Page 25 of A Siren Song for Christmas

And there were lots of age differences between his siblings and their partners. After all, Uzoth was an ancient gargoyle and was much older than Grady. Age was just a number. It didn’t mean anything!

“Why have you never gone to the Christmas markets?” Trent asked.

“Truthfully, I don’t go out much in general.”

“Why not?”

Malachi didn’t speak for several moments. Trent began to worry that he’d been too pushy.

“I have my routines,” Malachi said finally. “I work. I go out to buy supplies and groceries. I go to the forest once a week and harvest plants. But other than that, I do not have much reason to go out.” He glanced at Trent before looking ahead. “My life must sound quite dull to someone as young and lively as yourself.”

“No.” Trent shook his head. “I don’t go out that much either.”

Malachi raised his brows in what might have been disbelief.

“I mean, I’m always running around,” Trent explained. “I go to the bakery. I go to the Christmas markets to work. I go to your emporium every day to pick up Jasper’s medicine. I go to Ordelia’s, she’s my sister, most days to help with her kids. I go to stores or wherever needed to pick up supplies or do whatever chores need doing.”

Trent paused. “But I don’t reallygo outfor enjoyment. More I go wherever is needed for the family. I like to be helpful.”

Trent glanced at Malachi, who watched him with his steady blue gaze.

“I don’t really spend time with anyone who isn’t my family. I’m not good at meeting people.” Trent laughed, somewhat self-conscious at the admission. “Sometimes I think I got so comfortable around my siblings that I never learnt to socialise with people not related to me.”

Trent closed his mouth, worried he’d overshared. But this was exactly what he meant! He’d not had enough experience conversing with others, and now he was terrible at it.

“I can understand that,” Malachi said softly. “In recent years, I have not gotten to know many individuals. Honestly, I have not put in the effort. That is perhaps the main reason I don’t go out often. I have no one to go with.”

Trent stared. For months, he’d admired the siren. He’d not once considered he might be lonely too.

“So I am glad that we can go out together.” Malachi smiled at him.

Trent smiled back. “Me too.”

“And I think your siblings are very lucky to have someone so dedicated to helping them. You are a very caring young man.”

“It’s the least I can do.” Trent shrugged. “I’m the youngest, and they’ve always looked after me.” Trent hesitated. But his mouth was moving again before he had time to fully consider if he was about to overshare once more. “My parents died when I was little. So my older siblings provided for me, raised me, and took care of me.”

Malachi frowned. “I am so sorry to hear about your parents. I am glad you were not alone.”

“That’s why I always try and be helpful,” Trent said. “To try and pay them back for what they did for me. Which is silly, of course. No matter what I do, I could never repay them.”

“I am sure they appreciate what you do for them.” Malachi’s gaze met his.

“And what about you? Do you have much family?” Trent asked.

Malachi shifted his gaze to the snow-covered sidewalk ahead. “I… I have not seen my family since I moved to the city. They live in the sea to the north.”

“I couldn’t imagine being far away from my family.”

Malachi inclined his head. “It can be difficult.” He did not elaborate further. And there was something in Malachi’s tone that made Trent think he did not wish to speak any more of it. Trent could understand that.

“I’m sorry.” Trent thought of how it would be if he wasn’t surrounded by his family. It would be like a never-ending ache.

They turned a corner and headed towards the town square. The lights from the Christmas markets glowed ahead. “And here we are, the Christmas markets.” He watched Malachi, waiting for his reaction.

“Wow. It’s lovely.” Malachi’s voice filled with awe.

Trent’s shoulders relax. He’d suggested the Christmas markets because some of his siblings had gone on dates with their now mates and partners here. Trent hoped this date would be just as successful as theirs.