And Ruin Followed Behind Her

Chapter 10-2

I SPENT THE NEXT SEVERAL minutes shoveling chocolates into my mouth until my head stopped spinning and my stomach began to ache.

“Feel better?” Elka asked.

“Yes. I do, but can I ask you a favor?”

“Anything.”

I pointed to her wings. “Can you put those away? It’s still a little much for me to take in, you know.”

Elka smiled sweetly. If I offended her, she didn’t show it. “Of course, dear.” She closed her eyes and hummed to herself. The room darkened as her wings receded into her back. I sat in darkness until she opened the window and lit the candles throughout the store. Soon, the room smelled like a forest.

I took my time making my way to my feet. “Thank you.”

“I know this makes you uncomfortable,” Elka said. “But there is something we must discuss.”

“And what is that?”

“I can help you unlock your powers, Julia. You’ll never have to worry about people chasing you again. You could be anywhere you want—Istanbul, Paris, London, New York—in the blink of an eye.”

I laughed at the ridiculousness of her statement. “I appreciate that, but with all your powers, you still ended up here. I can’t imagine how my powers would get me much further. And so far, they’ve given me nothing but trouble.”

“I take it that is a no.”

I scrunched my nose. “I’m sure you are disappointed.”

“Not disappointed. Life is long, especially for our kind, and I will be here, should you ever change your mind.” She gave a sigh and started wiping down the countertop with a cloth.

“I think I’ve had quite enough excitement for one day,” I said, walking toward the door. “Thank you for the tea and the chocolate. I’m sorry for the mess.”

“No need to apologize, my child. You have a lot to digest. Are you sure you want to risk going outside?”

I nodded. “I can’t stay in this shop my whole life.”

*