Immerse yourself in the captivating and darkly humorous world inside the compelling novel Unnatural Circumstances. Embark on the journey of three unconventional individuals who willingly set out on an adventure only to become entangled in a disturbi...
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As Casper turns himself back into his original form, Benji can't help but notice the shapeshifter's flustered expression. He wonders how he knew the girl until Benji recalls looking at the hazel brown eyes Casper applied on his unfinished portrait of Nadia.
A flash of lightning illuminates Nadia's face briefly, revealing her wide eyes filled with surprise and a hint of curiosity. Benji isn't sure what the young girl is thinking about, but for now, he only wants to focus on showering and going to bed.
"Hello," Nadia greets. "What brings you to the Black Cat Manor?"
"We're looking for a place to sleep," Soleil reassures her. "Do you have any available rooms?"
"Yeah," the girl beams. "Look, you can park your car over to the lot. It's next to the manor, but if you need help, feel free to talk to me."
Nadia looks at him for a second, then takes a step forward. "Casper! What are you doing here in New Orleans?"
"It's a long story," Casper begins, a sheepish smile on his lips. "How about I fill you in after a relaxing bath?"
"You've got yourself a deal," Nadia says warmly. "Just follow me, and we'll get things started."
****** While Soleil is parking her car on the lot, Casper and the others enter the manor on foot. Balls of light glow behind the tall windows cloaked in yellowish-green pollen. Their ghostly beam forces Cricket to squint. She struggles to catch up to her friends, but the strange orbs surround her like flies.
It is impossible to focus on the road when these things keep bugging her.
"Jesus, just what the hell are they?" Cricket asks.
"Le Feu Follet," Nadia explains. "Legend has it they're swamp fairies who lead travelers deep into the swam until they're hopelessly lost."
Casper makes a face. "And they're here because. . ."
"Because my aunt saved them from a bunch of ghost hunters a while back," Nadia beams. "If you leave'em alone, they won't bother you."
Benji stares at the white orbs, guiding them to the manor, and then scratches the back of his head.
"Well, I'll be damned," he murmurs. "They seem pretty friendly, except for the 'whole luring people into a trap thing.'"
"Yeah," Casper agrees, his curiosity piqued. "Just how long have you known about this place, Nadia?"
"When I was a little kid, my parents used to take me there to see my grandma," Nadia explains.
"Was she the owner of the Black Cat Manor?"
"Yep. My grandma ran the place for almost twenty years until she died of lung cancer."
Benji gives Nadia a sullen look and then trudges beside her. "I'm sorry. It must be hard for your family."
