Chapter 29

Cadella's POV

I woke, feeling more rested than I had in a week.Vasile being back must have made all of the difference. Or maybe it was the sex before bed. Either Vasile was involved.

Rolling over, I couldn’t help be feel disappointed as my hand found cool sheets. Vasile was already up. Today we didn’t have classes. We could do something together.

Pushing the blankets back, I moved to the bathroom to shower. Stepping under the warm spray, I wondered if Vasile had plans for the day. I’d love to go out to town with him. It had been so long since we’d gone out and visited some place.

I frowned, as I considered the prospect of having to be around people. I didn’t want to share him yet. We only had one night together since he got back-most of which I slept through.

A picnic would be good though. We could find someplace fairly quiet and less populated to sit and enjoy a meal together. It would get us out of the house, but without being around a crowd.

Excited by the idea of a picnic with Vasile, I hurried through my shower and getting dressed. I was sure to choose something cute, but causal. A sweater dress with leggings and flats. I pulled my hair back into a ponytail and made my way downstairs.

“Good morning, soricel. You look lovely this morning.” Vasile greeted me as he handed me a mug of coffee.

“Thank you.” Smiled as I accepted the cup.

I moved to the table, where a plate of eggs and toast was waiting for me. I sat, frowning when I noticed he was dressed in a suit.

“You’re dressed nicely.” I forced a smile.

“Yes. I have to tend to something today. But I plan on being back this evening.” He took a drink of his coffee, his gaze heavy as he studied me over his mug.

“Oh. I had hoped we’d be able to do something today.” I frowned, not able to meet his eyes any longer.

“I’m sorry, Cadella. I have to hand something. I’m back, but things are still winding down back home. I have no time today, but this evening maybe we can do something? A movie on the couch maybe?” He offered.

My heart ached as I realized that I’d had him for a night, and now he was leaving again. Forcing the sad thoughts from my mind I focused on his proposal. He was trying to make time for me, even if his day was busy. That was something, right?

“Okay. A movie tonight.” I forced a smile.

“What will do you today?” He asked, looking at his laptop.

I bit my lower lip, trying to decide on something. I didn’t want to sit around in the empty house. Maybe I’d go to town on my own.

“Maybe I’ll go visit some of the second-hand shops down town. The president of the club told me of a few that sounded interesting.” I shrugged.

“That sounds like fun.” Vasile responded without looking up from his screen.

I finished my breakfast in silence, watching Vasile pack his things.

“I’m sorry, I ruined your plans. We’ll go out together soon. I just need to finish this.” He cupped my cheek with his large hand.

“I understand. Family needs to come first.” I smiled as I leaned into his hand.

“It does, but your family now too. I promise we’ll do something soon.” He pressed a kiss to my forehead.

“Have a good day.” He called as he left the house.

“You too.” I whispered as the door shut.

A sudden urge to leave came over me as I loaded the dishwasher with the rinsed dishes from breakfast. Once the kitchen and dining room was returned to its clean state, I grabbed my purse and jacket. Locking the door, I decided to walk downtown. It was terribly far, and the weather wasn’t too cold yet. Besides walking always made me feel better.

By the time the sounds of the busy market place was audible I smiling as I passed people. I hadn’t been in this part of town to explore more since I started school. Turning, I faced the medieval style market place I’d discovered my first day in town.

The familiarity of the sounds and smells washed back over me as I moved deeper into the marketplace. This time I focused on the opposite side of the street from where I found the box with the broach. I wandered through a few different shops, including the ones that Barry had recommended.

Each shop had some interesting items in them, but nothing I was really drawn to, or interested in. Sighing, I left the second store I’d been through. A small part of me wondered if my heart just wasn’t into shopping today.

But instead of turning around I found myself continuing to wander down the street. I was just getting ready to turn back around when a small shop on the corner of the marketplace caught my eye.

There was a large wooden sign that hung on the side of the building over the side walk. Zingari was carved into the wood in a simple, but older style font. I made a mental note to do some investigating about the word and its meaning when I got home.

I walked in front of the window and stopped to study its contents. Tarot cards, some kind of metallic sand and loose leaf tea were arranged in an attractive way. My eyes widened as I took in the items.

A shop focused around divination.

I pulled open the door and stepped inside, pausing to allow my eyes to adjust to the darker inside of the shop. The shop smelled of spices and herbs, a soothing combination of scents. Stepping deeper into the shop, I took in the interior.

A round table took up the middle of the room. A red and gold square table cloth was positioned in the center of the table, with the corners hanging off the edge. Thick white candles of different heights were arranged in the middle, creating a center piece.

The walls were lined with different items such as small crystals, oils, and herb mixtures. I found myself drawn to a darker blue stone that was almost translucent. Streaks of black, and darker blue ran through it, almost appearing like cracks through out it. When the light hit the stone spots of gold and green appeared.

“A special stone for a special person.” A voice stopped me from moving closer to the stone.

My head snapped to the woman who spoke as she moved from the back of the store.

“I’ve been waiting for you. A special person with all these unique energies about her.” She said, her voice so soft it was like she was amazed and speaking to her self.

She approached, me slowly, like she could sense my unease. I took the moment to study her. She was dressed in a more traditional style, like how Emilia and Adina had dressed at the recruitment day. Her blouse was white and her high waisted skirt was black with blue designs on it. Instead of a half apron, hers covered her torso and was pinned above the curve of her breasts.

Jangles clinked together as she raised her hand, reaching for me like she wanted to touch me.

I stepped back.

Her hand dropped, making the bracelets clank together.

“That stone is serves many purposes. It helps heal from within, like the cracks embedded in the stone. It allows a broken person to become whole, while remembering what it took to repair themselves and learn from what broke them. Its translucent appearance correlates with its ability to increase intuition. That sight allows the owner to receive the energy needed by the body, mind and spirit. Lastly, it protects. But instead of just warding off energy, like most gems and stones. It protects against evil.”

Something inside you calls to darkness. Adina’s words entered in my mind.

Goosebumps broke out over my arms, despite being covered in a jacket and the dress sleeves. Subconsciously I rubbed my hands over my arms. I needed to leave. I shouldn’t have entered this store.

I glanced at the woman as took a hesitant step backwards. She had her head cocked to one side, far enough that the earring brushed her shoulder. Her gaze was unfocused, like she was looking at me but not really seeing me.

The hair raised up on the back of my neck.

Leave. I needed to leave, yet I found my feet to be sluggish in responding to my request to run away. I swallowed heavily, as I finally was able to turn myself around.

“Cadella,” I froze as she spoke my name.

She shouldn’t know my name. I never gave it. I was torn between wanting to sprint from the shop and staying to see what she had to say.

“Someone is looking for you. They want see you. Keep your mind open, little mouse.”