Inside Umbra's Ruins ✓ [Umbra's Fate #2]

ꜰɪꜰᴛᴇᴇɴ: ꜰʟᴏʀᴀ

"We're closed" announced the sign at the entrance to Benny's. The store owner locked the door to attend to an important matter.

"Hurry up, I don't have all day!" The man exclaimed as he walked past the two girls towards the counter.

Flora, surprised by the sudden order, gave a small jump.

"Was that necessary? I'll go even if you ask nicely," she complained before taking the first steps. "I can bring you some tea to relax if you want, Genevieve gave me a few a month ago and I still haven't had any. She told me that they're good for calming the nerves."

"I don't need any tea," grumbled Benny. "And you're coming with us too."

"No, I'm good. I'll just continue shopping," answered Aífe after the owner pointed his finger at her. "You two do your thing without me."

"You're coming too, I don't want to put up with this girl by myself."

"Por favor, I'm not that bad. I can be a professional if you want. You're breaking my heart Benny, I thought we were friends," said Flora, bringing her hand to her chest. "Although I don't mind having the company of a beautiful woman. Come on, petal, I promise I'll behave."

"Are you sure you know how to behave?" Asked Aífe.

Instead of continuing with the discussion, the man took a furtive look at the young woman and went on his way.

A sly smile spread across the blonde's face once the other two turned their backs on her. She missed the silly arguments she used to have with the other members of the Protectors. Except for Clio and Noah, they all seemed to live on the brink of collapse, ready to explode at the slightest provocation. So Flora had to be careful with what she said, her usual playful attitude could incite chaos within the headquarters.

Led by the store owner, they crossed the counter. For the young woman it felt like she was about to enter a secret lair, she had always wondered what was behind the dark curtains. She didn't know exactly what she expected to find, but surely in her mind it was for sure a place more magical than a small room with a cracked wooden table and four chairs with out of place floral upholstery.

Benny dropped his body into one of the chairs and pulled a handkerchief from his pocket which he used to wipe his forehead. Then he motioned for the young women to take their seats. Flora chose the one farthest from the man. Before sitting down, he took a look at the white wall. Was that stain shaped like Buenos Aires? She thought. Perhaps she was beginning to miss home too much.

"Would you like something to drink, Aífe?" Asked Benny.

"No, thanks, I'm good."

"I would like some water," Flora joined the conversation.

"The faucet is over there," answered the man, pointing behind the young woman.

"I better pass. Entonces, the day of Agatha's disappearing?"

"The sooner I talk the better, I suppose. Don't interrupt me." He closed his eyes for a second. "That day I noticed a stain on the store window, it was a big stain and I like to maintain the store in the best conditions, so I decided to clean it. While I was cleaning I saw Agatha pass."

"How do you know it was her?" Asked Flora.

"I thought I told you not to interrupt me. I know it was her because I waved at her when she passed and she waved back."

"Wait a minute, were you cleaning the inside or outside of the window?" The blonde asked once again.

"The inside!" Benny yelled. "Why do you keep bothering me?!"