Chapter 5

5

MARIAH

I stand before the full-length mirror in my cozy living quarters, which are nestled to the side of the inn's premises. My gaze flicks over my reflection—the flowing earth-toned blouse, my nicest pair of jeans, my broken-in and comfortable ankle boots. I look good, even if this whole evening is an elaborate farce.

"It's just business," I mutter, meeting my own eyes in the glass. "A means to an end. That's all."

But even as the words leave my lips, a flicker of doubt curls in my stomach. Memories drift unbidden to the surface, dredged up from a past I'd rather forget. High school. Thorak's cruel sneer as he cornered me by the lockers, his orcish bulk looming over me.

"Look at the little human girl," he'd sneered, thick fingers pinching my cheek hard enough to bruise. "Thinking she's good enough to walk these halls with the rest of us. You're nothing, you know that? Just a pathetic sack of mundane flesh."

His words had cut deep, targeting every insecurity with ruthless precision. But even then, I refused to cower. I held his gaze, defiant even as angry tears pricked the corners of my eyes. He could mock my humanity all he wanted—I knew my own worth.

A buzz from my phone jolts me back to the present. I fumble for it, swiping to accept the call.

"Hey, songbird," I greet my best friend, Ecco. "What's up?"

A heavy sigh crackles through the speaker. "Mar, I don't know what to do. That gig at the Crooked Broom fell through and rent's due next week and I just..."

Her normally melodic voice cracks. Ecco's struggled so much lately, her siren's allure no match for reality. If I'm judged for being human, Ecco is judged just as much for her siren powers. She's done nothing to earn scorn but it follows her everywhere.

It's part of the reason we bonded, all those years ago.

"Come perform at the Moonflower," I say without hesitation. "Tomorrow night. I'll clear the stage in the dining room, spread the word. We'll pack the place, I know it."

"I don't know," Ecco hedges, her tone laced with uncharacteristic doubt. "What if no one shows? What if they hate me? I can't afford another flop right now, Mar."

I perch on my bed, the patchwork quilt soft beneath my fingertips. "They could never hate you. Your voice is pure magic—it'll draw them in droves. And I'll be right there in the front row, cheering you on. We'll get through this, Ecco. Together. Like always."

There's a long pause, then a shuddery exhale. "Okay," she says at last. "I trust you. If you think this will help, I'm in."

"I know it will," I assure her, injecting confidence into my tone. "The Moonflower's yours."

"Love you, Mar," Ecco says. "Dunno what I'd do without you."

"Back at you, Ecco. Always."

I hang up without telling her about the deal I struck with Thorak, and there's a twinge of guilt in my stomach for not being immediately honest and open about it.

I know Ecco would never approve of me making a deal with Thorak, even a fake one. Not after the hell he put me through. She was there for all of it, holding me as I cried, plotting elaborate revenge schemes we never followed through on. If she knew I was willingly spending time with him now, even if it was to save my inn...

I can already picture the disappointment on her face, the concern in her ocean-blue eyes. She'd tell me it's not worth it, that there has to be another way. That Thorak can't be trusted, no matter how much he claims to have changed.

And maybe she'd be right. But I also know that desperate times call for desperate measures. And right now, I'm drowning in desperation.

I smooth my hands over my blouse, straightening invisible wrinkles. No more stalling. I look good, and more importantly, I feel good. Confident. Ready to take on whatever the night throws my way.

With a deep breath, I grab my clutch and head out the door. The inn is quiet tonight, most of the guests either out enjoying Elderberry Falls' vibrant nightlife or tucked away in their rooms. I'm grateful for the solitude as I make my way outside, the cool evening air a welcome respite from the nervous energy thrumming through my veins.

Thorak is waiting for me at the restaurant, a trendy spot called Fusion that's known for its innovative blend of human and monster cuisine. As I approach, I take a moment to appreciate the way his dark suit jacket fits his broad frame, the fabric straining slightly against his muscular shoulders. He looks good, too.

Damn him.

"Mariah," he greets me, his deep voice sending an involuntary shiver down my spine. "You look stunning."

I force a smile, reminding myself that this is all an act. "Thank you."

"I have something for you." He reaches into his pocket, pulling out a ring. An engagement ring.

My breath catches as I take in the intricate design, the way the delicate gold band wraps around itself like vines, leading to a large, brilliant emerald at the center. It's gorgeous, and undeniably orcish in its craftsmanship.

"Thorak," I breathe, my eyes wide. "It's beautiful. But isn't this a bit...much? For a fake engagement?"

He shrugs, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Go big or go home, right? If we're going to convince Robert, we need to sell it."

I nod, swallowing hard as he takes my hand in his, his skin warm and slightly calloused against mine. He slides the ring onto my finger, and I'm struck by how right it looks, nestled against my skin.

Get a grip, Mariah. This isn't real.

I take a deep breath and link my arm through his, putting on my most dazzling smile as we enter the restaurant. The hostess, a friendly dryad with flowers woven through her hair, leads us to our table, where Robert is already waiting.

The interior of Fusion is a marvel, a perfect blend of rustic and modern. Exposed brick walls are adorned with abstract art, while sleek metal light fixtures cast a warm glow over the space. The tables are a rich, dark wood, each one featuring a unique centerpiece that showcases the restaurant's commitment to innovation. At one table, a delicate ice sculpture shaped like a dragon emits puffs of colorful smoke. At another, a miniature garden of bioluminescent mushrooms pulses with an otherworldly glow.

As we make our way through the restaurant, I take in the diverse crowd, a mix of humans and various monster species. A group of elves shares a laugh over a plate of shimmering, iridescent sushi. A vampire couple clinks glasses of a deep red liquid that could be wine...or something else entirely.

Kingsley stands as we approach, his expression guarded as he takes in my arm linked through Thorak's. I paste on my most convincing smile, channeling all the love and affection I can muster as I gaze up at the orc beside me.

Here goes nothing.

"You're…the innkeeper," Kingsley says slowly, recognition lighting up his eyes. "Right?"

"Mariah," I say, holding out a hand. He shakes it stiffly. "It's so good to see you again!"

As we settle into our seats, I catch Kingsley's gaze darting around the restaurant, his brow furrowed. He seems to be taking in the unusual decor and the diverse clientele with a mix of fascination and unease.

I lean closer to Thorak, placing a hand on his muscular arm. "This place is amazing, isn't it, honey?" I say, loud enough for Robert to hear. "I love how it brings everyone together."

Thorak nods, his golden eyes warm as they meet mine. "Absolutely. It's one of our favorite spots in town."

I flip open the menu, scanning the array of unfamiliar dishes. "Ooh, look at this," I say, pointing to a particular item. "Dragon fire chili. Have you ever tried that, Robert?"

Kingsley clears his throat, looking distinctly out of his element. "Can't say that I have."

"Oh, you must!" I insist, my voice bright with enthusiasm. "It's a specialty here, and it's absolutely delicious. The chef uses a special blend of spices that really brings out the flavor without being too spicy."

Thorak nods in agreement. "Mariah's right. It's a must-try."

I make a show of perusing the menu, asking Thorak for his recommendations and showcasing our familiarity with each other. "What about the mermaid's tear risotto, babe? Remember how much we loved that last time?"

As the evening progresses, Thorak and I work to keep the conversation light and engaging.

"...and then, if you can believe it, the pixie sneezed and accidentally turned the entire town square pink!" I recount, grinning at the memory. "It took a week for the color to fade, but in the meantime, it was like living in a cotton candy wonderland."

Kingsley listens, his expression a mix of amusement and disbelief. I make a point to include him in the conversation, asking about his own experiences and thoughts on the town.

When our food arrives, I admire the artistic presentation. My mushroom and mermaid's tear risotto is a swirl of iridescent blues and greens, topped with delicate edible flowers. Thorak's dragon fire chili is served in a miniature cauldron that flickers with enchanted flames.

"Trust me, Robert, you won't regret trying this," I say, offering him a bite of my risotto. "The chef uses a special ingredient, mermaid's tears, which are said to evoke feelings of joy and contentment in those who consume them."

As Kingsley hesitantly takes a bite, I catch Thorak's eye, searching for any sign that our act is working. He gives me a subtle nod, his hand finding mine beneath the table and giving it a reassuring squeeze.

But despite our efforts, Kingsley's questions become more pointed as the evening progresses.

He leans forward, fixing us with a probing stare. "So, tell me, how do you two plan to navigate the challenges of an interspecies relationship? Surely, there must be some...obstacles?"

Thorak tenses beside me, but I place a hand on his arm, giving him a gentle squeeze. "Of course. Every relationship has its challenges," I say, my voice calm and assured. "But Thorak and I have found that open communication and a willingness to understand each other's perspectives go a long way."

Thorak nods, his golden eyes softening as they meet mine. "Mariah has taught me so much about human customs and traditions, and I've shared my own orcish heritage with her. It's a constant learning process, but one that brings us closer together."

Kingsley hums, his expression still guarded. He turns to me, his gaze sharp. "And what about Thorak's business? As his fiancée, surely you must be well-versed in his operations? What do you think of his financials and his plans to expand in the current economy?"

My stomach clenches as I race to formulate a response. "Let's not ruin our evening with talk of numbers," I deflect, hopefully smoothly. "We have the rest of your trip to discuss business. Tonight is about getting to know each other better."

"You're right, of course," Kingsley says. But he leans back in his chair, his expression unreadable. I can tell he's not entirely convinced, and I make a mental note to learn more about Thorak's business as soon as possible.

As the meal comes to an end, I find myself eager for a change of scenery. "Why don't we take a stroll through the enchanted gardens?" I suggest, hoping my eyes convey nothing but innocent excitement. "They're absolutely breathtaking at night."

Thorak stands, offering me his hand. "That sounds perfect."

As we make our way to the gardens, I can't help but marvel at the magical atmosphere. The air is filled with the soft glow of luminescent flowers, their petals shimmering in shades of lavender, turquoise, and gold. Shimmering fountains cast dancing lights across the winding paths.

I take Thorak's hand, interlacing our fingers together as we walk. His skin is warm and rough against mine, a reminder of the strength and power that lies beneath his gentle touch. I lean into him, resting my head on his shoulder as we admire the beauty around us.

For a moment, I allow myself to get lost in the magic of the moment. The worries of the day fade away, replaced by a sense of peace and contentment. This garden, this moment—it's bewitching, and for the first time tonight, I can almost believe in the fairytale we're pretending to live.

But as we round a corner, I catch sight of Kingsley's expression, still etched with doubt and suspicion. I know our work is far from over, and I silently vow to do whatever it takes to convince him of our love.

Even if it means delving deeper into Thorak's world and confronting the demons of our past.

Kingsley clears his throat, drawing my attention back to the present moment. "I think my allergies are acting up," he says, his voice strained. "I'm going to head back to my room. Thank you for dinner, Mariah, Thorak."

We say our goodbyes, and I watch as Kingsley disappears down the path, his shoulders hunched against the cool night air. As soon as he's out of sight, I let out a breath.

Thorak guides me to a secluded bench, and we sink down onto the cool stone. For a moment, we sit in silence, the weight of the evening hanging heavy between us.

"That was intense," I say finally, breaking the silence. "I don't think he's fully convinced yet."

Thorak nods, his expression thoughtful. "We'll need to keep up the charade a bit longer. We could invite him to the monster market soon, show him how well we fit into each other's worlds."

I nod, but a flicker of doubt crosses my mind. "About that...I think I should learn more about your business, Thorak. Kingsley had a lot of questions tonight that I couldn't answer. If we're going to make this believable, I need to know what I'm talking about."

Thorak turns to me, his expression shifting from the stoic mask he wore for Kingsley to something softer, something vulnerable. That look—it stirs up a whirlwind inside of me, scattering my thoughts like leaves in a storm. This is Thorak Ironfist, but not the same one who haunts the corridors of my memory.

"Of course," he says softly. "I'll tell you everything you need to know. Come by the brewery tomorrow. I want this to work, Mariah. I want him to believe in us."

His words send a shiver down my spine, and I find myself leaning closer, drawn in by the warmth of his presence. Thorak reaches out, his fingers brushing a stray lock of hair from my face. His touch is gentle, almost reverent, and something swoops in my belly.

"Mariah," he murmurs, his voice low and deep. "I know this isn't easy for you, being here with me like this. But I want you to know that I'm grateful for what you're doing. Even if it cost me twenty thousand dollars."

A laugh bubbles up from my chest, and the tension between us momentarily defuses. But still, I can't shake the sensation of something shifting inside me, a flicker of emotion that I can't quite name.

Could it be possible that Thorak has truly changed? That the cruel bully who tormented me all those years ago is gone, replaced by the man sitting beside me now—someone that I find myself wanting to know better?

"Let's call it a night," I say in response, standing up from the bench and brushing down my jeans. The magic of the garden still dances around us, a tempting whisper of what could be.

But fairytales aren't real, even here in Elderberry Falls. Right?