The Girl of Shadows [COMPLETE]

Nineteen

["The echoes of the mountains ripple through me; Earths whispers singing a magic melody; listen close and listen well, all of the world's secrets are here to tell. Wisdom of the wise vibrates through the rock; You, yourself are the key that will open any lock." -Elise]

"God, I'm bored!" Senna exclaimed, sprawling across the freshly clean sheets. She was annoyed by the lack of entertainment and was making me annoyed by her complaining. I tried to ignore her as much as I could but the tension got me the best of me.

"Get dressed." Niko declared, speaking before I could. I was dumbfounded to know he knew I was going to speak, but left that alone. I did what I was told and continued following Niko's simple instructions. He was waiting patiently outside on a bench that was cold to the touch. He didn't seem bothered by it as he rested his eyes to calm himself.

I sat on the bench, quickly feeling the sting of the low temperature on my thighs. I flinched at it, but it returned to warm as I fought through the urge to stand right back up. He noticed my additional pressure and chuckled as he saw my internal pain.

"It's not that bad." He whispered, breath catching in the freezing wind. It was so clear to me that I almost mistook it for a cloud. I sighed as I had been the first to get ready for whatever the hell Niko planned for us.

It had been nearly fifteen minutes since I'd arrived and nobody was out yet. I didn't question anything out loud, but internally I thought of every scenario. Niko quietly sat there, watching the hustling people pass by, admiring their dedication to work. I'd occasionally glance at his long eyelashes, mesmerized by how much they stood out compared to his bluish grey eyes. And his cheeks were rosy, making him ten times more attractive. At least it was to me, since some people think that makes them look sick. I think it makes their inner child emerge.

Jesse strutted to the bench, leaning against the arm rest, scaring the living daylights out of me. He chortled and eventually meeted Senna and Lilith a few seconds later.

"Sorry about that! We would've been out sooner, it's just Lilith-" Senna explained, cut off by a menacing Lilith, covering her sister's mouth with a gloved hand.

"Nothing. She doesn't know what she's talking about." Lilith said. Senna was pouting now, arms crossed as if she were a young child. Older siblings treat you like that. Me of all people would know. I have seventeen older siblings, while Senna has one. Beat that.

The wind picked up swiftly, giving my nose a scent of the inevitable rain and the sour smell coming afterwards. I shriveled my nose and pursed my lips to express my deep disappointment.

After waiting practically an eternity, the eight of us walked behind Niko. He had his cell phone pulled out with guided instructions to our destination. I tried to peep over his shoulder once or twice, but failed miserably. He knew what I tried to do and it was a little embarrassing.

He came to stop around the corner and smiled triumphantly. I guess we'd found it then. He opened a door on a random building, causing a chime to sing as he did so. The room inside was dark, accented by varying colors of purple and green. It looked like an old lady's living room, though I could be very wrong. Someone might like the aesthetic of it or it's their grandmother's old furniture. Whatever it was, it looked really shady from the fuzzy carpets and flashing signs.

An older lady, as I had predicted, who was dressed in satin attire greeted Niko politely. She had a warm expression, embracing him seconds afterwards. She patted his back as she noticed us, glowing radiantly. She was excited to see us.

"Guys, this is Madame Noelle. She's a psychic." Niko said, showing more emotion towards her than anyone I've ever seen him with. I guess they were really close, from the looks of it.