I Sold My Soul for Chocolate

Chapter 2

We didn't have to wait long for Zehna to approach us, smiling a smile reserved for us, more genuine than the one she gave to costumers.

“How's it going, girls? You seem pretty happy, I gather you had some fun,” she said, leaning on our table on her elbows. I smiled, trying to appear as normal as I could. Nothing was wrong, we weren't going to sneak out and go to an intentionally dangerous party. It wasn’t like I was attacked every time I went to one... only 99% of the time.

“We went around town a bit, ate some ice cream. We're meeting up with Argal later tonight, going to do some night shopping. I need some new shirts, the colour’s all faded to grey,” I said as convincingly as I could, showing off the fabric of my shirt, which really was beginning to look strange. The whole aura of calm in the shop helped me a great deal, and Liney was a good actress, so Zehna didn't suspect a thing, simply nodding.

“Ah, I trust Argal, he’s a nice man. Don't wander to far at night, girls. Up for a cup of coffee?” she asked, and both of us nodded enthusiastically.

She knew the charisma coffee was our favourite, so she didn't have to ask before she disappeared from our sight. And after merely a minute, she was back. Again, perks of being a witch.

Two scorching hot cups of coffee were in her hands, with the logo of her shop printed on them. She placed them before each of us before having to go off to serve another costumer.

“I’m super nervous. I’m really happy you’re going to this party with me, I really need it to soothe my nerves for tomorrow,” Liney said, taking a sip of the coffee. My mind went completely blank. What was going on tomorrow? I felt like a horrible friend for forgetting everything.

“Don’t worry, everything will work out fine, okay?” I said, and Liney shot me a sad smile.

“I hope so. I really want to get that invitation! The only thing about it that saddens me is that we’ll only be able to see each other once a month.”

Oh, yes. I remembered - the invitation to the Supernatural Academy. The invitation was the first step, sent out to those who possessed great power, be it a witch, vampire, or something else. Only the best of the best. Then, Liney would have to pass the entrance exam, and I had promised to help her. And I would!

“Don’t worry. I’ll sneak in. I’ll find a job there as a janitor!”

We chatted while we drank, taking our time. As the clock ticked seven, Liney went home, and I was left to explain to Zehna that I’d leave at half past nine. After complaining that's late, she softened and allowed me to go 'night shopping'. I had to pull up some photos I found after a quick search to prove that night shopping was indeed a real thing. Living in a large city allowed me to make up all sorts of things, because there really were many bizarre events taking place all the time.

I spent the time I had just sitting on my bed with a book in hand, taking a look at it from time to time. As our apartment was above the coffee shop, the low noise of costumers and the aroma of coffee flowed through to us freely, and I loved it.

I had a small wall that was made entirely out of glass, and I loved reading books next to it, sometimes even by the lights of candles to set the mood. I owned a few books on magic, but I couldn’t force myself to read them while knowing I’d always be a stranger to that world.

After Liney texted me she’d arrive in a minute, I decided to at least try and look presentable and put on a sleeveless t-shirt to show off a bad-a*s tattoo of a crow on my shoulder and muscles that bulged only slightly, but enough to be noticed if someone were to look. I wore a leather jacket over that, matched with ripped black jeans and the same boots. I offered Zehna a quick goodbye before dashing outside, knowing she was busy with work as the cafe still had about an hour before closing time.

The street was extremely densely populated with supernaturals, and a lot of other humans knew of their existence, but had to keep it a secret. However, the two sides rarely communicated apart from being acquaintances, mostly keeping with their own kind. I was somewhat of an exception - I had my feet in both worlds.

After a few minutes, I saw Liney jogging towards me, waving enthusiastically.

“Night shopping!” she yelled out, and I almost facepalmed. She did it on purpose so Zehna would hear, and it was extremely embarrassing because all the other nearby heads turned in her direction.

“Liney, there was no need for that,” I whispered at her joyful jogging figure. She simply laughed my remark off.

“Kay, Kay, stop worrying! It's fine. Let's go now, Argal said he'd meet us in front,” she said, and was already walking down the pedestrian-only street. I sighed and caught up to her. We had two minutes to the tram station and a ten-minute drive to the club.

Liney was dressed in a tight grey dress that reached up to her knees, with a handbag on her shoulder and a pastel blue jacket over her long sleeves.  Her hair was slightly curly, flowing along her face in a godly manner.

She looked at me in disapproval.

“Kay, come on, it’s about time you at least put on some lipstick!” she said in amusement, and I laughed.

“Why would I? I think I look great,” I boasted, and Liney nodded.

“Of course you do, silly goose, that's now what I meant. One day, Kay, you'll start getting fashion,” she said, pointing to herself as I rolled my eyes.

“Sure, Liney. That's what you said when we were eleven, as well, and I haven't changed a bit,” I replied, and Liney laughed, before launching into the retelling of their childhood memories. We had been best friends ever since I beat up Liney’s bully. Shortly after, Liney and I became the bullies before someone beat us up, and we’d been relatively nice since then.

I barely noticed the time pass when we stepped out of the crowded tram and into the streets. Bright streetlights illuminated the supernaturals with which the street was crawling. The street was called Super Fun by the residents - home of the most notorious supernatural clubs, craziest parties which were known to be home to some of the most illegal (and fun) activities. I once partook in a criminal hunt, but I bailed when I realised they were also going to kill said criminals. Needless to say, they got arrested, and I was glad I’d bailed when I did.

The building was equipped with bright, neon lights, and there was loud music and yelling coming from within. Tons of supernaturals were standing outside, some already stumbling drunkenly, making out and smoking w**d. Vampires were eyeing the drunks enviously, enveloped in m*******a smoke. As far as I knew, they couldn’t get high, either, although it apparently didn’t stop them from trying.

Argal was already there, leaning on a wall of the building, already chatting with a vampire. They both seemed quite flustered, and Argal barely peeled his eyes off of the pale handsome dude to look at Liney and I.

I rolled my eyes at him, and he apologised to the vampire, who seemed only slightly annoyed before going off with a stiff ‘whatever’.

“Hi, you're right on time. The party's in full swing, ladies!” he said happily, and I noticed he already smelled like alcohol. I grinned at Liney, who seemed just as amused at our friend’s tendencies.

“I see you came here earlier, bro. Let's go, and keep close to Kay at all times!” she commanded, and Argal nodded, placing a hand on my shoulder as if I needed complete guidance. I rolled my eyes, but he was too drunk to think clearly, so I let his hand remain there as we walked inside.

Immediately, the music got louder, and it was the only thing I could hear. The place was incredibly big- I'd been there once, but the party wasn't nearly as big. There was a live band playing on a stage at the far right, and the beings inside were dancing and drinking all over the place, vampires and werewolves mingling as if they weren’t mortal enemies. The place could easily be a battlefield, but was instead a dance field. The lightshow on the dance-floor was insane, and just casting a glance there made me feel like I was on drugs.

We managed to stick together until we pushed through the crowded entrance area, and into the middle of the room towards the bar. The music was simple dance music, but magically enchanted for perfect sound quality and that extra spiciness.

Liney and Argal had no trouble to start dancing, while I awkwardly just stood there before Argal took my hands made me dance with him. Two years earlier, I'd have cried out of happiness, but now I just felt like a surfing cow. I needed booze to loosen up.

After a while of Argal dancing with a wooden plank, I managed to convince him to get me drunk first, a suggestion he kept denying on account of him being ‘responsible’ for me, but as soon as I said he could pick my poison, he agreed wholeheartedly.

“All you ever drink is human rum and vodka, time to try something actually good!” he yelled through the crowd as he pulled me along.

“I never drink elixirs because I don’t know how I’ll react to them, it’s like drugs, Argal!” I reasoned, but he motioned towards his ears, saying that he couldn’t hear me, so I just shrugged and followed.

At my eighteen years of age, I was not a regular drinker. But when I drank, I didn’t stop. I luckily always managed not to get a hangover the morning after - I apparently had a vampire’s metabolism, as Liney called it once when I woke up fresh and happy after a night of drinking more than Argal and her combined and being the only one without any sort of ache.

I clutched his arm tightly as we pushed through the dancers. Another wizard attempted to dance with me, and a group of people I could only assume were werewolves snarled viciously as Argal pushed through them.

Finally, we reached the bar. I had some money on me, but before I could do anything, Argal had already whipped out a twenty, and a second later, he held two glasses in hand, giving one to me.

He was grinning widely, and I raised my eyebrows, staring at the bright purple drink which couldn't seem to stop sizzling.

“Strawberry taste. It's not too strong, don't worry, I know how to take care of you. You might experience hyper-awareness and relaxation. It’s basically something to ease your social anxiety, a completely unhealthy and non-recommended coping method!” he replied to my gaze, and I nodded sceptically. His drink was green, and he had already drunk half. I rolled my eyes and followed suit. Elixirs were like booze to these guys, so why not. It wouldn’t kill me. Hopefully.

The problem with tasty alcohol was that once you started, you didn’t stop.

It tasted like the best strawberry juice ever, and I didn't realize I drank all of it until there was none left. I already felt slightly light-headed, and had a smile on my face. It usually took more than that to make me grin.

“It was good, don't give me any more,” I said with a slight slur, putting the glass back on the table. Argal laughed before he motioned for me to follow him back to the middle. The music seemed to have gotten more intense, and I could simply feel the beat rolling off my body. As we moved, I swung my body along with it, reaching to grab Argal without any hurry.

But, alas, I should’ve hurried, because a couple of dancers blocked my way before my hand could reach him. My anxiety broke through the sweet cover of the elixir, spiking all my danger senses. I needed to stick close to my friends or I’d likely end up in trouble, and I didn’t want that while drinking an elixir for the first time.

“Excuse me!” I yelled as I attempted to push through. They didn't even notice me, and I barely made it through.

I saw Argal already disappearing through the crowd, and I hurried my step, the alcohol making it difficult to find my balance and forcing me to squint.

“I swear, if vampires get me again...” I whispered, and Argal was out of my sight again. I cursed in annoyance.