Page 24

“Bit of a problem on that front,” I said, exhaling slowly. “I can’t seem to get back to the Shadow Realm.”

Her onyx eyebrow arched, skepticism written all over her face.

“There are only a limited number of reasons why an incubus wouldn’t be able to return to their realm,” she said, her tone careful.

I ran a hand through my hair, considering my words. “I think it has something to do with the magic in Headless Hollow. Whatever spell keeps the mortals out... I think it’s also preventing me from passing between realms.”

“The magic doesn’t keep mortals out,” she said. The air shifted, thickening with the sudden, delicate scent of lilies and salt, coiling around her like an invisible shroud of grief. It vanished just as quickly as it had come, but the weight of it lingered, stirring something uneasy in my chest.Had a mortal come here before? Harmed her?

The thought sent an unexpected surge of protectiveness through me. She was tiny, barely an inch or two over five feet. No magic. No defenses if you didn’t count the vase. Maybe Ishouldoffer to stay... to protect her...

“I mean,” she continued, oblivious to my spiraling thoughts, “it does... and it doesn’t. Headless Hollow has a banishing spell on it. Most mortals who reach the outskirts find themselves turned around, until they eventually give up and leave. The only way a human can cross the threshold is if they’re invited in.”

My brows furrowed. “Invited? I thought this was a monster-exclusive town.”

“Well, yeah,” she said, rolling a hand as if it were obvious. “But what about supernaturals who find themselves mated to amortal? It’s rare, sure, but it does happen. An invitation from a supernatural voids the banishing spell, allowing a human to enter.” She exhaled, her voice tinged with frustration. “Anyway, the point is, you’re a supernatural. The spell wouldn’t affect you at all.”

My stomach dropped, the one theory I had of why I couldn’t return to my realm gone in a single snarky remark.

I sunk into the armchair, my mind frantically grasping for another explanation.

The witch studied me, her expression unreadable. “You haven’t, like... accidentally stumbled into your mate, have you?”

I let out a sharp laugh, shaking my head. “No. My current predicament hasnothingto do with a mate.”

She lowered herself onto the couch, crossing her arms as she leaned back. “You really can’t return to the Shadow Realm?”

I shook my head. Silence stretched between us, the only sound in the room the soft crackling of the fire.

Finally, the witch broke the silence. “Why are you in Headless Hollow anyway?”

“It’s... complicated,” I said.

She tilted her head, her expression practically daring me to try her. And for some reason, I actuallywantedto tell her.

“I’m on vacation,” I admitted.

Her nose wrinkled immediately. “Please don’t tell me you’ve been bringing a bunch of monsters back to my childhood home to...feed from.”

I huffed a quiet laugh. “Actually, I’m on vacation because I wanted a break from being an incubus demon.”

That seemed to catch her attention. Her posture shifted, and she turned to face me fully. The movement made her baggy clothes settle just right, offering a fleeting glimpse of the soft curve of her waist. My throat dried instantly, and I gulped before I could stop myself. Then, with absolutely no idea of the effectshe was having on me, she casually propped her face against her hand, dark hair tumbling around her shoulders as she watched me intently.

I suddenly forgot how words worked.

“I, er...” I cleared my throat, forcing the syllables out. “I came here to... try out dating.”

“You came here todate?” Her tone was a perfect mix of disbelief and amusement.

I ran a hand through my hair, tilting my head just enough to hide the inevitable flush creeping up my neck. “It’s stupid—”

“Actually, I think it’s quite sweet,” she interrupted. My gaze snapped to hers, expecting to catch a smirk, but all I found was genuine curiosity. “And how’s dating in Headless Hollow going?” she asked.

I’ll let you know when I actually get up the nerve to start...

“I don’t really feel comfortable discussing my dating life with a witch whose name I don’t even know,” I said, sidestepping the question.

She let out a short, amused snort that made my stomach flip. “My name is Jennifer. Jen for short.”