Chapter 199
Chapter 199
Mattie:
I blinked, my heart racing not only in excitement but in fear. How did she know where I lived? I ran through our conversations and knew, for certain, I hadn’t told her. Did that mean I was followed? Shit, I so was not equipped to handle any of that.
“Oh no. Come one, Mattie! That book is cursed, isn't it?” Cas had moved to behind me and laid his chin on my shoulder, reading the note. “Who the fuck is Evie?”
“None of your business!” I shrugged him off. But, honestly, he might be right about the book. Another curse or two wasn’t going to stop me from reading it.
In mock offense he rubbed his chin, “Ow.”
“Serves you right for reading people’s mail over their shoulder.” Lux stated through a yawn. He peeked over the edge of the box with a weary glance, “But that book holds old energy. I’d take caution, cuz.”
“Whatever you were just as curious as I was.” Cas grumbled. My cousins glared at each other. The kind of looks that would’ve started a wrestling match if we were still children. I smiled at how dumb brothers were sometimes and turned my attention back to the box. I carefully lifted each item up and set them on the counter. Underneath the ancient book was another layer of vials and sample containers. The vials were filled with dried leaves curling at the tips, root systems still healthy, stem fragments, and in one, a slow-moving reddish liquid that shimmered faintly when the light hit it just right. I had no idea what it was but the way it seemed to move… it looked…. Alive somehow.
Lux picked up one of the leafy looking vials, giving it a tentative sniff before scrunching his nose, “ Whoever your secret friend is, she sure knows the way to your heart.”
“Yes,” I whispered barely audible, my fingers curling gently around the leather spine of the book. “Yes, she does.”
The binding was warm under my touch, the designs etched into the cover telling silent stories and ancient discoveries I couldn’t wait to uncover. It’s humming energy matched mine like a quiet and steady heartbeat.
“We will leave you to it.” Lux yawned, stepping away, “but don’t forget about the time.”
As if he planned it the clock struck 7am. My shoulders sagged, knowing full well that I needed to get ready to go to work. The reality of having to work, to be a responsible adult all day instead of a book gremlin, was such a buzz kill. I sighed into the palm of my hand and rested my chin there. I traced the scorched-in pattern with the tip of my finger. There was something so hauntingly beautiful about it—something sad, like the book had been waiting too long to be held by me.
I just wanted to cry. A huge part of me wanted to crawl back into my bed and dive into every page. It would take weeks to absorb all this information. It would look bad if I called in sick on my first week but I wondered if anyone would really notice. I warred with myself about taking the book with me so I could read through it during my vast down time at work, but something stopped me. The Great Luna entrusted me with this work of art and I wasn’t going to dishonor that by sneaking it into my bag like some smutty romance novel. This text was sacred. It deserved more than sneaky, distracted read throughs.
I gathered up the materials and book to head up to my room. Once there I tucked them safely hidden in the small drawer underneath my bed frame. In the bathroom, I showered quickly, letting the steam wash the last of the nightmare off my skin. Memories of pained whimpers and a madman’s laughter sounded when I turned off the water and stepped into my towel. I shook my head until the noises were gone. My fingers moved on autopilot, parting my damp hair into thick pigtail braids. It was easier to hide the faded ember-like colors into the folds. As I stared at my reflection I knew it was time for a change of color. Which color or colors should i do next? I could stop after work. I stared at my reflection, towel wrapped around my body, eyes tired but sparkled with excitement. Yes, change was good. It was time for a new color.
An hour later, I stood in front of the glowing display case, arms crossed, and head tilted slightly to the side. My gaze swept over the various donuts wondering if the sprinkles really changed the taste of the donut or if they just looked more delicious. My eyes fixated on one rainbow sprinkled chocolate beauty in particular. The vibrant colors made the doughy goodness just look happier. Was I really ready for that much happiness at 8am? Before my coffee? I attempted to stifle another yawn.
To get sprinkles, or not to get sprinkles?
Insomnia that had plagued me since long before the curse was getting worse. With the added nightmares from a few hours ago, I could add nocturnal creature to my list of personality quirks. I use to justify the lack of sleep with bartending. It required me to clean up spilled drinks and slurred secrets until the sun rose so it was easy to explain. However my cousins eliminated my excuse when they unceremoniously banned me from the club.
“It’s too dangerous.”
“Some shady people are asking questions”
“i’d draw too much attention right now.”
“It’s just not safe.”
I rolled my eyes at the phrases they used as justification to ban me. So now, instead of pouring shots and dodging flirty douchebags, I stared at donuts. It was way too early for this kind of existential sugar-based crisis. I just needed to pick a damn donut.