Page 17 of My Fated Minotaur Hero

"This is incredible," I breathe, trying to take it all in. "I can't believe it’s real."

Then I recall the twenty-sided die.

“Hey, do you guys play Dungeons and Dragons? I could swear last night a twenty-sided die landed by my head...”

“Dungeons and what? No but we play Cubicles and Chihuahuas. I am actually a cubicle master ...”

“A what! Cubicles and Chi-“

"Shh!" Kalen suddenly grabs my arm, pulling me close. "Act natural."

I follow his gaze to see what is obviously a sasquatch walking, with what I assume is his son. I don’t think daughter, though admittedly it is a little hard to tell with all that hair. Plus, the smaller one keeps glancing our way. I’d know that body language anywhere.

"Unless I’m mistaken, that little sasquatch is checking me out." I whisper, incredulous.

Kalen chuckles, but there's tension in his voice. "Looks like you've got an admirer, sweetheart. Good, so he bought it. Come on, let's get out of here before his dad sees me and wants to say ‘Hi.’”

The brief almost-encounter makes me forget what we were talking about as we continue through the town and I continue to take in mix of incredible ancient architecture and impossible creatures. And almost unconsciously I find myself clinging to Kalen’s side as well. The craziest part is that I have never felt so alive. I should be terrified, but instead I can barely stop myself from running up to examine practically every shop we pass...

CHAPTER 6

KALEN

Ican't help but grin as I watch Olivia take in the sights of Fablewood. Her eyes are wide with wonder behind the crude eyeholes I cut in her "sasquatch" mask, and she's practically vibrating with excitement. It's ... adorable, if I'm being honest. And it is even more evidence, as if I needed any, that my pull toward her is not going away. If anything, it is growing stronger.

Much stronger.

"Oh my god, Kalen, look!" She tugs on my arm, pointing at a shop window. "Are those toys ... moving on their own?"

I chuckle. "Ah, Fizz's Magical Playthings. Popular with kids and adults alike.”

She watches in awe as a miniature dragon swoops around the display. "I can't believe it. It's like something out of a dream!"

Olivia shakes her head, muttering something about "cataloging" and "field notes." As we move on, I have to stifle another laugh. She's taking this whole thing surprisingly well, all things considered. I’m not really sure what I expected.

As we round a corner, the bustling marketplace comes into view. Stalls selling everything from enchanted fruits togoblin-made jewelry, line the square. The air is thick with the scent of spices and the chatter of a dozen different tongues. Everything from Old Orcish to High Elvish can be heard.

"Can we go look?" Olivia asks, practically bouncing on her toes. "Pleeease?"

I hesitate. It's risky - the more people we interact with, the higher the chance someone sees through her disguise. But the hopeful tone in her voice ... ah, what the hells. "Alright, but stay close, okay? And keep that hat low. And no talking! No need to draw attention to ourselves."

She nods eagerly, and we dive into the crowd. I keep a protective hand on her lower back, guiding her through the throng. It's purely for her safety, of course. Nothing to do with how nice it feels to touch her.

Get it together, Kalen.

Olivia is examining some hand-crafted leather-bound journals when a commotion breaks out nearby. Ah, Zinnia, an elderly gnome has tripped, spilling her groceries everywhere. Without thinking, I rush over to help. It’s that old pushcart of hers. The wheels are practically falling off.

"Here, let me get that for you, Zinnia," I say, gathering up her fallen items. “That’s it, I am buying you a new cart. And I won’t take no as an answer this time.”

The gnome peers up at me, her wrinkled face breaking into a smile. "Oh, bless you Kalen. I won’t fight you on it either. I thought I could get a few more miles out of it, but there’s no fixing it this time."

I help her to her feet, making sure she's steady before letting go. "Don’t you worry, I’ll get you a brand new one. No problem. Can’t have you struggling just to push your groceries around, now can we?"

She pats my arm. "I guess you have a point. Fine, I’m not as spry as I once was. I will accept your kind offer. Whenever you get to it. You've got a good heart, Kalen."

I feel my face heat up. "I, uh... thank you."

As the gnome toddles off, I turn to find Olivia staring at me.

---