Enchantment

River Valley

Lancelot insisted on taking us to River Valley, a nearby town, which would be the first local town we would enter. But only Reason, Ester, Jordan and I would be going otherwise our large numbers would bring unwanted attention to us. I also transformed our appearances so the townsfolk would see mousy skinwalking siblings.

Strolling through the small town I am reminded of being in Enchantment for the first time. Except it's not nearly as joyful or alive. My eyes glance up to the ominous cloud that hovers over the town and I regret it. Just looking at it makes me ache. Jordan explained to me that the cloud was meant to bring you down, have you in a lonely, detached mood. Lance said he's seen them everywhere. Laufeia's plan to keep those from following Light and accepting Darkness.

I try to lighten my mood; the cloud has no effect on me other than being painful to stare at but the town's atmosphere is seeping through to me. I needed to escape and saw a sign that said Sweet Fangs and quickly herded us in there. The door made a ding when it opened and I just adored the homey shop. It was decorated like a candy wonderland with vampires being the catch. I smirk at the stereotypical Dracula statue near the front door. We slide into a booth and I run my fingers through my hair, trying to brush off the effects of the cloud.

Lancelot ordered something called Melts and when we got them I took a sip and was reminded of a milkshake.

After a minute Jordan said, "Look at them."

I did and finally acknowledged the mental state of my people. Every head was bowed, their eyes empty and movements robotic. For such a sunny day I'd expect to see the younglings running wild, mothers gossiping, teens flirting, dad's working. There was none of that, it was a complete ghost town, the living acting dead and the dead floating about their day.

"Did Laufeia make a no laughing law?" I whisper, leaning into Reason.

I saw Ester shift in her seat and took a peep into her mind. I only feel the emotions of others when I allow myself to but with Ester being an angel, there's always a low hum in the back of her head that signals to her what others are feeling. She senses it all the time, she doesn't have the same luxury as me.

We watch a girl around Jordan's age walked by, eyes glued to the floor and not daring to glance up. I peek at Jordan and marvel how big he's gotten, looking like he would be eleven and not eight, his power speeding his growth at a rapid pace.

"Holy fuck, I thought I was depressing." Reason muttered, still staring in the direction the girl walked.

I cross my arms, "I don't like this,"

"Nothing we can do." Lance said, sipping the Melt, I see he's grown immune to the state if my people, "Darkness has its grip on this land."

I hear the door ding and felt my chest throb. I look at the rowdy group of boys that walk in. I was able to identify who was what in their group, notice how easily broken their ties would be, I furrowed my brow and wondered why they drew my attention.

"Six Devil's mud, wench." The leader shouted at the young waitress. I see he's half siren and half nymph. The ladies love him cause his magical heritage makes them swoon. Lucky my powers render me immune to any sort of charm from magical creatures. Expect for Jensen Ackles, that God walking on a man's planet. I could see how much in love with himself he was, how he loathes being rejected.

"He thinks he's a badass for saying that?" Jordan exclaimed, eyeing the group of boys as well. I see they all seem to have some type of Greek background, a demigod, centaur, more half sirens.

"He called her a wench!" I gasp. To call a working creature that, in Enchantment, is a high offense. Makes them feel dirty for needing money.

They took a booth behind our own and my heart thrummed in my chest. All I could do was picture smashing all their heads into the table.