Twisted Fate

Chapter 40

(This story is heavily influenced by Inferno, a poem written by Dante Alighieri. You will find that his theory of hell is mentioned throughout my books with some changes to fit my version. It is important to keep in mind that I have created a world with a crossover of Greek mythology and biblical stories.

Astrid

Nicole leads me throughout the gift shop, observing, touching, and asking Nicolas a million questions about anything and everything. I can't say I blame her, though. Despite the creepy gosht vibes, this place is pretty cool. Plus, it keeps my mind off the fact that I couldn't do my part in helping today.

I wander off, finding myself most interested in the ancient voodoo dolls and an odd-looking machine that somewhat resembles a radio. Except radios can't control minds like this one. A see-through window closes off the control panel to prevent anyone from touching the sensitive buttons. But I don't like to listen to the rules, so I open it. Blair calls my name in warning before my fingers have the chance to do any damage.

I glance up at her and close the clear protective guard on the machine and move along. So much for trying to brainwash Carson into becoming my servant.

I leave the others and make my way up the spiral staircase. The owner of the gift shop is still floating high in the air, organizing the various spell books on the shelves. Her long navy dress sways as she moves gracefully from one shelf to the other. A thought crosses my mind, and I laugh. Her headwrap is so large. I wonder if she frees it, could she pull me up with her hair—kind of like Rapunzel.

She hears my giggling, and I press my lips in a thin line.

"Do I amuse you, Ms. Collins?" She asks over her shoulder.

"I'm sorry. It's just that...your headwrap is large, and it reminds me of Rapunzel. I didn't mean-"

"Should I let down my golden hair?" She interrupts, smiling down at me. I relax and thank the goddess that this woman has a sense of humor. She sets the last book on the shelf and lowers herself to the ground, walking close to me.

For a moment, I have to look down and readjust my footing. Her golden eyes feel as if she's staring deep into my soul, revealing my deepest thoughts and secrets. We don't speak for what seems like forever. We just stare, memorizing each other's facial details.

"Wow," she says finally. "Arlo was right about you. You're stunning."

I smile but more at the fact that Arlo has been talking keenly about me. "Thank you. It's nice to meet you...Ms. Hattie, right?"

I offer my hand, and she takes it gently. "Correct. The pleasure is all mine, Astrid. I hope my brothers and sisters of Salem have been treating you kindly. Blair tells me you'll be staying here for quite some time."

"Yes," I reply. I'm sure she's well aware of how bitchy the head priestess is, so I don't mention her. "But hopefully, this mess will be done soon, so I can get back to my pack. Some days I miss home more than others." I tell her as she stacks more books on the shelves. She turns the corner and almost drops the heavy pile in her hands. I take them and hand them one by one as she levitates to the high shelves. "I've been the alpha for less than a year, and so much has happened already."

Ms. Hattie rises a few shelves higher and then drops to her feet. "Indeed. Seems like you need a vacation." She jokes.

I shrug my shoulders, handing her off the last of the pile. "I guess being here is my vacation. I can't step out of the town because it's too dangerous, which leaves me no other choice but to sit back and do nothing. I'm useless these days. No good for anything at all."