, swirling with dark colors. "Oh no, no, no. You know the rules, Kieran. The recipient must pay the price."

My heart races. "What... What kind of price?"

Zyx's grin turns predatory, reminding me that for all her whimsy, she's a dangerous creature of Faerie. "Nothing too steep, dearie. Just a little memory. Your first kiss, perhaps? Or maybe the last time you felt truly safe in your old world?"

I hesitate, the weight of the decision heavy on my shoulders. Is it worth it? To give up a piece of myself for this power?

"Choose wisely, Aria," Kieran murmurs. "But remember, power always comes at a cost."

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. "My first kiss," I say firmly. "That's my offer."

"Done!" Zyx exclaims gleefully. She reaches out with a hand that seems to shimmer in and out of reality, touching my forehead lightly. For a moment, I feel a strange tugging sensation in my mind. Then... nothing. I know I've lost something, but I can't quite remember what.

"Pleasure doing business with you," Zyx says, handing me the vials. Her voice carries an undercurrent of satisfaction, like a cat that's gotten the cream. "Do come again. It's not often I get such interesting customers."

As we leave the shop, the vials cool against my palm, I can't shake the feeling that I've just crossed a line I can never uncross. Kieran's hand on my shoulder is both reassuring and unsettling.

"You did well," he says softly. "Now, shall we see what other wonders Nightmarket has to offer?"

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