PIPER
The doors opened on the third floor, and waves of perfume wafted into the elevator. Jason stepped out first, sword in hand, with Earlana right behind him, her staff at the ready.
"Guys," he called, "you've got to see this."
Piper joined them and gasped.
"Oh no, we're not at Macy's," she murmured.
The department store resembled the inside of a kaleidoscope. The ceiling was an immense mosaic of stained glass depicting the twelve zodiac signs around a giant sun. Daylight filtering through the tinted glass bathed everything in a thousand different colors. The upper floors formed a ring of balconies above a vast central atrium, offering a view down to the ground floor. The golden railings sparkled brightly.
Besides the stained-glass dome and the elevator, Earlana saw no other windows or doors, but there were two sets of glass elevators connecting the levels. The carpets were a riot of colors and Oriental patterns, and the shelves were equally baroque. There were too many things to take in at once, but the Latina noticed that ordinary items like shirts and shoes were mixed with mannequins in armor, beds of nails, and furs that seemed still alive.
Leo approached the railing and leaned over. "Come and see."
A fountain occupied the center of the atrium, with jets of water shooting six meters high, changing from red to yellow to blue. The basin was strewn with gold coins, and on either side stood a golden cage—like two giant bird cages.
In one, a miniature hurricane raged, crackling with lightning. Someone had imprisoned the storm spirits, who redoubled their efforts to break free, causing the bars to tremble. In the other, frozen like a statue, stood a burly, muscular satyr, brandishing a club.
"Monsieur Hedge !" Piper exclaimed. "We have to get down there."
"May I help you ?" came a voice suddenly.
All four of them jumped back in surprise. A woman had appeared before them. She wore an elegant black dress and diamond jewelry, giving her the appearance of a retired top model—perhaps in her fifties, though it was hard to tell. She had long brown hair draped over one shoulder and a face that was strikingly beautiful in an almost surreal way, like high-fashion models: fine, haughty, and cold, not quite human. Her fingers resembled bird claws, especially with their long, red-painted nails.
She smiled at them. "I am delighted to see new customers. How may I assist you ?"
Leo shot Jason a glance that clearly said : Your move, dude.
"Uh," Jason began, "Is this your store ?"
The woman nodded. "I found it abandoned, you know. So many stores are closing these days. I decided to turn it into a dreamland. I love collecting tasteful items, helping people, and offering quality goods at reasonable prices. This place seemed... how shall I say... ideal for a first acquisition in your country."
She had a pleasant accent, but neither Jason nor Earlana could place it. She didn't seem hostile, that was clear. Jason began to relax, while his amnesiac companion grew more tense. The woman's voice had warm, exotic inflections, and the blond wanted to hear more.
"So, you just arrived in the United States recently ?"
"I am indeed a newcomer," the woman agreed. "I am the princess of Colchis. My friends call me Your Highness. Now, tell me, what are you looking for ?"
Jason had heard of wealthy foreigners buying up large American stores. Of course, they usually didn't sell poisons, living furs, storm spirits, or satyrs, but with such a lovely voice, the Princess of Colchis couldn't be all bad. Piper elbowed him in the ribs. "Jason..."
YOU ARE READING
Bloody Lover | Piper McLean
Fanfiction" Earlana Ramírez Arellano has a big problem. She doesn't remember anything before waking up in a bus full of kids on a field trip. Apparently, she is best friends with Leo, a young Latino boy, and a sweet half-cherokee beauty, called Piper. The la...
