His eyes widen a bit before he blinks at me. “I’m grateful you called. I didn’t expect to hear from you ever again, and the way we left things is one of my biggest regrets.”
For the first time, I smile at him, a genuine smile. Now I feel much more willing to make an admittance of my own. “Mine too.”
“Now…” He stands, clasping his hands together and stretching his arms above his head. “Where will I be staying?”
You have got to be kidding me. He didn’tplan? It took him that long to get here—which could’ve been done in mere seconds with shadow travel—and he didn’t even book a hotel or something?
I guess it’ll be a minimal sleep kind of night.
Chapter Seven
SHE ACTUALLY CAME
CARSON
Today is the day—my first art show in Harmony Glen. To say I’m nervous is an understatement.
While I’m confident in my art, showcasing it and selling it is a whole other story. I don’t know how this town feels about the arts, and I don’t know if anyone will even show up.
Nevertheless, I will set up and talk to everyone whodoesshow up. I want to show my appreciation for any and all support.
And Gods, I hope the beautiful demon who lurks in the shadows shows up. She still hasn’t told me her name.
All I know is that those eyes have taken up permanent residence in my soul.
Footsteps break my train of thought, and I give a smile to the first few people who show interest in my setup. A woman approaches alongside a Minotaur. They seementhusiastic about my art, revealing that they are creatives themselves.
The Minotaur, Torin, introduced himself as a woodworker, which I find quite fascinating. The woman’s name is Lina, and she, like me, is a painter. That they took time away from their own artistic endeavors gives me hope for my show’s turnout.
They drift away from our conversation, examining each of the pieces I’ve staged, and I greet new people as they arrive. Warmth spreads through my chest. This community is already supportive, and today has only begun.
Immediately my eyes go to the lion man approaching me, walking hand-in-hand with a woman. They introduce themselves as Liana and Roarke—he’s a veterinarian, while she does some sort of remote work along with raising chickens.
It’s nice to be able to get to know some of the locals. Along with the fact that there’s a gorgeous demon who I’m pretty sure is stalking me, I’m leaning toward staying here. As in, permanently.
As a crowd of people and monsters excitedly examining my art forms, I meet so many interesting individuals. There’s a rather quiet troll named Ogram and his wife Hope, who carries a baby in her arms. Another woman is with them. Cate, who owns The Corner Bar. I remember talking to her when I dropped off my flyers.
Even the local handyman, Gabe, a Foxman, attends, accompanied by a woman named Maggie. She says she’s a DIY influencer, which is rather fascinating. Maybe I should take my art and creative journey to social media more. I wonder if she’d have any tips for me.
A woman named Cora and her best friend—which was revealed in the introduction—Rex also pop in. They’re eager to look around, so I don’t keep them long with conversation.
“Good morning, Carson.” Glen approaches me, towering over the crowd that has formed.
I grin at him. “Hey, thank you for coming.”
He examines the gathering, inclining his head. “Looks like you have a good turnout.”
“I do. Hoping I can sell a few pieces.” I nod agreeably.
Before he steps away, he says, “Maybe the cabins could use some new art.”
All I can do is smile as he moves on to examine the pieces. Man, it would be so cool if he hung my art in his cabins. Then, everyone who stayed there would see them.
The sun disappears for a moment, a shadow falling over me. As I turn and the shadow moves, I see anenormousman—a literal giant—walking hand-in-hand with a very pale, dark-haired woman wearing a hat with a veil to cover her face.
It’s that time of year when the summer heat is fading, and cool fall breezes tease you in the evenings, but the woman wears long sleeves. It’s not cold enough for that yet, but she must have a reason for covering herself up quite so much.
Walking over to Glen, I ask, “Who are those two?”
