Page 128 of Demise

“This isn’t a good idea,” he mutters.

I look back to him with a frown. “Why not?”

He shakes his head as I reach for the door, pulling it open. Instantly, I’m wrapped up in the warmth of the shop compared to the bitter cold of this January day. The walls are lined with wood shelves, glass vials filled with rocks, sand and plants filling the place on one side, and on the other, countless rocks and crystals take up the space. There are also several paintings on the walls, all of the moon and its different cycles. One catches my eye in particular. It’s a woman standing beneath the moonlight, her arms lifted in what looks like celebration as the moon rises from the lake in front of her.

Turning, I look to see Asher is still outside, furiously texting on his phone. I frown, but continue browsing when a woman with long black hair steps out from the back. She has bright blue eyes and a pretty septum piercing. She looks to be in her mid to late forties, but that doesn’t take away from her beauty. She’s absolutely gorgeous.

Her eyes scan me over for a moment before she smiles.

“Welcome, anything I can help you find?”

“I’m not sure. I’ve never been here before. I was just browsing.”

She nods as she comes closer, extending her hand to me.

“My name is Rachel. I’m the owner.”

I find it a little odd that an owner would feel the need to introduce themselves, but maybe she’s just overly friendly. I shake her hand and her head snaps down to our joined hands before she looks up at me.

“I’m Skyla,” I say hesitantly.

She nods at that, releasing my hand before her smile is back in place.

“Well, Skyla, are you struggling with anything? Stress, anxiety, confliction?”

“All of the above?” I laugh.

She does as well as she brings me over to a small vial, grabbing it from the shelf and handing it to me.

“I like to call this my peace and harmony jar,” Rachel says.

I take it from her, tipping it as I examine the brown wax sealed top with a strange symbol on the front.

“What’s in it?” I ask.

“Vervain for inner peace and tranquility, jasmine for harmony and positive interactions, amethyst for peace to emotions, peppermint to soothe tension, and lavender to calm the mind and ease anxiety.”

I nod as I examine each ingredient.

“What do you do with it?”

“You keep it on you. Some people get several of a certain kind and scatter them throughout their house or their car. Wherever you feel you need the support. You could also get a combination depending on your intention and need.”

“Wow,” I say as I look at it. “So, it really works?”

An amused smile plays at her mouth as she nods. “My family has been in the business for longer than I could tell you, we wouldn’t be if it didn’t.”

I smile as the door opens; instantly Rachel’s pleasant demeanor shifts as she looks at Asher.

“You’re not welcome here,” she says, her voice taking on a violently low lilt.

“Trust me, I don’t want to be here,” he grits out.

I frown between the two of them.

“Do you know each other?” I ask.

“No,” Asher says while Rachel says, “Yes.”

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