Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 79587 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79587 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
The tree itself had been decorated with all kinds of colorful ornaments and lights, Grath saw. It glowed in the night and the ice sculptures arranged all around its perimeter were glowing softly too, thanks to the lights embedded in their pedestals. Madeline’s mother had been right—it was a fucking magical, romantic sight, he had to admit to himself.
“What are all these sculptures of?” he asked Madeline as they strolled around the circular path. There were more sculptures in the distance too—they had been placed on another path that curved through the park, between the trees.
“Oh you know—mostly Earth animals.” She pointed. “That one’s a butterfly and this one is…hmm, I think that’s supposed to be a lion. It’s kind of hard to tell.”
“Looks like a Felinus Monstrum Kindred,” Grath remarked, examining the softly glowing ice sculpture. “I guess not all the artists are equally talented.”
“No, probably not,” Madeline admitted. “They pretty much let anyone put up a sculpture if they make one. They just want a lot of them to fill the exhibit with, so visitors to Christmasville with have something else to look at.”
“I don’t see many visitors right now,” Grath said, looking at the mostly deserted park. “Should we go look at the other sculptures down that way?” He pointed to the curving path that wound away into the wooded park.
“Sure.” Madeline shrugged. “It’s cold out here but I guess it’s better than being scrutinized by my family.”
“I thought I did a pretty good job of fooling them.” Grath took her hand and she let him. It was already cold again and he sent her more gentle warmth.
She frowned up at him.
“You did too good a job. They’re all half in love with you already!”
Grath grinned at her.
“Told you I could be fucking charming, little girl.”
“Oh, you!” Madeline took a half-hearted swat at him and he pretended to duck, laughing as he did so. She looked so beautiful in the light of the glowing sculptures—her creamy skin was radiant and her cheeks were rosy from the cold. Grath thought she had never looked more gorgeous.
For a moment it almost felt real—holding her hand, laughing and joking together. It almost seemed like he really could bond her to him and stay with her for the rest of his life…
Except you can’t, whispered a warning voice in his head. Wake up, Grath—you don’t want another failed bonding! You need to stop this and put some distance between the two of you before things get the fuck out of hand.
He knew it was true, but it still hurt to make himself let go of her hand. Madeline looked slightly hurt too, but she didn’t reach for him again. Instead, she stopped to study one of the sculptures which was glowing softly beside the dark path.
“Oh look!” she exclaimed, looking down at the writing on the pedestal. “I know the person who made this one! I went to high school with her!”
“What is it?” Grath frowned at the large piece of ice which had been turned into some kind of convoluted structure that appeared to be rings and ovals all linked together and overlapping.
“I think it’s supposed to be something to do with time?” Madeline sounded doubtful. “Tasha always did like abstract art the best—even back in high school,” she added.
Grath wanted to lean closer—not to look at the sculpture but just for an excuse to get close to the curvy little female. But he knew that wasn’t a good idea. He straightened up instead and looked down the long, curving path which was dark except for the light cast by the glowing sculptures. An icy breeze was blowing through the branches of the trees and he caught an unfamiliar scent on it.
“Hey—what’s that smell?” he muttered, putting his nose in the air and inhaling to catch a better whiff.
Madeline lifted her head and sniffed too. In a moment, her face broke into a smile.
“Oh—that’s the hot chocolate cart!” she exclaimed. “I can’t believe it’s still here!”
“Hot chocolate? What the fuck is that?” Grath growled. The scent was sweet and warm but with the faintest hint of bitterness in it. It was surprisingly appealing.
“Oh, haven’t you ever had it?” Madeline’s eyes were shining. “It’s a sweet Earth drink that’s served hot. It’s just perfect for warming you up on a cold day—or night.”
“Sounds fucking delicious,” Grath admitted. “How about if I go get us some? No—you don’t have to come,” he added, when Madeline started to go with him. “Stay here and admire your old friend’s sculpture—whatever the fuck it is,” he added, eyeing the convoluted piece.
“Well…okay.” She shrugged. “Get mine with extra whipped cream. Oh—do you have money?”
Grath nodded.
“Commander Sylvan made sure I had some Earth dollars to spend while we’re here on our ‘mission.’” He frowned. “I think he gave me about…thirty thousand or so? I have some big bills and some smaller ones, too.”