Page 27 of Of Fate & Forbidden Desire

The Council of Five.

There were five swirling signatures on the bottom of the small letter. “And there’s no ignoring this?” I asked, not really hoping. The need to know the person I should have been was beginning to gnaw at my mind. I wanted to know who’d abandoned me as a child and I wanted to knowwhy.

“No, if you do, they'll hunt us down.” Dina answered, making me smile.

“Us?” I asked.

“Yes, us. Because if you choose to run, I’ll go with you.” She all but whispered and looked around furtively, “I’ve become strangely attached to you.” She continued making my smile grow wider.

“As I have of you.” I told her, feeling emboldened by her words, “So what do I wear to meet the Council of Five?” I said, wiggling my fingers as I said their name, which drew a snort of a laugh from Dina.

“Something smart.” My face fell at those words. All I’d packed into my bag was a couple of pairs of jeans, five t-shirts and some underwear. All of which needed washing. “We can go shopping if you’d like?” Dina said, watching my face carefully.

“Really?” I asked, feeling like we’d been cooped up in these rooms for weeks instead of days.

“Yes, really. I’m sure the rest of Bishop’s Ave has heard about you being here and are dying to get a glimpse. Gossip spreads fast around here and no-one is a bigger gossip than Jonathan.”

“Who?” I asked with a smile.

“Jonathan, the head concierge, who’s been waiting on us since we arrived.” Dina laughed.

“Ohhhh,” my mouth made an ‘o’ shape as I let the word draw out between us, “so shopping?” I said, returning to the main task at hand and bouncing in my seat.

“Not until you’ve finished your pancakes, Jonathan will have my head if they’re not all eaten, let alone the Chef.” She looked aghast at the very thought of the Chef seeing my plate returned barely touched, made me giggle as I hurriedly lifted another forkful to my mouth.

Shovelling in my stack of delicious pancakes, I had them finished in about ten minutes and with my stomach fit to bursting, I rushed to my room for my last lot of clean clothes. Quickly dressing, I dragged a brush through my hair, beforesecuring it in a high ponytail. Going back to the main room, I couldn't sit still as excitement bubbled through me. Instead I packed my small bag, triple checking that I'd included my purse as I waited for Dina to join me.

I was just in the process of checking my bag again when she walked into the room. She was wearing black skinny jeans which made her legs look longer and a floaty black, short sleeved shirt. “Aren't you going to be cold?” I asked, eyeing the short sleeves sceptically.

“No, I don't feel the cold or heat from the weather, but if it makes you feel better I'll put my jacket on.” Dina smiled and winked at me, “are you ready?”

“Yes, please,” I said, slinging my bag strap over my shoulder and bouncing on my tiptoes like an excited child. It had been a while since I'd gone clothes shopping for myself, instead of saving every spare penny I had for rent, food or books for my courses. Having no family to lean back on made a person fiercely independent and in my case had made me adhere to a very strict budget which hadn't included unnecessary clothes.

I peppered Dina with questions about the types of shops they had here in Bishops Ave, as the lift made its silent descent to the hotel lobby. She answered each of them patiently, even as we walked through the lobby and out the revolving glass doors. Weak sunshine peered through the clouds, making the day seem warm for November and I was already regretting putting my thick jacket on. People were already milling about, going in and out of shops even though it was still quite early.

Eyes followed us as we walked, putting me a little on edge at the unwanted attention. “Why are they staring?” I asked, as another couple of people watched us.

“News travels fast around here, and they've all heard about the unknown witch who's staying at the hotel.” Dina whispered back, not making me feel any better.

Gratefully, a few buildings later Dina indicated a small shop front, its painted sign declared it to be ‘Barbara's Bazaar’ and Dina held the door open for us to go inside. Other than the woman behind the till, it was blessedly empty and I was ableto browse through their selection of clothes without being bothered. It had an interesting selection of big named brands and small homemade stuff which I'd always loved. Flicking through the racks I found a heap of clothes to try on, including a cute looking shirt and long black floaty skirt which Dina said would be perfect for my meeting with the Council.

Grinning like a mad woman I took my haul to the till, already cringing at what I thought would be a mahoosive bill. The woman behind the till looked to be in her late fifties, her brown hair streaked with silver strands and her smile kind as she rang everything through.

“You new here Deary?” she asked.

“Yes, is it that obvious?” I gasped back at her.

“We're a tight knit community here, so we know when someone's new. However no regular would be gnawing their top lip off like you are, at my prices.” Her smile grew as her pale blue eyes met my own. They crinkled at the edges, “that will be £30 Lovey.”

My mouth fell open at how little she'd asked for. I had at least seven full outfits. “What?”

She laughed at my shock before taking pity on me and explaining, “we're a close community, we believe that everyone deserves to be able to clothe, feed and house themselves, no matter their financial circumstances. Those who can afford more, pay more, so those who can't don't have to.”

Her kind words made tears gather in my eyes. If everyone had the same view on life and those around them, maybe life wouldn't be so hard for most people. “T…t…thank you.” I stammered, handing over thirty pounds. “Sorry, what's your name again?” I asked, realising I'd never asked.

“I'm Deborah, and you?”

“Charleene,” I told her as she handed over the bulging bags.

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