The Girl of Shadows [COMPLETE]

Sixteen

["How strange the state of the heart is. One moment it loves, the next one, it hates. One moment we smile, while the next, we cry." - M. Mustun]

The morning after our journey of finding the others was spent with me in a reverie.It wasn't about anything in particular, but I was so caught up in it. Losing interest in reality, finding peace in my mind. A place I never thought would be quiet at a time I wanted it to.

I was pulled back by a tap on the shoulder by Jesse, holding a cup of coffee for me. I thanked him and took a sip, feeling the warm beverage fill my lungs. It was so comfortable against the cold touch of the window, steaming as it parted from my lips' grasp.

Every gulp was satisfying, listening to Jesse's jokes to purposely annoy me, though I wasn't fully hearing him go on and on. I shook the cold off my icy hands and shoved them into the warmth of the sweater I happened to wear. Echoing the dark blue jeans that matched, I was still freezing. But the coffee helped somewhat, which was better than nothing.

Niko texted me to meet him and the rest out in the lobby. I grabbed my purse and Jesse and headed to the glass elevator that took us down there. I saw him tapping his shoe against the carpet to the beat of the radio, gazing relentlessly at the artwork that hung itself along the beige walls. I stuffed my fists into the depths of my coat pockets, still wintry to the touch.

I was amazed by the century old architecture. Dating back to the nineteenth century, it was full of unknown history that I was ignorant of. I wanted to learn, but that would take time - and my patience would deflate like a poorly made balloon. Lights around some cafes shined against the clouds, blowing in the notable wind that Chicago was known for.

Buses, cars, bikes, and people moved along the busy streets, making their way to their jobs. Each of them desperate, in a hurry, and impatiently waiting for the subway to arrive to bring them to their destination.

We eventually ceased at a small restaurant for those writing a novel or simply enjoying one. The smell of coffee beans and pastries rumbled my stomach, practically making my mouth water. Seated at a round booth, our conversation started from there.

"So what do you guys do for work?" Jesse asked, fidgeting with his napkin and silverware.

"I'm an interior designer." Kaia spoke. She was out of the shy spell, speaking ferociously. I liked that side of her. And well, for her job, I wasn't at all surprised.

"That's interesting. I'm an entrepreneur." Ryker boasted, tightening his tie. Color me shocked, because I'm not. He had everything handed to him, though he wasn't at all a snob.

"Wow, it must be nice. I'm unemployed, but I somehow won the lottery a lot." Senna giggled. I chuckled along with her. She had the advantage of her power, which was utter and perfect luck.

"Hannah and I are secret agents." Niko blurted. I angrily glared at him. He seemed unfazed, but noticed my fuming gesture. "What?" He blinked rapidly.

"That's personal, Nikolas..." I whisper-yelled, holding back the urge to slap him. He rolled his eyes and continued joking with Jesse and Senna. I sat there, embarrassed and questioning my life choices, missing everyone back home. And we weren't more than an hour away from them.

I'd occasionally catch Lilith making a glance at me, looking away when I met her eyes. She was shy like Kaia formerly was, but in a more brooding way. Since I was by the window, I'd watch the birds wallow along the pavement. It was amusing observing them as they flew into a window unknowing it was glass.

"So you're an assassin?" I heard Lilith question, softly and quickly, making eye contact with me.

"Precisely," I replied, "There's more to it than you think, but I guess you could call us that." I was tired of being secretive. If I were to be arrested right now, I wouldn't care. I'd let them take me if that's what it took.