Page 5 of The Monster of Darkspell Comics

“Rule number one: the limit is one comic book per customer. This is non-negotiable, so don’t try to let them sweet talk you into more.

If they get pushy, just come get me, and I will handle it,” he growls as we walk between the rows of racks and bookcases filled with comics.

“Rule number two: no reading in the shop. This isn’t a library, and as satisfying as it is to witness their terror, I don’t want to deal with the cleanup.

They are to make their selection and get the hell out of here.

Rule number three: Chewy is completely off limits.

She is roped off, and there are numerous signs to stay behind the ropes, but people are idiots You will need to watch them.

Lastly, rule four is special just for you.

” He glares as he turns and points right at me, his finger inches from my nose.

“Keep your hands off. Just shelve them. Don’t open them, don’t even look too closely at them.

Once they’ve attached themselves to someone, they are useless to me.

And trust me, you don’t want that, anyway. ”

I nod mutely, but I still find the rules a bit weird. They may be demonic comic books, but they are still just comic books. So, instead, I focus on the one rule that is the biggest question mark among them.

“What’s a chewy?” I doubt he means a rawhide bone.

The way the demon grins almost makes me wish I hadn’t asked. “Right this way,” he purrs.

He walks right by the comic books littering the floor from where they fell from my bag, and motions for me to follow him as we head to the enormous fern taking up the corner of the room.

Picking up a spray bottle from the storage cupboard beneath a nearby display, he stops and turns to me as he motions toward the plant with the bottle.

“This plant that you idiotically fell asleep next to is Chewy.” Another grin briefly splits his face before sobering once more as it sets into a scowl.

“If you value your quality of life at all, you will stay away from her. You will not die, since you are bound to me, but you will be surprised what suffering you can survive through,” he casually remarks.

I give him a look of disbelief because seriously—this is a freaking fern.

His eyes narrow at my expression, and he chuckles a cruel cackle.

Lifting the bottle, he sprays the fern liberally and I feel something cold slide through my veins that the fronds tremble before suddenly numerous pod-like, teeth-filled heads poke up from among it, each pod surrounded by what appear to be numerous violet petals, and thick vines uncoil as if enjoying the mist. It’s very Little Shop of Horrors and I can’t help but stare in a mixture of fascination and horror.

The movie trailer is strange as hell, but I kind of wish that it were already out so that I have some small idea of what I’m in for.

I have a feeling this is no mere carnivorous plant.

There is a mind of some sort behind its movements as its mouths open to catch more direct spritzes.

“She requires misting several times a day. Keep an eye on her at all times, and make sure that no one in the store gets too close to her. When feeding and watering her, make sure that you remain a safe distance behind the marked-off area. She is a lethal predator and can move faster than you will expect. I’ll feed her for now, so you don’t have to worry about that yet, just keep her hydrated throughout the day,” he instructs blandly as he puts the spray away.

Tipping his head toward the comics scattered and the floor, he resumes glowering.

“Once you’ve cleaned up your mess, come to the register.

And be quick,” he snaps as he turns away to leave me to my work.

“W... wait,” I stutter, my mind turning in confusion.

The plant is horrifying and seems to be the perfect setup to lure in and kill people, and yet the demon wants me to keep everyone away from it.

Just what kind of demon is he? Stories and legends are filled with all sorts, and now I find myself becoming more confused. “A... are you... is this shop... evil?”

He gives me an annoyed look but then grins as he pinches his thumb and forefinger close together. A little bit? What kind of answer is that? I mean, I guess I should have expected it to be evil, but I don’t like to assume. All the same, his answer has made me completely confused.

“What do you mean ‘a little?’”

He takes in my confused expression and chuckles nastily.

“Don’t worry, human. I’m not one of the ones who torture the damned deep in the infernal pits.

I’m not going to try to peel your skin off or roast your innards—despite how entertaining that may be.

My work is more insidious. It infects the mind.

The realm that I dwell in is one of nightmares, and I am a nightmare demon.

.. though I am currently on holiday,” he throws out casually, which just further baffles me.

“Running a comic book store,” I point out, trying to connect the dots.

“Exactly.” He gives me one final grin and turns away, leaving me alone with Chewy.

I stare at his retreating back for a moment before I turn back to the plant.

I give Chewy a nervous look, and I have the feeling that she is looking curiously back at me, her vines curling like little question marks around her as if she is curious.

I swallow and give her a tight smile as I shuffle back a little further.

Bending over, I pick up the first comic book, and then another, my eyes trailing around the shop to note that the shelves have nothing but more horror comics filling them.

Perhaps that would have been pertinent to notice before I fell asleep in the shop.