The Girl of Shadows [COMPLETE]

Twenty-Four

["I once had a thousand desires. But in my one desire to know you, all else melted away." -Rumi]

"May I help you?" She asked, lifting a brow. My brain's ability to speak blurred and the panic decided to attempt emerging. It was an inconvenient place for that.

Her deep blue eyes observed our nervous actions and sweetly smiled. Her vibe was admirable. Something about her seemed so familiar, on the other hand.

"Uh.. hello.. My name is-" I said, intervened by the girl.

"Hannah Dalton."

"How..do you know my name?" I asked. She chuckled and motioned for us to come inside.

I was mesmerized by the gold and silver accents in comparison to the white walls and floors. Everything was so antique and breathtaking that I forgot where I was and forgot why I was there for a while. The stairs were carved of pure marble, as well as the shiny reflective flooring that shined against the artificial lighting above.

"Follow me." She said, leading us into her formal sitting room, decorated with Lily of the Valleys and Queen Anne's Lace on the coffee table in between the two leather sofas. I softly sat down, noticing she had made Earl Grey Tea for us to enjoy.

"I see you've found me. It's an honor. Maren Quinn at your service." She shook my hand, and I felt the silky texture of hers against mine. Niko was already distracted by the details in the paintings and the fibers in the rug to notice. It was so extravagant that it would make some process everything at a pace so slow that it was painful to watch.

"This is Niko." I poked the numbskull in the arm, making him come to his senses. I guess he was mad that I pulled him out of his reverie.

"I know." She shortly replied, taking a sip of her steaming hot drink.

"As for the house, it's my inheritance. Fascinating, huh?" She spun her head around her gorgeous estate.

"Yeah. We live somewhere somewhat like this," I chuckled, "Though it's not half as nice."

"I wouldn't go that far." Niko added, sipping his tea as well. Feeling left out, I did so as well. Maren was so hospitable that it hurt. In a good way, of course.

"So you're..the holder of the White Talisman.." I said.

Maren grinned again. "Yes. I am."

"So.. why did you appear in Cedric's- I mean our father's vision?"

"I was trying to send a message. And I see that it worked." Her smugness was riveting.

"What kind of message?" I queried. Niko followed my glance, as he was just as curious as I was.

"A good kind, though I'm afraid I cannot specify." She faced downwards.

"Why's that?" Niko coughed. She sighed and rose to refill her teacup.

It was a little suspicious that she was so doubtful of us. She expected our arrival, so why not just come clean? Her behavior was odd, but not too odd. And she reentered the room before anyone who was normal would notice she was gone.

"Fine. I'll tell you. Prepare yourself."

"Hannah, we're sisters."

"Sisters? I don't remember having a sister..." I replayed the good days of my childhood, seeing no Maren or sister in there. She had to be lying, and it was undoubtedly obvious.

"Let me rephrase that," She cleared her throat, "Twin sisters."

I was speechless. Dumbfounded and puzzled, I couldn't do anything but mindlessly glare at her. Maren's expression was serious, confused as to why I blanked at her existence.