Chapter 3

Why could I feel eyes, but see no obvious stares? No one's aura sticking out to me. I don't feel any malevolence. I continue to look around the train searching for something, anything.

My palms start to sweat and I decide to ditch them at the next stop. Even though it wasn't my usual stop, I could still do my shopping on that street.

As soon as the train stops, I hurriedly make my way onto the platform.

I don't feel anyone following me and I can finally breathe a sigh of relief. I quickly do my shopping, making sure to grab Jinx's favorite snacks and a week's worth of groceries that I probably won't get to eat, there's nothing worse than trying to make dinner after a long shift.

I decide to make my last stop at the book store as I'm walking towards the train home.

There is something about this place pulling me in. I look at the name on the door. Ingrid's Magical Bookstore. Stepping inside feels like stepping into a pair of old comfortable worn shoes.

This place feels cozy, the dark wood and the well worn chairs making me feel instantly at ease.

I wonder why I've never noticed this place before. I start to browse through the shelves, stopping here and there picking up odd books. "Potions and Spells" I read out loud.

Did I step into a store for witches?

I feel someone behind me and turn to see a tall woman with a messy abundance of wild red hair. Her aura is glowing and throwing sparks, matching the chaos of her hair. I've never seen or felt this before.

She tilts her head and studies me, before stepping closer. " I've never seen you before" she states, I must have looked at her oddly. "I'm Ingrid, the owner" she finally says.

" This is my first time here, I just happened upon it on my way back home." Ingrid again studies me closely.

I can't tell what she's thinking. Suddenly, she hooks her arm in mine and leads me to another part of the store. " What's your name?"

I hesitate for a moment before finally telling her " Velvet".

She stares straight into my eyes " What realm were you born in Velvet?".

Realm? What does she mean realm?

"Uh, Earth?" What other realm was there? She looks at me for a few more seconds before tugging me along with her. I can't tell if she's crazy or if she's just eccentric.

Ingrid finally takes me to the oldest looking part of her bookstore. I'm feeling confused because the books in this section look worn out from overuse.

She untangles herself from my arm and mutters to herself as she looks through them. She finally settles on one. "Here Velvet. I think this will interest you. Bring it back when you're finished." She stuffs the book into my arms and walks away.

This is by far the strangest encounter I've had. I look down at the book. " A History of Seers". I don't even know what a seer is but decide to take the book anyways.

I leave the store and make it home without any further incidents. I settle in and decide I'll read the book for shits and giggles. I have a few hours before work anyways.

I crack open the book and begin to read. Apparently, Seers have been around for a millenia. Created by the Gods to help mortals or creatures interpret their will.

They see things hidden from others. As I read I start to feel a pit in my stomach. The words "Seers can feel and see the auras of those around them." jumping off the page at me.

I feel panicky and slam the book closed. I've never told anyone what I can do. I already felt strange and never connected with those around me.

Telling them I could see their aura would make them think I belonged in the looney bin. It's odd Ingrid picked this book for me.

I put the book down and realize I need to get ready to leave for work, I don't have time to ponder this now. I quickly dress and do my makeup.

I arrive just on time to the bar. My other co-worker Jessica is setting up for the night shift. "Hey, Jess!" I wave at her coming behind the bar.

"Hi Velvet!" Jessica enthusiastically say.

Even though I don't keep close personal relationships, Jessica is the closest thing I have to a friend.

"I hope we really make some money tonight, I got bills to pay."

I laugh at Jessica, shaking my head.

"You always get the good tips."

I wink at her.

" What do I mean, you always know which customers are going to give the best tips, I make more money with you than anyone."

I just smile at her.

I sometimes use my gift to make more money, knowing which customers to give extra attention to. We open the doors and fall into a routine for the rest of the night, working like a well oiled machine.

When it's time to close up, I walk outside and begin walking my usual route.

The fog is starting to roll in thick. I feel the wisps of fog clinging to my legs and traveling up. Like they're trying to warn me of a danger. I should have taken the ride Jessica offered me starting to feel nervous.

Looking ahead I see a man step out from the side of the brick building and this time there is no mistaking his aura or intent. The darkness surrounding him is terrifying.

My feet are planted to the side walk in fear, I look left and right to see if anyone on the street can help me.

The fog is starting to become too thick and I feel like I am in a sound proof chamber. I can't find my voice anyways. I finally start to back up as the man advances towards me.

I turn to run, I can hear his footsteps getting closer and louder, matching the thumping of my heart. I trip in my heels falling to the ground. I look up in time to see a knife gleaming in his hand.

Seeing the knife spurs me into action. I start to scramble backwards on all fours like a crab before I am able to heave my body up.

I start to run, I can hear his footsteps behind me, pounding the pavement. My heels are slowing me down, so I kick them off hoping this gives me the extra speed I need to outrun him.

I dart down the sidewalk and start screaming "Help!", but the fog swallows the sound right up. I can hear his voice in my head "no one can save you girl".