Page 46 of Draven

"Thank you, Draven. Keep me updated, and be careful.” Zane paused. “I forgot to ask, but how are you?”

"Will do and I’m stable. Better than ever,” I said.

After we ended the call, Zane forwarded me Doyle's last text. He mentioned meeting up with his contact at a bar in Whispering Pines.

I checked the location of Whispering Pines on my navigation application. A chill went down my spine as I realized it was just two towns away from Red Vine.

The memories of Belladonna's control flooded back, threatening to overwhelm me.

I could feel the panic rising, the urge to flee, but I forced myself to calm down.

I reminded myself that I hadn't lied to Zane. I really was doing better, and things with Tobias were going so well.

Zane had done so much for me, accepting a stray like me into his group and even helping me resettle in Sky Stead if I wanted.

I could do this favor for Zane without breaking down.

After calming down, I sent Tobias a text, informing him of where I was going. This time, he immediately rang me up.

"Draven, should I be worried?" Tobias asked after I updated him about the situation.

"There's no real danger yet until I find more clues," I reassured him, but I couldn't shake the feeling that he could read the lie in my voice.

"Okay, just take care of yourself and stay in touch," Tobias said.

"I'll be back by tomorrow at the latest," I said and ended the call, wondering why I made him that promise.

I left the inn and walked to my ride. I straddled my motorcycle again, the engine roaring to life beneath me.

Riding past the main town area, my thoughts drifted to the encounter with Belladonna, how defenseless I had felt in her presence.

My fire, claws, and fangs were useless against her magic, and I refused to be caught off guard again.

As I rode, a familiar shop caught my eye. "Mystic Moon Emporium," it read in elegant script.

I remembered passing by it before, but now, with Belladonna's threat looming over me, I felt compelled to stop.

Parking my motorcycle, I stepped into the dimly lit interior of the shop, shelves filled with jars of herbs and potions lining the walls.

The air was thick with the scent of incense, making me cough a little.

Memories of my encounter with Belladonna flooded my mind, the feeling of helplessness I had experienced in her presence.

If I was going to find out what happened to Doyle, I couldn't afford to be unprepared again.

I examined some of the shop’s offerings and I recalled Lucinda, Tobias' co-worker and a member of the local coven. Perhaps this shop belonged to her coven.

I approached the counter where an elderly woman in flowing robes stood.

"Welcome to Mystic Moon Emporium," she greeted me warmly. "How may I assist you today?"

She paused, studying me closer, and a knowing smile played at the corners of her lips.

"Ah, so you're our draconic visitor Lucinda mentioned. I'm Darcy, owner of this shop and the head of our coven," she said,

Darcy extended a hand in greeting, but I hesitated, a flicker of apprehension coursing through me.

Memories of Belladonna's insidious magic flooded my mind, and I was loath to shake her hand, fearing what unseen power might be transferred through the touch.

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