Exiled

Chapter 4

As soon as I woke up, I decided venture out alone for some shopping. With things finally smoothing over between Raven and Calluna, I didn't have to force everyone to hang out to ensure their interaction.

Most of the others were out when I left so I haven't really spoken to anyone today. The only person I saw was Raven, who mentioned she and Calluna had plans today. Thank the witch gods for that.

I was now wandering through downtown St. Helena, enjoying the nice, warm weather.

Downtown was typically filled with people and exuded a certain charm, thanks to its numerous boutiques, restaurants, and galleries.

As I strolled past one of the boutiques, something caught my eye—a stunning bag. it was the centerpiece of the perfectly arranged retail display behind the glass. I couldn't let it tempt me though, I didn't need it... not really.

I just decided to admire it, I mean there's nothing wrong with that, right?

But then I saw the sign—it was on sale. "Great" I thought. I definitely couldn't resist now; I can only be but so strong!

Just as I was about to rush inside, I spotted him again—Ezekiel, the guy that had bumped into me. He was leaving a shop and chatting with another guy. His presence drew me in, and I found myself gazing hopelessly, admiring him from afar, once again. Was this considered stalking? I was honestly starting to frighten myself.

I gave him a fake number to avoid further interaction and now look at me, watching him like a high school girl admiring her first crush. How ironic.

He was definitely close enough to notice me, being only two stores down and all. He would definitely confront me about giving him the wrong number, so  I had to think fast.

I quickly turned around and started scurrying away and as I turned to look back at him to make sure he didnt notice, he was somehow directly behind me—I gasped, whirling until we were face to face. As if this couldn't get any more embarrassing.

"Avoiding someone?" He said, pleased, as if he just knew it was him I was avoiding. I stared at him anxiously.

"You were like two stores down... how did you-"

"I ran track in high school" he cut me off, his slightly asymmetrical smirk nearly weakened me. "Or maybe your reaction time is just poor..."

I winced at his poor attempt at teasing me. "Well, at least this time you managed to not bump into me—since we're bringing up poor reaction time... Mr. Track Star" I flashed a sarcastic smile.

His vibrant gray eyes were searing, and he seemed to have enjoyed my witty banter—I definitely enjoyed his. I've always been attracted to anything I considered a challenge—or rather, someone that could keep me on my toes.

"Unless you bumped into me on purpose, would you like to admit to that?" I continued

"Maybe... maybe not"

I realized I was smiling again, so I quickly shifted my expression to a more relaxed one.

"Well I should go... I have things to do" I lied.

"Wait, can I still call you or is that off the table? I completely forgot to call and seeing you today reminded me"

"Sure" I walked away giggling, knowing it was the wrong number humored me to no end.

I cut through an alleyway as I often did to get home faster. It was starting to get dark outside so I was walking a little faster than usual.

I was suddenly distracted by the sound of whispers, faint and eerie, like wind blowing on a silent night. At first I couldn't make out what they were saying. I paused and began to focus, using magic to enhance my hearing. The whispers grew clearer and more insistent.