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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. The resort wouldn’t 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, Zero,” 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.
CHAPTERTHREE
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 my vacation.
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. I start walking along the beach, the rhythmic lull of the waves washing over me, creating a soothing melody that resonates with the pounding of my heart.
As I stroll along the beach, 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.
Monsters of all sorts are having a great time, their laughter and cheerful calls a symphony to my ears.
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. His white fur is stark against the bold colors of his beach bed, and he raises a single eye to glare at me.
“I’m not doing signatures,” he grumbles, turning his face away.
Caught off guard, I blink at him in surprise. “I... wasn’t going to ask for one,” I assure him. “Just wanted to put my towel and sandals down before I go swimming.”
His glare softens into a curious gaze, replaced with a look of surprise, and he sits up, eyeing me with a new interest. It’s clear that the resort is full of surprises for all of us, and it brings a smile to my face at the unexpected interaction.
But he doesn’t say anything else, instead stretching out on his beach bed once more.
Well, that was an unforeseen encounter. Not the warmest welcome, but I’m not deterred. Shrugging off the odd interaction, I realize I’m not the friendliest person when startled awake either.
Shaking my head in amusement, I set my towel and flip-flops down and turn my gaze toward the beckoning sea.
Twisting the resort bracelet around my wrist, I approach the water’s edge. It’s fashionable and functional, holding all the necessary information for my stay.
I glance at the bracelet, hopeful that it’s waterproof. Given the technological advances these days and the fact that I’m at a tropical resort, it should be.
The soft lapping of the waves and the warm sand beneath my feet are a gentle invitation. It’s soft, inviting, and teases the edges of my senses. I wade deeper, feeling the pleasant push and pull of the waves around my legs, inviting me further in.
