Chapter Six-1
1358 Words
In the City of Dark Nights, there is a street called Moonlight Lane, situated at the junction between the old and new districts.
Though named “Moonlight Lane,” it is wide enough for two vehicles to pass side by side.
Ancient silver-leaf trees, each over a century old, lined the street. Their branches met and merged into a canopy overhead, leaving only scattered patches of dappled sunlight to reach the ground.
Though not the busiest part of town, it's far from deserted.
Several small shops line both sides of Moonlight Lane—an antique store, a tailor's, a general store, along with cafes and restaurants.
Although the number of customers was few, they seemed to be of considerable status and standing.
“Thorn Garden” was located midway down Moonlight Lane.
The shop wasn't large, spanning two floors. Its exterior walls were painted a soft grass green, giving it a vibrant, life-affirming feel.
A wooden sign hung above the doorway, its elegant lettering spelling out the shop's name, with a line of smaller text below: “Spiritual Medicines · Spiritual Herbs · Healing.”
The display window was simple yet sophisticated. Unlike other pharmacies crammed with jars and bottles, it featured several meticulously tended, exquisite plants.
A silver-tinged Starry Night Orchid, a cluster of deep purple Calming Herb, and a flowering Moonlight Vine with fluorescent blue petals—all looked exquisite in the sunlight.
At ten o'clock sharp, the shop door slid open.
Ella, who now goes by Catherine, stood at the entrance, holding a wind chime.
Today, her attire was simple and understated. She wore a pale green dress layered with a beige knit cardigan.
Her long hair was loosely gathered at the nape, secured by a wooden hairpin. Though casual, it retained an air of elegance.
The woman now was a world away from the Ella of five years ago—even the way she carried herself had changed utterly.
Five years ago, Ella had been meek and timid, like a kitten always ready to hide.
But now, Catherine stood there, her back ramrod straight, her gaze calm and still. She had the serene, unshakable presence of an ancient tree.
She hung the wind chime by the door, then turned and walked into the shop.
Inside, the space felt surprisingly spacious.
The first floor served as the reception and display area. Natural wood shelves held neatly arranged glass jars and bottles, each labeled with handwritten tags in elegant script.
By the window, two small tables and several chairs formed a cozy little tea corner, adding warmth to the space.
The second floor housed the workshop and storage room, closed to the public.
Leo skipped kindergarten today and tagged along with Ella to the shop.
He sat on a small stool behind the counter, playing with a hexagonal puzzle cube.
“Mom,” Leo looked up from his puzzle, “How come no one’s come in yet?”
Ella patiently replied while straightening labels on the shelves, “We just opened. Customers won't come right away.”
“But the antique shop across the street had people going in the moment they opened!”
“Antiques and spiritual remedies are different,” Ella continued patiently. “People buy antiques to show off or as investments. Those who buy spiritual remedies truly need them. Those who don't need them won't come in to buy.”
She placed the last bottle of “Calm Spray” on the shelf, then walked to the window, gazing out at the quiet street.
The sunlight was warm, casting dappled shadows through the trees. Occasionally, someone passed by, but no one glanced at the shop.
Ella wasn't worried.
She knew it would be like this.
The potion market in Dark Night City had long been monopolized by several established families.
The Blood Clan controlled the high-end potion market, while the Werewolf Clan dominated the physical enhancement potion segment. Several wizard families also held their ground through closely guarded proprietary formulas.
These three factions had virtually carved up the entire potion market.
For newcomers hoping to get a piece of the pie, it wouldn't be so easy.
Of course, Ella wasn't without her own trump card.
“Mom.” Leo set down his Rubik's Cube and walked over to her. “Did my actions yesterday cause you trouble?”
“No.” Ella crouched down and stroked Leo's head affectionately.
“Leo, listen. Whatever happens, it's never your fault. Even if you hadn't done what you did yesterday, the trouble that was coming, we couldn't have avoided it. When trouble comes, we just solve it.”
Leo nodded, seeming to understand yet not quite grasping it.
Ella stroked his head. “Go play. Today won't be too busy. You can read a book or draw.”
Leo returned to his little chair, pulled a sketchbook from his backpack, and began drawing.
Ella walked behind the counter, retrieved a thick notebook from a drawer, and opened it. Inside were formulas and notes she'd compiled over the years, along with... other things.
Like research records on the Blood Clan's Blood Frenzy.
Like analyses of the Werewolf Clan's Moon Frenzy.
For instance, methods to craft potions using plants unique to the Moonlight Glade—potions more potent than traditional formulas and with fewer side effects.
She turned to a specific page and paused.
The page's title read: “Blood Moon Tranquility (Revised Edition).”...
As noon approached, the wind chime by the door finally tinkled.
A customer had arrived.
An elderly woman entered.
The old lady walked with a slight stoop, her hair entirely white, neatly gathered into a bun at the nape of her neck.
She wore a deep purple gown over a gray shawl, clutching a black wooden staff in her hand.
The staff appeared exquisitely crafted, its tip carved with intricate runes. Unfortunately, her hand completely obscured it, preventing a clear view of the entire design.
The moment she entered, the old woman's eyes scanned the shop before settling on Leo.
“Excuse me,” she began, her voice thick with age, “is this the herbal medicine shop?”
As she spoke, her gaze shifted away from Leo quite naturally.
“Yes, it is,” Ella replied, stepping to the counter with courteous politeness. “What might I assist you with?”
“I heard you carry elixirs from the Moonlight Glade.”
The old woman moved slowly toward the shelves, picking up a bottle of “Mind-Clearing Dew.” She studied the label. “This potion... how effective is it?”
“It's quite effective,” Ella explained thoughtfully. “It reliably eases headaches, palpitations, and restlessness. Especially suited for the elderly.”
The old woman nodded, set the bottle down, and scanned the other potions. Her movements were deliberate, as if scrutinizing each item.
Leo watched her the entire time.
For some reason, this old woman felt... familiar. Not the kind of familiarity that comes from having met before, but an indescribable sensation.
Suddenly, the old lady scanned the spiritual medicines once more and nodded with satisfaction.
As if sensing Leo's puzzled gaze, she set down the medicine bottle, turned to Leo, and offered a kind smile. “Child, how old are you?”
“Four and a half,” Leo replied.
“Do you go to kindergarten?”
“Yes, at Starlight Kindergarten.”
The old woman's expression remained unchanged as she remarked casually, “Oh? Starlight... That's a fine school. I heard something rather interesting happened there just the other day.”
She paused, then turned to Ella and continued, “A child actually lit up the wizard king's trial stone. Word has spread that it's a sign of royal bloodline manifesting.”
Ella's expression remained unchanged, but she clearly didn't want to pursue the topic.
“Children's stories tend to be exaggerated.”
“Is that so?” The old lady walked over to the small table by the window and sat down. “I'm quite intrigued. Could you pour me a cup of tea? My legs ache after standing too long at my age.”
- Writer
