Page 20 of Something Handsome This Way Comes

That version of Milo appeared only rarely now.

Instead, Grievance watched his mate reassure frightened neighbors, answer questions without hesitation, and organize a plan before breakfast had fully settled.

Milo had become the sort of Healer Grievance had always known he could be.

And Lanterns…

He was beautiful doing it.

Together they finished setting another enchanted trap near the edge of town before following an elderly couple toward a strange patch of snow tucked between two cottages.

“There,” the woman whispered. “It wasn’t there yesterday.”

The snow glittered beneath the morning sun. Fresh tracks crisscrossed the powder. Milo crouched beside them.

“I’ve never seen footprints like these.”

Grievance knelt beside him. Immediately, something caught his attention. Two different types of tracks. One set was feline, the distinct outline of little toe beans delicately placed in the snow.

Adorable.

The second set of prints was the same as the ones they’d seen with Officer Hobbs. Four narrow reptilian toes ending in sharp claw marks.

“Are we dealing with two animals?” Milo asked.

Grievance shook his head. “No. The same creature, look.” He traced the spacing with one finger. “It walks on four legs.” He tapped the toe bean prints. “These are the front feet, and these are the rear,” he said, tracing the reptilian ones.

Milo’s green eyes widened. “So strange. I hope we catch it soon.”

“So do I.”

They set two more traps along the edges of town before turning onto Main Street, wandering without rhythm or destination. There was nowhere they needed to be. They were simply enjoying the peace of an autumn afternoon together, hand in hand.

Walking through Pumpkin Hollow this time of year with Milo’s hand tucked safely in his own was one of Grievance’s favorite things in the world. He loved watching the hundred different ways their magical town came alive.

Shopkeepers swept crimson and amber leaves from crooked front porches, only for the wind to mischievously pile them right back again. Children laughed as enchanted bats flapped just out of reach, giggling every time little fingers nearly caught them. Somewhere in the distance, a hellhound lifted its muzzle and let out a long, mournful howl. Several townsfolk smiled at the sound. Good luck for the season.

Grievance moved to turn down Elderberry Lane, home to only three residents. Lucia and her greenhouse, Mrs. Grimwood and her goat farm, and of course, the Hollow Antler Apothecary.

But Milo pulled away. Grievance frowned.

“Aren’t we going home?”

“We have to stop by Rowen’s, remember?”

Right. The annoying baker.

Grievance tried not to scowl.

“Don’t look so miserable. We’re just picking up some cupcakes or something and getting out. I’ll be quick, promise.”

“Better be,” Grievance grumbled, already dreading the nausea he got from the sickly-sweet air inside.

And just as he predicted, the bakery was completely packed. People stood shoulder to shoulder waiting for fresh pastries.

Grievance did not understand why everyone insisted on gathering here. There were entirely too many people. Entirely too close to Milo.

Rowen spotted them immediately. “Oh, Ralph passed the message. Good, they’re just over there.” He pointed behind the counter toward a neat stack of pastry boxes.