Page 28 of A Siren Song for Christmas

“Okay,” Malachi said.

“Please don’t go anywhere,” Trent said as if worried Malachi would disappear.

“I won’t. I promise.”

Then Trent was off, dashing back into the markets, weaving through the horde before disappearing entirely.

Malachi didn’t know what to make of that. But he stayed where he said he would, staring at the people, feeling guilty for the way their night had gone.

I wasdefeated by the pretty Christmas markets.

And Trent had been so happy when Malachi accepted his invitation. Maybe he regretted inviting Malachi. For a second, he thought that maybe Trent had run off and left him.

But he didn’t think that was true. He did not know Trent well, but he didn’t think the man would be cruel enough to make him promise to stay and then run off on him.

For several minutes, Malachi stood watching the laughing and smiling people walking past, wishing he could be like them. He was sure he’d been carefree once. Years ago, he thought he would have fit in amongst them.

Not anymore, it seemed.

A head of brown hair bobbed through the crowds, moving towards him. Trent carried a couple of paper bags tucked beneath his arms and two steaming cups of something.

Trent slowed as he approached. He held out one of the steaming cups. “Here you are, the best hot chocolate in all Anorra.”

Chapter

Fifteen

Malachi took the offered cup.

Trent smiled once again. “Just because we are leaving the Christmas markets, doesn’t mean we should miss out on hot chocolate! They have different flavourings. These ones are cinnamon, my favourite. I thought we could walk and drink.”

“That’s a lovely idea, Trent.” The cup warmed his hands. “Thank you.”

It seemed the young man hadn’t given up on Malachi just yet.

He lifted the cup and sipped. The sweet cocoa with a hint of cinnamon glided over his taste-buds and slid down his throat. “It’s perfect. Best thing I’ve tasted in years.”

Which Malachi realised was true. Of course, Malachi ate and drank. But never for enjoyment or pleasure, just to keep himself going.

Trent’s smile widened, and they began to walk back through the streets in the direction of the emporium.

Snowflakes fell and melted into the hot chocolate. They sipped from their cups. Malachi felt the tension in his body release as the streets became less populated the further they got from the markets.

“I am truly very sorry for ruining the evening,” Malachi said. “I know how much you were looking forward to going to the Christmas markets.”

Trent exhaled, and it fogged the air. “Honestly, I just wanted to spend time with you. And you did say you weren’t sure about the Christmas markets. I should have listened and suggested something else, something you would enjoy too.”

The light from the lanterns gleamed on the freshly fallen snow that blanketed the street. The world had fallen silent except for the sounds of their footsteps crunching in the snow. Strange how the middle of the city could become so silent on a wintry night.

Malachi sipped his hot chocolate, relishing the rich creamy taste and the presence of the young man beside him. “I’m enjoying this.”

“You are?” Trent asked, voice hopeful.

Malachi nodded. “I am.”

Trent hesitated. “And I had another idea. You said that you feel more comfortable in your room above the store. Well, I got some baked goods from our stall, and I thought we could eat them in your room. I also gave the elothea seeds to Leo so he could take them back to Jasper, since I’ll probably be late home.” Then Trent’s eyes widened.

“Not that I think I’ll be very late,” Trent rushed out. “And maybe I’m being a bit forward. I realise now you might not want me coming up to your room. It is your private space, and I am just inviting myself and all,” Trent rambled. “If you don’t like the idea?—”