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“What?” A furry head popped out. “Honey? Did someone say they have honey?” He scrambled out before AB could grab him. “It’s breakfast, right? Did I miss it? Oh noooo, that would be awful. I didn’t, right? Is it brunch, then? I am starving. I mean, really, really starving. Like on the verge of death kind of dying. There are pancakes, right? Oooo, I’m craving pancakes from Izel’s. Oh, praise her honey tits, she made the best pancakes. Churros? Do you have churros?”

Croygen grabbed Sprig, covering the monkey’s mouth and hiding him away in his hands. But it was too late; the man had already seen and heard him.

“That monkey…” He stood up, his eyes wide. “That monkey talked, didn’t he?”

None of us responded, knowing we were past denying what he saw.

“Can I see him?” he asked. He showed no fear, only amazement and genuine curiosity.

I saw the hesitation, the flinch on Croygen’s cheek, the need to keep Sprig protected and to keep this man on the other side of his gun.

A strange standoff—hostage or ally?

“Owww! Fuck!” Croygen bellowed, shaking his hand and glaring down. “You bit me, you little turtle fucker!”

“And I probably just got some crustacean disease by doing that.” Sprig wiped at his tongue. “I don’t even like crabs… or lobster.” He sniffed, shoulders sagging. “I mean, I guess if it’s drenched in butter and honey, it would be okay.”

The man stood, muttering under his breath in a language I didn’t know and couldn’t decipher, staring at Sprig like he was a wonder of the world.

In a way, I guess he was.

“Please, I mean no harm. I just want to see him.”

“You make one wrong move, and I will make sure this bullet hits you between the eyes. Got it?” Croygen’s threat glided like a ship into the air. It was smooth and calm, but underneath, it was deadly.

“Yes. I understand.” The man nodded.

Croygen sighed, opening up his hand to show the small sprite-monkey.

“This is Sprig.” Croygen motioned to him.

“That’s how you introduce me?” he squeaked, climbing to his shoulder. “How dare you. I am aGod, a Monkey King! Feared and adored. I should have honey pouring down on me like that stripper girl in that movie.” He bent back like it was cascading over him. “Naked.”

“If you want a pole, I know where I can put it.” Croygen eyed Sprig.

“Stop teasing me with a good time. I’m mad at you.” He hmphed, crossing his arm. “I’m no longer talking to you.”

“I have dreamed of this day.” Croygen looked up blissfully to where the sky would be. “Thank you.”

“Ican’tbelieve it.” The man stepped closer, causing us all to bristle. My gun was still aimed at him, this man who was completely preoccupied with Sprig. “To see it firsthand.”

“What?” Croygen tipped his head.

“No, I just can’t believe something like this exists.” The man shook his head, peering closer at Sprig. “This shouldn’t be possible.”

“Yeah, he shouldn’t be. Yet, here he is.” I noticed Croygen shift on his feet, moving Sprig farther out of this man’s reach. No matter what he said, he was fiercely protective of his buddy.

The man must have picked up on Croygen’s energy, stepping back.

“Sorry, I just find him so fascinating. A true marvel. The intelligence of a fae, put in an animal body.”

“See? Intelligent.” Sprig nudged Croygen. “I’m amarvel.”

“He meant your brain is a marble.”

“Can I?” The man tentatively reached out, waiting for consent so we didn’t shoot him.

“You have honey? You’re not intercoursing with me, right?”