Quinton grew up in Zirao Zion, a city where futuristic buildings and wild nature were best friends. Skyscrapers were covered in leafy domes, and rivers and waterfalls snaked right through the middle of town. Even the fancy houses tucked among the trees were built to be eco-friendly. They were all serious about keeping things green.

Quin’s people had magic in their bones. They turned into horned horses whenever they wanted, which made getting around a breeze. And if they needed to go further, they had stylish monorails soaring above the city, linking Zirao Zion to other regions: Cha Borolan, Junziean, Sero, and Peraza, all neighbors around their giant, Pangea-style continent.

Their tech was similar to what one would find in the next dimension over, but with a twist; everything was ensured to be eco-friendly. Stoves, computers, and even their phones were built from materials that weren’t harmful to the environment.

Unicorns usually didn’t care much about the human world, unless they caught a whiff of someone who was pure.

On his way to college, Quin (a third-year student) suddenly caught a mouthwatering smell of coffee, chocolate, and caramel rolled into one. He ended up wandering off his usual route, through a mess of trees, until he stumbled into a sunny clearing. That’s when he realized he was standing right at the edge of another dimension, and, of course, he couldn’t remember exactly how to get across.

Figured.

"What kind of magic was it again? Air with water? Air with plant? Pollen?" he muttered, wracking his brain. The scent grew stronger, sharpening his focus. "Wind and pollen!" he exclaimed in sudden recollection. Channeling the magic of wind and pollen, Quin stepped through the boundary and found himself in the backyard of a human home.

"Finally!"

Quin’s silvery blue eyes widened as another voice echoed his words. Glancing to his left, he nearly did a double-take at the short Nightmare standing just three feet away, a figure with pewter hair and wild, peacock-colored eyes.

"I found him first!" Quin growled, his tone edged with warning.

"Like he'd want you anyway," the Nightmare shot back, lip curling in annoyance. "Calling dibs like a child fighting over the last treat."

Synan crossed his arms, standing his ground despite being smaller and less muscled than the obnoxious Unicorn. Though a flicker of fear lingered, Sy had grown up fighting for every scrap; he wouldn’t back down now. His peacock-hued eyes narrowed with resolve. This maiden was his; only a Nightmare could truly satisfy such a lustful heart.

Quin stepped back, as if doused by cold water. "Excuse me? Who wouldn’t want a piece of this?" He gestured to his athletic build and striking features with mock indignation.

Sy arched an unimpressed eyebrow. "Fluffy meatheads like you are a dime a dozen, sweets. What do you offer? A quick, bumbling tumble before vanishing?" The Nightmare ran his palms slowly over his own chest, down his flat stomach, and along his lithe thighs. "I satisfy for as long as there's a need or desire."

Quin’s breath hitched at the seductive display, but he masked it with a glare. He refused to allow the attractive Nightmare to get under his skin. Focusing on tying back his long, wavy wheat-blond hair, he slipped the elastic off his wrist with his teeth and flexed his arms as he pulled the strands away from his face.

"We shall see who wins in the end, little one," Quin hissed, his voice low with challenge.

"Little one?" Sy snapped, his voice rising indignantly. "I'm eighteen, or I wouldn’t even be here. I may not be stupidly tall, but I’m plenty big where it matters, and I can take it as big as it gets, too! You probably got all pumped up to compensate for something lacking."

A smug smirk played on Quin’s lips, mischief gleaming in his eyes. "You think so, do you?" he teased, fingers toying with his waistband. "Want proof?"

Sy glared and popped his own waistband. "I bet mine’s twice the size of yours, tiny! Even if yours isn’t thumb-sized, you probably don’t know how to use it! Bet you have no clue how to take a cock like I can. I love getting fucked. I can take it as hard and deep as anyone wants to give!" he bellowed.

"Oh? I can pummel a pert ass into the ground with more finesse than any Nightmare could ever dream of!" Quin shot back, cheeks flushing at the mental image of Sy without pants.

Upstairs, Fin was thoroughly frustrated. For two months, Lee, Alistair, and the occasional Unicorn or Nightmare had appeared in his life, but none had caused him much trouble during daytime hours. The two now bickering in his yard were something else entirely. With an annoyed huff, Fin left his desk, yanked open his window, and glared down at the newcomers.

"Enough already! I’m trying to study for exams!" Fin shouted down, exasperation evident in his voice.

"The maiden!" Quin gasped, looking up in alarm. "My deepest apologies!"

"Maiden!" Sy called eagerly. "Let me ease your stress!"

"If anyone’s doing any easing, it’s me," Quin insisted.

"Oh, for crying out loud, I’m coming down to let you in," Fin declared. "But you both need to behave until I’m done studying!"

Quin’s expression turned sheepish. "Dear gods, I’m ashamed of myself." As a student, he knew how hard it was to study in peace, especially with so much noise. Usually, he behaved better than this, but something about the petite Nightmare brought out his childish side.

"He’s letting me in!" Sy exclaimed, clapping his hands in delight as he hurried to the door. "I’m finally going to meet a maiden!"

Quin sighed and followed. The human gave them a wide berth as he slid open the back door to let them inside.

"My sincere apologies, young maiden," Quin murmured, correcting himself quickly.

"It’s Finian. Don’t call me a maiden. Take a seat, both of you." Fin motioned to the couch, standing before them with his hands raised to halt any interruptions. "Before you say anything, you should know I already have someone in mind for when I turn eighteen. The only reason I’m still mostly chaste is because I want my best friend to come with me when I cross over to your world."

As Fin spoke, Quin noticed a second scent clinging faintly to him. "You have someone’s scent on you already," he mused. "But you haven’t fully chosen yet."

"Please, just give me a chance," Sy implored. "It’s important that I find a human mate. I’d give everything I am to make you happy."

"It’s not that I don’t want to give either of you a chance," Fin said, "but my mind and heart are really set on someone right now."

"But a lot could happen before you turn eighteen!" Quin insisted. "What if you don’t even like that person by then?"

Sy nodded vigorously. "You should keep your options open, especially if it’s a Unicorn you’re interested in. They’re notoriously untrustworthy."

"We’re not all untrustworthy," Quin countered, bristling at the accusation.

"He’s a Nightmare. The most amazing person I’ve ever known. I don’t think anyone could sway me. I’m faithful to him," Fin replied firmly. "You can stay or leave as you wish, but I’m going back to my studies." With that, he headed upstairs.