Unwanted Mate Of The Lycan Kings (by jessica hall) novel Chapter 91

~Zirah~

Dawn is approaching, casting long, winding shadows across the city as I approach Kelly's store with Gnash, Hunter and Shadow at my heels while Regan trails behind me. He has been strange since I woke up, quiet and barely spoken to me since I agreed to go to their kingdoms.

Stepping into the town square, I spot Kelly's store. From the outside, it's no different than any other antique shop lining the streets of this bustling part of the city. However, as I continue to stare I notice the mystical symbols etched onto the windows, how did I not notice them before? Usually I am good at picking up subtle differences, especially when I spent most of my life staring at runes you'd think I would have noticed.

However, in a world where being a witch gets you easily condemned, I must admit she is brave for using them in the murals that cover the store subtly, but not exactly hidden if you're looking for them. To humans and those not familiar with the craft maybe they wouldn't notice straight away or at all. However, if that isn't a give away, the faint smell of incense wafting through the cracks in the door might be another giveaway– Dragons Blood and Sage.

As I approach the store Kelly opens the door, almost like she knew I was arriving early. Her raven-hair is let loose and cascades like a veil, high cheekbones and a narrow nose. She wears a long, black, flowing dress with pockets on the front and moon emblazoned on the fabric. From the outside Kelly is radiant, but in her eyes I see the same shadows that have made their home on my face, the same darkness that haunts me like a nightmare I can't wake from. But there's more, she looks tired and worn like how I feel. Worn down and battered, from years of running from everyone and yourself.

"Zirah," Kelly greets me as I step inside. Her sharp eyes take in my state, the darkness that's taken root in my gaze, almost like she is sensing the same thing within me as I do her, tired, tired of hiding, tired of running, tired of playing their game. She smiles softly and her eyes flick to Regan and I glance at him to see him gazing at the runes and emblems within the mural. "Come, there's much to discuss."

"Did you change the place?" Regan asks and I realize he too is noticing the runes within the art displayed around on brickwork and glass windows. The early light of the rising sun throws the shadows, casting the world in a blue-gray hue. I spot one of the stores directly across from Kelly's, a woman stands out front, her red hair a fiery red. She is sweeping the footpath with a straw broom but stops mid sweep as if sensing our eyes on her. The storefront is no different than any other antique store, a dilapidated sign advertising antiques and collectibles for sale. Until I notice the Runes, the moon on the front window seems to glow like a beacon at me. The woman dips her head and then nods toward the side of the Square as she returns to sweeping.

Regan gasps and I turn to see another woman also standing out the front of her shop, this one reading a book at a small table, a cup of tea in hand and book propped open in the other. Square glasses perched on the end of her nose. Staring at the store she sits out front of, it’s a book store but the pentagram sitting above the door is the most daring act of all.

Almost like she is flipping off the king. She smiles and sets her book down, turning her piercing gaze to us just like the first woman. She tips her head and lifts her cup of tea and immediately I look directly to the other side. To find Leila, her little brother sitting on the curb while she rearranges the shelves of the apothecary shop she works out of when I see her grandmother sitting in an old rocking chair watching us. A crooked smile on her lips as she gazes back. I chuckle realizing they all hid in plain sight.

"How?" I ask Kelly.