Page 29 of Luna Ascending

Freya's POV

Stalking around the market stalls, dodging loudly squawking American tourists and ducking around people making the peace sign into cameras, I feel like I must be in the wrong place. I'm just about to turn around when the shop entrance catches my eye

Charlotte's Charms

your one stop shop for the occult.

Nothing like hiding in plain sight I guess! I peer in the window at a selection of candles, plastic skulls and incense sticks. It looks a bit tacky.

Before I can go in, two teenagers elbow their way out the shop dressed head to toe in black. One has an actual I-shit-you-not cape, and the other a massive studded dog collar, chipped black nail polish and face of ghostly white make up.

I try to gently flex my witching muscles in their direction, shocked after the sophistication of the De Vaudou's that other witches might really dress like this. But no, I can sense they're entirely, eccentrically, human.

I feel pleased with myself, but it quickly fades as the kids shout out in pain and drop their bags to clutch their heads. I step briskly into the shop, pretending to myself it had nothing to do with my meddling.

The door chimes as I step through the sandalwood hazed interior. There are fairy lights everywhere, the incense is clawing, and the shop seems deserted. I wander around aimlessly poking at trinkets, unsure what I should do now I've finally made it here.

A loud pop behind me makes me jump. Standing at my shoulder is a girl, maybe late teens, chewing fluorescent pink bubble gum with relish.

“Whatcha after?” she gets out between chews.

“Uh, I'm looking for Lottie?” I eye her uncertainly.

“Uh huh” the girl said arching a perfectly manicured eyebrow “I'm Charlotte, whatcha want?”

“Uh,” I can hear myself stutter this time “no.. I.. does your mum own this place or something? My friend sent me... she said to speak to Lottie... she said Lottie was” I desperately avoid using the words old crone and opt instead for “ an older lady”.

The girl rolls her eyes and stomps towards the back of the shop shouting “Graaaaan! Witch for you”.

At least I hope it was witch, not bitch.

A few long moments later a crumpled wrinkly old lady shuffles from the back shop to peer uncomfortably closely into my face. The staff uniform looks bloody bizarre on this old dear, you'd think she didn't have to work at her age.

“Best come on through then until we get a better look at you” she grates out, shuffling off toward the back shop again.

An hour later, stumbling back into the busy street, my head is buzzing with so many ideas and things to try. Remembering myself, I turn quickly to say another profuse thank you to Lottie, but she's gone - just the bubblegum blowing granddaughter popping away in her place.

I raise my hand to wave uncertainly, and back away. Lottie's gravelly voice falls out the teenager's mouth “You take care of that power now young 'un”.

I stand there with my mouth open and the door shuts in my face. The teenager gives me a cheeky grin through the window and saunters out of sight.

By the time I get back to the apartment all the signs of being due a roaring migraine are there. It's fucking typical – just when I have some exciting things to try. I won't give in to this tonight!

Lottie or Charlotte, if theyarethe same person, suggested I need to centre myself more, and I'm going to bloody try it now while the flat is quiet, migraine or not.

Lottie had glared at me when I confirmed I always wear my jewellery, even when trying to cast. I remember the weird way the old biddy inspected my auntie's bracelet and my new engagement ring and rolled her eyes.

“Get them off... blocking your...” she'd paused unnaturally like she was searching for a word “I don't know...chakras or something! Take 'em off! Do it naked if you have to!” she'd cackled dirtily.

I slip my aunt's charm bracelet and my engagement ring off in preparation. It feels really weird, the lack of the ring. It's the first time I've had it off since Marc pushed it onto my finger on the yacht. I sigh, and try to relax into my meditation.

It's amazing – almost immediately my headache vanishes.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Aaron's POV

I need to put my own issues aside for the pack, formypack.

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