Sanctuary [h.s.]

Chapter Twenty-Nine

"You and me always forever

We could stay alone together"

***

The village near the inn was compact, bustling in a way that seemed unusual for such a small town. Shops and restaurants lined the narrow streets, tucked so closely together they seemed to embrace one another. The sidewalks buzzed with life, more crowded than the roads, which only a few cars ambled down, as though the village preferred its inhabitants on foot. Parks and small gardens broke the rhythm of the storefronts, offering little pockets of green amid the urban intimacy. It felt as if every corner held a secret, some whispered hint of its history, or perhaps its darker tales.

As we strolled, hand in hand, I noticed a gate ahead with a curious energy emanating from within. Past it, a fair unfolded, its festive colours spilling out onto the street. I gave Harry's hand a gentle tug, nodding toward the lively scene, and he followed my gaze. He looked back at me, eyebrows raised and expression droll, a sigh escaping his lips in that oh-so-Harry way—an unspoken protest against anything whimsical. But still, he led us through the gate, rolling his eyes as if to say, Fine, if we must.

A spark of excitement shot through me as we stepped inside. Stalls and tents filled the park, bursting with vibrant colours and enticing aromas. Children laughed, musicians played lively tunes, and a jumble of entertainers drew in small crowds.

As we wandered past face-painting stands and miniature game booths, something caught my eye—a sign painted in delicate cursive, "The Love Witch". Without hesitation, I tugged on Harry's hand, and together, we made our way over. A woman sat behind a table under the sign, her appearance a tapestry of colours and symbols. Beads and talismans dangled from her ears and neck, catching the light as she adjusted her shawl. Her gaze was soft yet piercing, and in the centre of her table sat a crystal ball, surrounded by a scattering of trinkets, dried petals, and shimmering crystals.

When we were close enough, the woman lifted her head and smiled warmly, though a hint of gravity tempered her expression. She studied us both with quiet intensity, her gaze finally settling on me. As her eyes locked with mine, I felt a strange shiver ripple through me, as though her gaze had slipped past my defences and touched some hidden part of me. Her voice was low, melodic, yet weighted with a kind of knowing.

"Your eyes, love," she murmured, her voice lingering in the air like incense smoke. "They hold pain, endless and deep. But there's more... devotion—burning as bright as the sun. You're in love, are you not?"

A sheepish smile pulled at my lips as I exhaled, barely aware of the admission spilling from me. "I am," I murmured, my voice barely a whisper. It was the closest I'd ever come to speaking it out loud, and the confession set a flutter in my stomach.

The woman's face softened, her eyes glinting with some hidden wisdom. "You are wise to admit it. In love, vulnerability is armour. Truth, a sword. And trust, a shield. I pray you wield all three with courage." She leaned forward, her voice dipping into a near whisper. "Bring the one you love to me, and I will gaze into your hearts. We will see if your love is eternal... or eternally doomed."

I glanced over at Harry, my nerves laced with a spark of excitement. "Harry," I began, "are you up for this?"

He looked down at me with that familiar grin, equal parts charm and mischief. "Oh, my love, how could I possibly say no?"

With his approval, we sat on the weathered chairs facing her table. Harry reached into his coat pocket, counting out the payment listed on her small wooden sign and passing it to her. He then took my hand, our fingers intertwining, resting our joined hands in his lap. His thumb traced calming patterns along my skin, anchoring me as the woman settled into her trance-like state, her eyes half-lidded as she gazed into the foggy depths of her crystal ball.