As I watch the beach from my post, the scene is lively as the sun continues to set on the horizon.
A flock of birdmen splash and frolic in the waters, their joyous laughter carried by the wind. A pair of female Orcs stroll along the shore, their hands entwined, matching bikinis and wraps bringing out the rich green of their skin. A Catman model basks under the sun on his lavish pop-up beach catbed, his sleek striped, white fur appears freshly groomed.
Turning my attention back to Zero, I bring up the topic that’s been swirling around my mind. “Have you heard anything about the human guest from Sage?” I ask. I’m certain Zoe wouldn’t be able to hold her tongue about her first human visitor.
Zero chuckles as his expression lights up with amusement. “Yeah, I have. I think the entire resort knows about her by now,” he answers, kicking himself from the pole and stepping beside me. “Eli said her name is Rey. Said she was as excited as Zoe to be here. He also mentioned she treated him with kindness and respect when he picked her up from the airport and dropped her off at the entrance.”
He’s not wrong. Zoe’s excitement has been infectious, spreading like wildfire among the staff. If I’d spoken to her on a cellphone without any video, I would’ve thought she was a Fae or a Water Pixie by her bubbly personality when it came to her work.
“I wonder if Zoe’s plan works, it’ll be interesting to see if the other humans, if and when they come, will be like her,” I muse aloud, my gaze drifting back to the ocean. I believe in Zoe’s abilities, but the thought of Svea dealing with disappointment gnaws at me.
Zero’s nodding as I turn back to him. “Yeah, and it’s not like we can fire Zoe if it doesn’t work out,” he adds, frowning. “Sage would probably leave with her.”
I nod at that. Sage, our head gardener, and Zoe are inseparable.
Their story is one that resonates within the walls of this resort, a tale whispered among staff and guests alike. Sage’s fated mate, Zoe, it seems, quite literally fell into his lap, an encounter that has become the top gossip story amongst the staff. The simplicity and ease with which they found each other is a stark contrast to my own journey, and it stirs a potent mix of jealousy and longing within me.
If they were forced to leave, the resort would not be the same without either of them.
I turn my gaze back to the beach, my eyes scanning the playful antics of our guests.
“You’re right,” I say. “Having Zoe here does make things interesting.”
And as I watch the joyful chaos of the beach, I feel a surge of hope. Maybe this change won’t be so bad.
For Svea, for the resort, for all of us. And, maybe, even for me.
Three
Rey
Every detail of the villa screams luxury, with thoughtful touches catering to monsters and humans alike. I find myself marveling at the open floor plan, the double-wide doors that could easily accommodate any size or shape of guest.
The furniture, too, is thoughtfully designed—the stools instead of chairs, considerate accommodation for guests with tails and wings.
And the bed… Well, it’s enormous. The kind of bed that you could lose yourself in, fit for a fairy-tale princess and her seven monster companions.
I’m astounded by how silky soft the cyan comforter is as I comb my hand over it. I’ve never felt anything this exotic before, especially since I’ve always bought the generic and low-cost versions of everything.
I blame it on my need to save money for emergencies and extravagant vacations like this one.
After unpacking my luggage and setting up the villa to my liking, I feel a pang of wanderlust. It’s the perfect time to explore the beach, soak in the sights and sounds, and make the most of the day before it gets too late.
I slip into my purple bikini, throwing on a matching shawl. The silky fabric billows out behind me as I tie it around my waist. I slip my feet into my flip-flops, grab a towel, and I head out, ready to discover the joys of Starlight Resort’s private beach.
The warmth of the setting sun hits my skin as I step outside, the cool sand beneath my feet a welcome contrast.
As I stroll along the beach, the rhythmic lull of the waves washing over me, I admire the diverse group of monsters around me.
Some are playing in the water, their laughter echoing across the beach, while others lounge on the sand, soaking up the last rays of the day. I feel their eyes on me as I pass by, their curious gazes lingering a little longer than usual, but they quickly return to their activities, their interest fleeting.
A group of Orcs are deep in a heated girls versus boys volleyball match, their competitive banter echoing along the beachfront. I pause to watch them for a moment, their game drawing a crowd of onlookers who are clearly enjoying the show.
Nearby, a flock of Birdmen are swimming, their wings skimming the water surface with effortless grace. Some Gargoyles and werewolves join them, their lively splashing adding to the ambience.
Off to the side, a lone Catman is sunbathing on what appears to be a beach bed designed for a cat, of all things. A line of empty lounge chairs stretches beside him, their umbrellas closed and waiting to shield guests from the sun.
I gather my courage and stride toward one of the vacant chairs, placing my towel beside the sunbathing Catman. Hiswhite fur is stark against the bold colors of his beach bed, and he raises a single eye to glare at me.
