Page 19 of Sent To A Fantasy World and Now All the Men Want Me 7

Clanks of swords against shields sounded in the distance. Warriors, my knights amongst them, were training hard, keeping their minds and skills sharp and their bodies strong. The exercise was a good way to burn off all the muffins they’d devoured for breakfast too.

A good way for them, not for me. I wasn’t a cardio person. I was a ‘sit on my butt and eat potato chips while watching murder documentaries and criticizing the killer’s mistakes’ person.

God, I missed TV.

A rough laugh drew my attention to the meadow. Lake ran through the knee-high grass, chased by a vicious cutie whose fluffy black ears were the only thing visible above said grass. The puppy caught his prey and bit at Lake’s trousers, tugging him down to hide within a thick patch of wildflowers.

I smiled. Giving up murder documentaries and modern conveniences was a small price to pay for being here with the people I loved. Spending my days with them, preferably in peace away from the chaos of war, was all I wanted. Even with all the uncertainty around my destiny as the Hallowed Saint, I wouldn’t trade my life for anything.

Movement came from the branch directly above me, rustling the leaves.

My first thought was Rowan. He often perched in trees and liked to observe everything around him, usually accompanied by his handy-dandy flask of rum. But this wasn’t big enough to be a person, not even a small one like my spy.

Two vibrant, green eyes appeared within the leaves.

“What the…?” I rose to a sitting position and tilted my head.

Something orange and fuzzy then pounced. I screamed as it landed on my face.

It was as if the fates were taunting me. Right after thinking how blessed I was to be in this amazing fantasy world and how I wouldn’t return to my old life for anything, a strange creature materialized and tried to send me to an early grave.

“Evan?” Lake called out in panic before rushing over.

The patter of paws and tiny growls came with him.

I, however, dared not even breathe. Because the fuzzy creature had moved to the top of my head and curled up. I sat ramrod straight, moving only my eyes to look at Lake and Oreo. The puppy halted in step and cocked his head, one ear flopping, while Lake’s expression hovered between shock and curiosity.

“What is it?” I asked in a harsh whisper, scared out of my wits. The creature shifted around and sniffed my hair before making a chittering noise. “Oh god.”

Lake slowly approached and dropped to one knee beside me. “It’s… well, I’m not quite sure. I’ve never seen anything like it before.”

“I think it wants to eat me,” I said, still whispering. Trying not to make any sudden movements or be too loud. “Please, Lake. Help me.”

“He means you no harm, lad,” a gruff voice said from a short distance away. Varys walked toward us, dressed in a dark blue kimono and leather sandals. “He’s simply curious.”

The curious little terror sniffed my hair again before leaping off my head.

And landing right into my lap.

I… had no idea what I was looking at. The thing was about the length of a ruler with big green eyes the size of grapes, a long body with orange fuzzy fur, a squirrel-like poofy tail that jutted upward, and four tiny paws, toe beans included. A twig protruded from the top of his round head with a small green leaf attached. Along with its large eyes, there were two small slits for a nose and a mouth but no other features. Just a flat, furry face.

“What are you?” I asked, amazed, and slowly reached forward to touch its head. Right as my hand made contact, the creature closed its eyes and chittered, moving its back feet in a way that made its furry butt wiggle. “You’re a happy little fella, aren’t you? Cute too. Like super cute. Not scary at all.”

Cheep, cheep.

“His species is called an arbordu,” Varys said, having reached us beneath the tree. “They are tree-dwelling demons. Very social and gentle in nature.”

It was the first time I’d spoken to the demi-wolf since my powers exploded from me in the throne room. Did he know the truth behind those powers? If so, there was no wariness in his eyes or visible tension. He even offered me a warm smile as our gazes met.

“Well, it’s nice to meet you, little guy,” I told the tree demon in a cutesy voice, scratching the top of its head. “You’re really friendly. That explains why you pounced on me. You just wanted to play, huh?” Another cute chitter. “I’m sorry I thought you were going to eat me.”

Oreo sprung forward and growled at our fuzzy new friend. He’d clearly reached his limit on allowing another creature to touch me.

“Be nice,” I gently told the puppy. Something, it seemed, I had to tell all the males in my life, lovers and fur babies alike.

“Calm yourself, young one.” Varys knelt down and patted the puppy’s head. “I know it’s not easy, but you mustn’t be overcome with jealousy. Your human is special. I’m sure many other demons will be drawn to him as well.”

“They will?” I asked. That was news to me.