Page 12 of The Other Side

For a moment, I felt lost in his gaze, studying his unnaturally pleasing face. Something about it—his smile—felt known to me, as if I had seen it before, but in another. But who? And how?

“Sa ena? What’s wrong?” he asked. I shook the curiosity from my brain.

“Yes!” I forced a smile, gripping my walking stick as I perfected my posture. “All of what you say is indeed true.” Elias’ face was hard to read. “I am quite powerful. Iris-Marie, the conjuror of souls and great witch of the bayou.” I bowed a second time. “At your service, Elias.”

“How wonderful! Can you show me?” he asked.

“Why, of course, but like any service, it will cost you.” Elias laughed softly, reaching into his pocket as he retrieved a single gold coin. He placed it onto the counter and slid it towards me. I picked the unfamiliar coin up, examining it closely. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a coin such as this before.” Not only was the coin thick, but it had two faces engraved into it—one female and one male on either side. I examined the artistry closely, recognizing the female as Cypress. “Where is it from?”

“That is a coin from my home. I can assure you, it’s worth far more than any other you’d see here in the bayou. Look here.” He pointed to Cypress’ portrait. “That is the goddess of the Underworld, Cypress. And here.” He flipped the thick coin over, pointing to the male’s portrait. “That is the god of the heavens.” I stared at it closely.

“Ozias. You favor him,” I said aloud. Elias ruptured in joyous laughter.

“You indulge me too much, Iris-Marie. So, is that payment enough to see your talents?” I brushed the coin to the side of the counter.

“It is. Now, how about I read your future?” I reached below the counter for my deck of cards. “Tarot reading is one of the most sought after experiences my patrons come to see me for. I have never failed to deliver a true glimpse into their fate.” Elias nodded as maroon bursts of magic shot from my hands, gripping the tarot deck from the counter as it began to shuffle in the air while he watched in awe.

“Intriguing,” he whispered. I decided to put on a little show, elaborating a simple card shuffle as they levitated and swirled, circling the man. He laughed, clasping his hands together as they returned to my open palm. “I am curious. Have you always possessed such magic?” I began to shuffle the deck with my hand, surprised. No one had ever asked me that question before—or anything about me, for that matter.

“As long as I can remember. It has protected me all my life, keeping me safe until—” I stopped before saying too much.

“Until?” I simply smiled at his question, my magic raising the deck as it fanned before him.

“Pick three.” Elias pondered, choosing his three cards. Magic gripped the chosen tarot cards as the deck fell gently to the counter. I manually placed the cards face down in front of him, preparing to read his fate.

“Shall we see what the cards have in store for you?” Elias nodded. “This.” I pointed to the first card, slowly flipping it over as I spoke. “Represents your past, things that have already happened.” I turned the card over, reading the truths within the illustrations. “There has been a rift between you and another—something deep that has caused you pain.” Elias’ smile faded as he stared at the cards, telling me what I saw was fact. I studied his face closer, sensing a disturbance in his soul. “There is a shadow on your heart. You carry the pain fromthis—” I tapped the card. “Don’t let the past guide you; it’ll only lead you to darkness.” I could see a sadness hidden behind those gleeful eyes and strong exterior.

“That very shadow you describe has a grip unlike any other. Even if I wanted to forget the past, I can’t. She won’t let me—”

The shop bell rang, interrupting our session. I glanced over Elias’ shoulder and watched as a strange man stepped inside, his pale face and arms covered in ghastly scars. He resembled a beaten ghost. The stranger brushed his blue hair from his face as he looked to me and Elias.

“Byen mersi. Thank you, Iris-Marie.” My attention returned to Elias as he offered a small bow and smile.

“But I’m not finished reading your fate?”

“I can assure you, my fate was sealed long ago. I do not need the cards to tell me what I already know. But I thank you for your kindness and help.” Elias gently gripped my hand, gifting me a warm kiss from his soft lips before he turned to leave.

“Are you sure there’s nothing more I can do?” I almost didn’t want him to leave. Elias looked back over his shoulder at me.

“You have given far more than you know.” Elias approached the shop door, opening it as he froze and stared down the strange man. The two seemed to have some silent conversation, neither moving for a few minutes. Elias mumbled something in a deep voice, so low, I couldn’t hear, but it seemed as thoughthe blue-haired man did, immediately dropping his eyes and hiding them behind his hair as Elias disappeared into the crowd outside.

How strange.

The man waited a few seconds before exhaling and raising his head. “I take it you’re Iris-Marie?” he asked in a nonchalant tone.

“Seems lots of people are asking for me today. You know my name. Care to share yours?” I heard a low grumble as Bastien entered the room. He seemed excited, as if he recognized the man. I watched in disbelief as the beast walked to his side.

“Wow, I didn’t expect to be so eagerly greeted by you, of all things.” Bastien hissed, annoyed by the man’s response. “Easy. I didn’t mean anything by it. I’m simply here to do the same as you.”

“I’m sorry.” I moved around the counter, intrigued by what I was seeing and hearing. “Butwhoare you? And how do you know him?” I pointed to the alligator.

There was no way this—person—would know Bastien. Not unless…

“Bastien? I’m afraid our familiarity goes back much farther than the two of you.” Bastien hissed. “Forgive my intrusion, I haven’t been to the human world in such a long time, and all your customs are always changing. Adjusting to being in the sun alone is a challenge, seeing as we never see daylight in that damned cave.” All I could do was blink. “You don’t remember me, do you? It’s alright, we never really spoke before. I was also dressed a bit differently.” My brain strained to remember his face, looking him up and down. He was dressed completely normal, as if he’d stumbled in from the street. What did he mean by differently? I drew a blank. I couldn’t help but stare at those ghastly scars across his skin when it finally clicked.

“You.” I pointed, stepping back in horror as my fingertips began to ignite.

“Me.” He shrugged. “The name’s Tuft, thanks for asking.” He rolled his eyes.

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