Brush of Darkness by Allison Pang Page A

behind was going to be a bitch to clean up.
    A shadowy figure stepped up to the counter next, hands empty. Inwardly I cringed. The Marketplace was supposed to be a place where the OtherFolk could be themselves, such as they were. Glamours weren’t allowed, or at least not major ones. It gave everyone equal footing, or so Moira’s theory went. It was never a good sign when they tried to hide themselves. Well, unless it was a medusa or something. I’d deal with a cloaked face over being turned to stone any day.
    The figure paced about, paying careful attention to the carrier. “How much for the unicorn?”
    “It’s not for sale, I’m afraid. There was a mistake at the—” The what? Manufacturer’s? Mystical Petting Zoo? “Shipping company,” I finished up lamely. “He’s going backin a few minutes. I’m sorry. I don’t know where you can get one, but maybe Al can help you.”
    “I’ll pay you double what he’s worth,” the figure said. “Even triple.”
    My eyes narrowed. What was it with dark and mysterious men that just couldn’t seem to listen today?
    “The answer is no,” I snapped.
    “You don’t understand. I
need
that animal.” The guttural voice became desperate and wheedling. I wavered, pity warring with bitchiness. What would Moira do? My gaze roamed around the store, and I realized it had grown quiet. They were all watching to see what I would do. I exhaled softly. Any action by me would be seen as an action by Moira. Another bleat emerged from the box, and I shook myself.
    “Listen, I don’t care if you’re Voldemort under that thing. We don’t sell livestock. Period.”
    The snigger that erupted from the back of the store abruptly cut off as Alisair reappeared, frowning. “You were right, there’s no record of this animal being requested or purchased by the Marketplace. Strange. Ah, well.” He shrugged. “Wires get crossed all the time. I’ll just take him back and we’ll sort it out.” I couldn’t quite help feeling a pang of regret. After all, it’s not every day a girl gets to see a childhood fantasy brought to life. I opened my mouth to speak when the hooded figure lurched for the carrier. Its gloved hands curled around the handle. “I’m sorry, but I
must
have it.”
    “Back off, there, sticky fingers.” The elf bristled, snatching the carrier back. They struggled for a moment, the unicorn making a panicked cry as he slid helplessly back and forth. My eyes darted between them.
    “That’s enough, both of you.” I pointed at the door. “Take it outside before one of you breaks something.”
    There was a snap and a crack as the figure heaved backward. The plastic carrier split open, spilling out one very disgruntled unicorn. He twisted in midair like a cat and landed on all four hooves.
    “Now you’ve done it.” Alisair glowered at the figure as the unicorn sidled toward the door. “Do you have any idea how hard it is to capture one of those?”
    “Nobody move!” The music cut off with a discordant flourish and I winced at the arched brow of the Gypsy. “Sorry.” I raised my voice, craning my head over the shelves, trying to remember whatever bits of unicorn lore I knew. “Is anyone here a virgin?”
    Silence.
    Of course not.
    “You’re no help.” I knelt on the floor, my left knee grinding in protest. “No one make any sudden moves.” All I needed was for this thing to take off through the store and gore someone. Although, really, how bad could it be? He was only fifteen inches tall.
    “Shhhhh.” I slowly held out one hand to the little beast. I wasn’t a virgin by any means, but I was the only mortal female in the store, so that was going to have to do.
    His tail lashed from side to side, his nostrils flaring. “I don’t blame you,” I said, pretty sure I wouldn’t enjoy being dumped on the floor either. He sniffed my hand, his breath tickling the back of my knuckles. We hovered there for a moment, and then he turned away with a snort.
    The elf