Page 7 of Sugar Plum Fae

"Then dream wisely," he shot back, his silhouette stark against the flickering lights of the coffee shop, every inch the embodiment of the night. "Because when the last candle burns out, it's my shadow you'll find waiting in the darkness."

Chapter Three

Roderick

The dimly lit hallway stretched out before Roderick, the flickering shadows cast by the candlelight taunting him as he waited impatiently outside Ben's coffin room. Sykes, the ever-diligent manservant, was hovering nearby with a disapproving sneer etched permanently on his face.

"Stop that scowling, Sykes. You'll frighten away all the bats in the castle," he said.

Sykes huffed, adjusting his impeccably pressed waistcoat. "I assure you, sir, my intention is not to scare away the local fauna. My concern lies with you delaying the Master this evening. He has many important duties."

Roderick rolled his eyes dramatically. "Oh, yes, of course, Ben's countless important duties. Who could forget about those riveting tasks like choosing the color of the new town banners or sampling the local bakery's latest pastry creations?" He let out a mock gasp. "Truly, I stand in awe of his profound responsibilities."

"You may mock him all you want, sir, but Mayor Whitlock is loved and respected by the townspeople. Unlike some... individuals."

The moment the sun dipped below the horizon, the heavy wooden doors creaked open, revealing Ben Whitlock in all his undead glory. Roderick straightened as the vampire emerged with a yawn. "Another day, another dollar."

Roderick smirked. "You don't get paid." His amusement faded as he recalled why he was there. "We have a problem. Candace Juniper is making moves to take over the town."

“Who?” Ben stifled a yawn.

“She’s a sunsidhe. The fae Ruler of Sweets and Dreams.”

Ben made a face. “I have a toothache just thinking about her. Why does she have an interest in Whitlock?”

“She thinks they need her.”

"Have you considered that she genuinely wants to help?" Ben asked, frowning. “Things haven't been right here lately."

"Don't be foolish. She's only interested in power." Roderick clenched his jaw, irritation simmering in his veins.

Ben shrugged. "Maybe you should talk to her."

Talk to her. As if it were that simple. Every moment in Candace's presence threatened to unravel his composure, revealing the inconvenient attraction he'd developed for his sworn enemy.

"I have talked to her. We bicker over what's best for the town. Why would I waste my breath on someone so determined to undermine me?" He couldn't help but picture Candace, that infuriatingly sunny whirlwind of joy and compassion, trying to wrest control of Whitlock from him. The thought made his blood boil.

Ben adjusted the cuffs of his shirt. "I think you might be jumping to conclusions. I've noticed things seem to be a bit more gloomy lately."

Roderick rolled his eyes. "That’s just the time of year.”

Ben took a moment to collect his thoughts before responding. "It's hard to put into words, but the atmosphere in town has changed. The air feels heavier, the laughter less genuine."

"I haven't noticed anything," Roderick said.

"You wouldn't, though. Would you? People are acting strangely—even for Whitlock. Maybe something is wrong, and she can help fix it."

"And just how does she plan to do that? By sprinkling glitter on everyone and preaching about the power of positivity?"

Ben held his ground, his voice calm yet resolute. "What if Candace's intentions are pure? It's worth considering, isn't it? I mean, what do we truly know about her?"

Roderick stared off into the distance. "She is the embodiment of everything I despise. Sunshine and joy are nothing more than irritants to me." And yet, he wanted to see her again, touch her hair. Press his lips against hers.

Ben placed a hand on Roderick's shoulder, his touch surprisingly comforting. "Maybe that's exactly what this town needs right now. Nightmares have their place, but so do pleasant dreams."

"Now you sound like her." Roderick could hear the resignation in his own voice. "What would you have me do? Just throw caution to the wind and trust her?"

Ben smiled. “Compromise wouldn’t kill you, you know. If she’s not looking to take over and you both work together, then maybe Whitlock can spring back from this fog of malaise that’s edging out even the power of your nightmares.”