"You're an impressive man, Rowan,

" Syryn said as soon as they were out of earshot of the group they'd left behind.

"You wouldn't say that if you knew just how impressive you actually are, Ryn.

"

The blond held Syryn's hand in a firm grasp. Their fingers were interlaced.

Syryn marvelled at how quickly the blond had gained his trust. It wasn't just physical attraction anymore though it had started out that way for him. During their journey to Coop, Syryn had found himself falling hard for Rowan's charming personality, his wit, intelligence, and the several other qualities which Syryn couldn't list because if he did that, he would be wasting the time that could be spent savouring the tingly feelings he got from holding hands with the anti mage. Another month with Rowan and he was going to fall in love, Syryn thought to himself.

"You look happy,

" Rowan remarked.

"I am. It's cause I have you.

" It was sappy and disgusting but Syryn wasn't holding anything back.

"Rowan, you make me happy.

"

The anti mage stopped walking just as they reached the market. Bright torches illuminated Rowan's intense blue eyes which were fixed to Syryn. Rowan had a look like there was so much he wanted to say but was unable to get them out. He pulled the mage in and wrapped his arms around him tight.

"I'm very happy as well, Ryn,

" he said quietly.

"We'll get through this together.

"

Syryn wasn't sure what Rowan was talking about that was okay. Rowan always knew what to do. He just had to keep Rowan in his sights and follow that broad back. Everything was going to be okay. He hugged back his man and smiled in satisfaction.

"Let's go do some shopping, Ryn,

" Rowan said to his smiling mage. Syryn looked so happy it put a ball of warmth in the anti mage's chest. He wanted the mage to always look this happy.

They stopped at the first stall they came across. There was a variety of decorations spread out on his mat and each item was crafted out of beautiful shells of every colour. The flickering torchlight falling on multicoloured shells had attracted their eyes to the mat.

"Anything you like?

" Rowan asked Syryn. The last time they had gone shopping together, it had ended up a complete disaster on many fronts. The anti mage hoped that they didn't come across any more items that were cursed. But given that the fertility idol had originated from this very island, Rowan feared that they'd end up buying something troublesome. With Syryn's luck, he couldn't discount the possibility.

"Look, sir, this matches your pretty eyes,

" the hawker held up a seashell necklace that was violet coloured.

"We can't buy that,

" Rowan immediately declared. He remembered the violet ring that Syryn had bought because the colour had matched his eyes.

"Why not?

" Syryn asked.

"He's right, you know. It matches my eyes!

"

"No, it doesn't. Your eyes are a shade darker, Ryn. Why don't we look at some other items before we decide on what to buy?

"

Saying so, Rowan steered Syryn away to a shop that sold leather. They couldn't go wrong with leather, he thought. There were already two other customers checking the quality of the leather.

"Why are we looking at leather?

" The confused mage asked. Long sheets of cured leather hung from wooden supports. Some were rolled up and haphazardly placed inside open boxes.

"Is- is that human leather?!

"

From the interest in Syryn's eyes, Rowan knew that he had messed up. Not even a leather shop was safe. Forget cursed items, a sheet of leather made of human skin was twice cursed.

The macabre object of interest was unmistakable. The way it was laid out clearly displayed the nature and shape of the creature it was before the skinning took place.

"We're not buying that, Ryn.

"

"But-

"

"We are NOT buying that.

"

"It's human leather!

"

"Exactly, Syryn. Human leather. Do you not see the problem there?

" Rowan put his hands on Syryn's shoulders and looked into his violet eyes, hoping to get some sense across.

The mage licked his lips. He really wanted the leather. Where would he find another shop selling cured human skin? It was disgusting but rare. The hoarder in him wanted it just in case he needed it for some emergency.

Rowan was waiting for Syryn to say something. The mage sighed after a tense pause.

"Okay, we won't buy it.

"

Rowan closed his eyes and breathed out audibly. He'd dodged one tonight. If Syryn insisted on buying the leather...

"Great, I see a shop selling clothing. Let's go there,

" Rowan suggested. Clothing was safe, right?

The woman who sold clothing had a welcoming smile which she used in copious amounts the moment they showed up at her stall.

"Customers, I see you're at the right place tonight. Come look at the items I have for sale!

"

Blue eyes rapidly scanned the racks of clothing. There wasn't anything suspicious or weird looking.

When he turned to his mage, he saw that Syryn had a silky piece of clothing in his hands. It was like water, transparent and flowy.

Rowan approached him with a twinge of wariness.

"What are you looking at, Ryn?

"

The mage turned to him with a smile.

"It's a shirt.

"

Rowan stared at the completely transparent cloth. He imagined Syryn wearing it. The image was lethal.

"Are you sure you want it?

" He calmly asked. His mind though was racing. If Syryn wore that shirt in the presence of other people, it would be the same as not wearing anything. And yet it would have an added effect of sexiness that would stimulate the people looking at his lover. On the other hand, if Syryn wore that privately for Rowan, it would still be a waste because Rowan would take it off immediately to have access to Syryn's skin.

"It would look so good on you!

" The woman told Syryn.

"You are such a pretty man. Your lover would like it very much, no?

" She looked at Rowan and winked.

"It looks even better when it gets wet and sticks to the skin,

" she mock whispered.

Rowan had to hand it to her. She was good. Really good.

"We're buying it.

"