Page 20 of Howl Will I Know

The smell gets me first. Paper. Dust. Something green and floral beneath all of it.

Then the room. Bookshelves rise almost to the ceiling, packed tightly enough that several shelves bow beneath the weight. Small ladders lean against the taller sections. Plants spill from ceramic pots along the windowsills. Strings of tiny lights wind around a beam overhead even though it’s daytime.

A baby is sleeping in a basket behind the counter, and a woman appears from behind a shelf carrying six books against her chest. She’s wearing a pale green dress patterned with tiny yellow flowers, ankle boots, and several bangles that clink when she moves. Her chestnut hair is pinned up in a way that looks effortless and almost certainly isn’t.

“You’re Nora.” She grins at my surprised look. “Melinda texted.”

“Oh, thank God.” I press a hand to my chest. “I was starting to think everyone here really could read minds.”

“Some can.” She laughs and sets the books on the counter. “I’m Alice.” Her attention moves over me with frank interest, though not in a way that feels intrusive. “Welcome to Screaming Woods. How are you finding your new neighbor?”

I don’t need to guess to know who she means. “He could use a little work on his people skills.”

For some reason, Alice looks delighted.

From somewhere deeper in the shop, a male voice says, “Leave her alone.”

Alice glances over her shoulder. “I’m being welcoming.”

“You’re meddling,” a man says as he emerges from between two shelves carrying a stack of books. He has green skin, and he’s wearing dark glasses. Oh, and he has snakes for hair—actual snakes—forming what I think is supposed to be a mohawk, although several have apparently rejected the styling concept and are facing different directions.

One of the snakes stares at me.

I lift my hand. “Hi.”

The snake flicks its tongue as the man puts the books down. “I’m Gordy.”

“Nora.” I glance at his sunglasses. “Can I ask why you’re wearing those indoors?”

“So I don’t accidentally turn someone to stone.”

I laugh before I can stop myself, and the snake makes a small movement that looks suspiciously like it’s also amused.

Alice smiles. “Gorgon. Comes with the territory. Usually happens during moments of heightened emotion.”

My eyes widen as I look at her. “Oh, wow, that’s… Has Gordy ever accidentally petrified you?”

Gordy suddenly becomes very interested in straightening the books on the counter, while Alice’s cheeks turn a fiery red.

I glance at the snakes. A few have turned away in what looks suspiciously like second-hand embarrassment.

Oh.

Oh.

“Right,” I say. “Well, sunglasses are an excellent idea.”

Alice clears her throat. “What do you read?”

“Everything,” I reply, thankful for the change of subject. “Romance and fantasy. History when I convince myself I’m going to become well-rounded. Anything weird enough to make me forget I’m supposed to be asleep.”

Gordy studies me from behind the dark lenses before disappearing between the shelves.

The baby in the basket makes a soft grumbling sound, and Alice turns immediately. “Lyra,” she says, lowering her voice. “She believes sleep is a personal favor she occasionally grants us.”

I smile as I peer into the basket. “She’s beautiful.”

Alice grins. “She gets that from me.”