Page 24 of A Siren Song for Christmas

“There is one more thing I need to do.” Malachi leaned towards the plant. “I am going out tonight, my dear. You’ll have to wait down here a little longer.”

Trent frowned. Why would the flower be waiting for him?

Wait. Was this some sort of sentient plant?

A croak sounded.

Trent’s eyes widened. “Did that flower croak?”

Malachi laughed, a lyrical sound. Trent realised he’d never heard him laugh before.

“No.” Malachi pointed at the stem. “This is Kelby.”

Trent stepped closer. He could see nothing but the plant. “Kelby?”

“The frog.”

Trent’s gaze searched the big leaves sitting on the water. He could see no frog.

Then finally, he did. A small green frog sat on the knobbly green stem of the flower. Its black eyes looked exactly like the little black dots that marked the stem. “I didn’t see it at all.”

“She is perfectly camouflaged.” He smiled affectionately at the frog. “She always waits for me to finish up, and then we go up to my room above the emporium.”

“That’s sweet.”

“She is.” Malachi straightened. “Shall we go?”

Trent nodded.

Malachi locked the store, and they left. Snow started to fall as they walked down the street. Malachi tilted his head back and gazed at the sky. Light from a lantern reflected off his glasses. His tentacles hanging down his back wiggled slightly, the movement hypnotic.

For several minutes, they walked without speaking. Their feet crunched in the snow.

Was Malachi bored?

Trent bit his lips and tried to think of something to say.

But what if he is enjoying the silence? What if I say something stupid? What if I make him regret going out with me?

He closed his eyes and tried to breathe slowly in and out.

Just breathe. No need to panic. You’re just going to the Christmas markets with Malachi. No need to worry. Everything will be fine.

“So you’ve never been to the Christmas markets here?” Trent asked, trying to keep his voice calm and steady.

Malachi shook his head. “Never.”

“And how long have you lived in the city?” Trent asked.

“A bit over ten years.”

“Really? And how old are you? If you don’t mind me asking.”

Malachi seemed to consider for a moment. “I must be thirty-four now.”

Trent tried to calm his quickening breath. He’d known Malachi was older than himself. But he’d thought Malachi would be a maximum ten years older.

Was this going to be a problem? Did Malachi think Trent too young for him? But no. He’d agreed to this date.