The God & The Shadow

Chapter 20

VERONICA

I got out of my car and walked to the elevator, then pressed the button to the lobby.

I woke up in the Underworld alone two nights ago. I wandered around for a bit, but it didn't take long for me to teleport back to the Upperworld and go back to sleep.

Gideon texted the group chat earlier that a meeting will be held at 10 in the morning. He didn't specifically say why, but I'd assume that they received another lead regarding Demitricus' capture or the arsons.

I had also been informed by Tarrin through text last night that Demitricus has returned to Mount Olympus, the home of the gods.

I walked out as the door opened and walked towards the other elevators leading to the upper levels before Minnie, the front desk receptionist, stopped me.

"Veronica! Can't you help a friend out? I really need your help." Minnie said as she gripped my arms and pulled me to her desk.

I couldn't do much because I have to admit, she had hands of steel and she trapped me, something most can't do. "Okay, okay. What's wrong, Min?"

"You remember Brie?" She asked as she lets go of my hand and searches for something on her desk.

"The girl you dated? Yeah, what about her?"

She grabbed a piece of paper then shoved it into my hands. "She sent me a letter in the language of the witches and I'm not even a witch! I'm a nymph!"

"You're a witch, Veronica." She continued, "Could you maybe decipher it for me? Please? I'll buy you coffee or something. Just, please help me?"

I sighed, then acquiesced to her begging. I opened the letter to see a series of characters I haven't read in a long time, but recognized enough to understand.

After a few minutes, I was able to decipher the whole thing.

"It's a curse most witches use on people they wish to never succeed in life. It's very common, actually. Don't worry about it though, it's not strong enough to actually curse you. It's just a warning." I calmly explained.

Minnie's eyes widened and her jaw dropped. "What?" She shouted, causing some passerby to look at her in confusion. "I thought our break-up was mutual! I even sent her flowers, Veronica. They were these lavender flowers with baby's breath plants."

"Maybe she was allergic?" I suggested.

"Fuck, I don't know. Anyway, thank you for the help. Coffee later?"

"Sure. I'll text you when I'm free." I said before leaving and walking to the elevator.

I checked my watch to look at the long hand pointed at 1. 5 minutes late. Whatever, the least they could do is give me a reprieve of five minutes, I thought.

I entered the empty tenth floor, given that units usually hold their meetings after lunch. But, Gideon always liked being early, so here we were.

I walked down the long hallway to room 9. I slowly opened the door, to not attract attention.

As I entered, no one even noticed I had joined them as all eyes were focused on the man standing in front.