“I should write a book.” I exaggerated a sigh. “A memoir titledThat Time I Was Rescued by a Demon Lord and Then Became His Prisoner. I think it could be a hit.”
“Are you always so melodramatic?” Fane asked.
“Not always.” I filled tins with the next batch of muffins and popped them into the oven. “Sometimes I’m sassy.”
Rowan snorted.
Fane’s lips twitched before he stepped away, returning with a large skillet and a pot big enough for me to sit inside. He worked quickly, measuring out rice and starting a boil, then chopping carrots and onions. Eggs were laid out beside the skillet. Looked like he planned to make a type of savory breakfast rice.
My redhead was intrigued. “It’s like one of your egg things but mixed in with rice.”
Honestly, it reminded me of a Japanese dish I’d seen in an anime called omurice. Which made me wonder, not for the first time, if there had ever been other realm-travelers like me who’dgone between worlds. They could’ve shared information, like recipes and inventions.
Sounds from the hall drew our attention.
“Nina smellssssomething yummy!” a female voice rang out.
Four demons joined us in the spacious kitchen; ones I’d seen around the castle but hadn’t been introduced to yet.
“Hello, wee human,” the female who’d spoken earlier greeted me. Her bright yellow eyes had black slits for pupils that reminded me of a reptile. Dark golden hair fell in long waves down her back, and a shimmer covered her skin, like she’d been a victim of a glitter bomb. She crept closer to the muffin pan and sniffed. “Banana?”
“Good nose.” I smiled at her, then extended my hand. “I’m Evan.”
She eyed my hand with interest… and perhaps a touch of confusion. “What am I to do? Lick it?”
“Huh?” I drew back on instinct. “No. You’re supposed to shake. Like a greeting.”
“That’s the human cussstom? I see.” Her tongue quickly flicked out. It was forked like a snake. She grabbed my hand and shook it up and down with such force my whole body moved. “You may call me Nina.”
“Nice to, er, meet you, Nina.” I rubbed at my shoulder. Felt like she’d nearly yanked my arm out of the socket.
Rowan snickered.
“Another human,” Nina said once spotting him. She thrust out her arm and wiggled her fingers. “For our greeting.”
“You can call me Rowan.” He eyed her hand before reluctantly accepting it. I retracted a few of his naughty points from earlier. He could’ve refused but was trying to play nice.
“Rowan!” Nina shook his hand so hard it nearly tugged him off the counter. “I am Nina.”
“Yeah, I heard.” He rubbed at his shoulder just like I’d done.
Fane cleared his throat and retrieved dishes from the cupboard. Given the smirk he tossed my way as he set them on the counter, he was far too amused at Rowan’s expense. I was happy his wariness had lifted, if only a little.
The other three demons introduced themselves. Cyan, a female demon with vibrant blue hair and eyes that matched, had a bubbly personality that instantly put me at ease. The other female was more reserved and kept her distance, giving only her name—Mae—and a nod to go with it. The nod revealed a row of small, purple horns atop her black hair.
“And you may call me Koga,” the male demon told me and Rowan. He had thick, red-orange hair that reminded me of a lion’s mane and fangs that protruded from beneath his upper lip.
“Do all of you work here in the castle?” I asked.
“We do!” Cyan bounced over and snatched a muffin. She held it up to the light and admired it with a crooked smile. “Nina and I assist Fane in the kitchen and keep the pantry stocked. Well, I do. She isn’t allowed to do the shopping anymore.”
“Meanie Cyan.” Nina stuck her forked tongue out at her.
“Why not?” I looked between the two of them.
“Because she eats the inventory before it makes it to the pantry,” Cyan answered.
I tried not to laugh.
