"You two are a couple, aren't you? Mixed Fairy Couple?" the spice stallkeeper asked with a curious grin.
"What gave it away?" I asked with a smirk.
"Well," he said, "you don't see many of you. Especially not with a Dark Fairy involved. It's rare—but... beautiful to see up close."
He paused.
"There must've been… a lot of cultural differences. Some Fairies don't like it, though. They have a name for it. Not a nice one."
I stared at him visibly confused. Scarlette gave me a blank look as well.
He then leaned in slightly. "Mutt Fairy Couple. Terrible thing to call anyone, if you ask me."
Scarlette's hand tightened around the baskets just slightly. I noticed, because I nearly dropped my own. My smile felt glued on, brittle as sugarglass.
But neither of us said anything more.
The market felt louder suddenly. Brighter. As if the warmth from the spices couldn't quite chase the chill settling between the cracks.
