Once my Umbraeth stabilizes, I float closer to the table, thankful for the shadows cast by the dim lighting of the bar.
In theory, no one can see me, but I almost shifted into my Løkkda a second ago, lost in a daydream about her.
The extra cover can’t hurt.
Nearing the table, I notice how they laugh with their whole bodies, like nothing in the world can touch them.
I’ve spent lifetimes pretending to be human.
But this part? I’ve only ever watched from the outside.
And yet she slides into it with ease.
Even lost in thought, my little human still answers when someone speaks to her. She’s gentle. Polite. Like she belongs there. Like she could belong everywhere.
A sharp pain gouges a strange part of my brain when I think about Thane being anywhere near her, the wordmineclawing its way into my head.
Swallowing it down, I force it into the deepest part of my chest.
I hide among the shadows surrounding their table, listening as Thane and Eve discuss their respective businesses.
“I have to know. How creepy is Mr. Aster? Are any of the rumors true?” Eve leans over the table, pushing her ample cleavage higher. Thane’s eyes drift down the pixie’s body, making his plans for the night crystal clear.
But also, fuck Eve.
I know I’m aloof, but I never thought of myself as creepy. Mysterious, dark, brooding—all the good Jane Austen descriptors—but never creepy.
Then again, I’m not a human. I’m a monster masquerading as one. Most humans feel uncomfortable around me, no matter how civil I am.
They don’t know why they feel unsettled, but I do. They’re prey, and when I’m within reach, their dumb little fish-brains fucking know it.
Okay, fine, maybe I am creepy.
But why do I suddenly care what humans think?
It’s her. It always comes back to her.
Thankfully, Thane comes to my rescue, meaning I won’t have to murder him tonight while he pumps into Eve.
“Nah, Ezra’s an amazing boss. He can be intense, and there’s something about him I can’t quite figure out, but he treats me well and pays me even better. Especially after I opened the online bookstore.”
The copper-haired goddess’s eyes snap back into focus as she turns toward Thane and Eve. “You guys have an online shop? Maybe I could pick your brain sometime about how you set everything up. I’m trying to get Eve to do the same, but she’s resisting.” Her sweet lips turn down into a fake pout, and a quiet groan rumbles through my Umbraeth.
I want to take that bottom lip between my teeth and bite down until she fucking bleeds.
“I’m not resisting to be a bitch, Aurora,” Eve says, her voice softer than before. “I just want to take my time and make sure it’s right for my business. But honestly, after hearing how well Thane’s online shop is doing, I think it’d be a great idea for you two to talk.”
“Great!” Thane says, holding up his glass of soda. “Now, let’s stop talking about work. I want to hear more about that dark fantasy Eve mentioned earlier.”
Thane flashes her a wicked grin, and Eve blushes but doesn’t shy away as their discussion turns obscenely sexual.
So, my little human’s name is Aurora.
I suppose it suits her—a hopeful light in the malevolent dark, living beauty bright against the death of winter.
Shadows can’t exist without light, and this little beacon ismine.
The thought of Aurora and Thane close, heads bent over marketing plans and profit projections, makes my imaginary eye twitch. Still, theyaremeeting at my shop tomorrow. Perhaps a certain ancient shadow monster could be there to make her acquaintance. If I can find a way to get her alone, maybe I could slake this fucking thirst.
