Page 27 of A Siren Song for Christmas

He tugged at his collar. He thought about suggesting they leave. But he didn’t want to offend Trent. After all, Trent loved the Christmas markets. And he’d been so keen for Malachi to enjoy the evening.

Setting the smile on his face, Malachi stepped forward once again, joining the masses, determined to get through this. After all, it was just a simple market. He could handle this. He’d not become so socially inept that he couldn’t spend a single night at a festive Christmas event!

“Ow!” Malachi cried out and looked behind him. An elven child, probably three or four, laughed and released two of histentacles from his grip. Malachi’s mouth fell open as he stared at the child who’d grabbed and tugged on his tentacles.

“Adam! No!” An elven man, presumably the boy’s father, scolded the child. “You can’t just grab someone’s tentacles.” The man looked at Malachi. “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s…all right.” Malachi touched the tentacles the child had grabbed, pulling them protectively against his body.

The father lifted the child, gave Malachi another apologetic look, and walked off. “Adam, you can’t do that,” he said and continued to explain to the child what he’d done wrong.

“You all right?” Trent asked.

“I’m fine.” Malachi gave a tight smile. “No doubt the child hasn’t seen many tentacles hanging loose like this before. He was probably just curious.”

What he said was true. But it just added to the feeling that everyone was too close and invading his space.

“Probably.” Trent watched him with a concerned expression.

Malachi looked around. It really was beautiful. But it was all too much. And he was too much of a shut-in. Too used to being away from noise and chaos and crowds. Too used to being alone.

I just want to go home. I’m not ready to rejoin the living.

The realisation settled heavily in his limbs.

“Are you sure you’re all right?” Trent asked softly.

“I’m fine.” Malachi took a breath and tried to smile.

Trent kept looking at him, his brows furrowed.

Malachi sighed. Clearly, he wasn’t doing a good job pretending. “I’m just not used to throngs of people.” His hands on his tentacles tensed. “And while I can definitely see why you love it here, I feel like I’m not suited to such an…exuberant environment.”

“Oh.” Trent looked around. “I see.” His shoulders sagged. “Well, we should probably leave, then.”

“I …We don’t have to,” Malachi said.

Trent gave him a sad smile. “If you aren’t enjoying yourself, I don’t think we should stay.”

Malachi stared at him for a second. Finally he nodded.

“This way to the exit.” Trent walked.

Malachi followed. “I’m sorry.”

Trent threw him a smile, but the disappointment was clear on his face. “Don’t be.”

But Malachi was. He’d ruined their night. For the first time in years, he’d gone out with someone. And he’d ruined it completely.

No wonder Malachi had no friends. No wonder he was all alone. “I’m afraid I’m more comfortable these days just sitting in my quiet room above my emporium at night.”

Trent abruptly halted. Malachi stopped beside him. Trent stared ahead.

“Trent?”

“I have an idea. Come.” Trent led him to the edge of the markets, and thankfully the crowd. Almost immediately Malachi felt like he could breathe again.

“Will you wait here a few minutes?” Trent’s brown eyes stared intently up into Malachi’s.