Stuff of Nightmares

"Venoms, elixirs, toxins, curses from the dark woods. Not for the faint-hearted. Buy at your own risk," Devran droned, barely looking up.

"So passionate in his work, am I right? Let's test that," I muttered, rubbing my hands together with a grin stretching ear to ear.

A pointed cough sounded behind me.

I turned—and there she was. Scarlette. Arms folded, olive-green eyes sharp enough to slice iron.

Right. A glaring Scarlette in dark robes and purple hair looked like a Dark Fairy you didn't mess with.

For a second, I forgot my scheme. She was captivating—in a mildly terrifying way.

Hand on hip, she snapped her fingers at me.

"I'm not daydreaming. Don't do that," I grumbled, trying to save face.

Honestly, can't a man admire his wife in peace? I am her husband, after all.

She rolled her eyes and turned to Devran, still loitering at his stall—oblivious, or pretending to be.