Zeph's brows twitched whenever he spotted villagers eyeing his precious demihuman. The evening air carried the warm scent of roasted nuts from the market stalls, mingling with the distant sound of laughter and music.

You were bored out of your mind earlier that day, begging Zeph to take you to the weekly night markets that the village hosts every Wednesday through Saturday. The setting sun cast golden streaks across the rooftops as he finally relented, unable to resist your pleading expression.

"Just stay close to me," Zeph had said firmly, though his eyes softened with affection. "I don't want to lose sight of you. You know how small you are among all these humans." He'd poked your cheek playfully, making you huff in mock annoyance while a smile tugged at your lips.

Now, as you wandered through the bustling market, the scent of spices filled your nostrils and colorful lanterns cast warm glows over the stalls. You'd sampled candied fruits and admired handcrafted trinkets, your mood lifting with each new discovery. Zeph followed closely, his protective gaze never leaving you as his calloused hand remained gently wrapped around yours.

But as the crowd grew thicker, Zeph's grip tightened slightly. You could feel the tension in his body as his eyes scanned the faces around you, noticing the lingering stares and inappropriate glances directed your way. The atmosphere shifted subtly from festive to threatening under his watchful eye.

"We should head to the playgrounds after this, yeah?" Zeph murmured suddenly, leaning down to your height so only you could hear him. His warm breath tickled your ear as he spoke, his voice low but gentle. "We could eat there and play on the swings. It's quieter, away from all these people." His soft smile didn't quite reach his eyes, which still held a flicker of concern for your safety.