“Off you go,” I order. “Leave me to get on with my work.”
Sammy shakes her head. “Not without you, Otis, you never have any fun. We’re celebrating Clem’s arrival, and it’s a great way to start your working partnership. You’re coming.”
I make to say no again then, glancing over, catch Clem’s eye. She smiles encouragingly.
I can’t be rude to my new employee, can I?
“Okay,” I mutter.
Arlo slaps me on the back. “Good on you, big green fella. Let your hair down.”
“Considering my hair is buzz cut, that’s clearly not going to happen,” I grumble.
“Digger’s Diner,” Jax says to his sister, looping an arm around her shoulders, “is the best place to baptize your stay in the Labyrinth.”
“Plus, Arlo and I have some important news we want to celebrate with you.” Sammy’s eyes shine over at her mate. Arlo grins like an idiot.
“Can’t wait. Lead the way.” Clem laughs.
The two girls head out the door first, heads close together as they chat.
We three guys follow, ambling along behind them.
It’s not far to walk, I reason, and it will be nice to show Clem the marketplace.
I hope she doesn’t get totally overwhelmed by the huge contrast to Sparkle City, the multitude of different species, and the way we live down here in a maze of tunnels.
I reassure myself that she’s known about the Labyrinth since Jax had his accident three years ago, so it’s not a complete surprise to her.
As we head out the door and down the tunnel toward the central markets, my tight shoulders relax a little.
I’m amazed that I’m giving myself permission to have a night off.
And even more surprised to find I’m looking forward to it.
CHAPTER FIVE
CLEM.
There’s so much to look at as we walk down the alleys of the Labyrinth, I feel like my head is on ball bearings.
This place is so different from Sparkle, it’s mind-boggling. And yet… I already like it here.Reallylike it.
The streets are literally tunneled out of the rock, the houses dug into the facia, with just their brightly painted front doors and little windows poking out. There are sconces burning next to their doors. Lumen gas, I remember Otis calling it. Under each lamp are potted plants. There are trellises of climbing plants, herbs and tomatoes growing within the arc of light. Brightly colored flowers add an extra pop of color, close to the yellow, red, and blue front doors.
Glancing up, I notice dozens of lamps that hang over our heads, lighting our way. It’s more like twilight at present, and the lamps give a cozy evening ambience.
“The light varies depending on time of day,” Sammy explains. “Similar to how it is in Sparkle, but not quite as bright.”
A creature with spiky ears, a long snout and spines on their back is outside watering their plants, and they lift their head and show sharp little teeth in a smile as we pass.
“Hi there, Celia,” I hear Otis call out from behind us. “How’s Edmund’s injured paw?”
“Much better, thank you Otis. Tippy’s healing balm really helped.”
“That’s good,” Otis replies. “Tell him get better soon.”
We pass two other monsters perched on stools outside their doors, drinking the same strange green liqueur that Otis, Arlo and Jax imbibed back at the house. They look at me with curiosity, but no animosity.
