The Unlikely Resident of Room 313

Chapter 15

We made our way through the town's square, passing flower shops, quaint boutiques, a hidden dive bar, and a liquor shop. Luna's Magic Emporium was nestled at the end of the labyrinth that opened to a fountain at the city circle, colorful crystals and window tapestries on display reminiscent of a whimsical fairytale.

"We have to check it out," I breathed, absolutely awestruck.

Melody checked her phone anxiously. "I have to be at Apollo's in fifteen minutes."

"I promise I just want to take one look," I said, squeezing her hand. "I'm doing some research on something and it would really help."

"Come on, Mel," Anna said with a wave of her hand. "Are you going to say no to that face?"

I gave her my biggest, most dazzling smile. "Please."

She sighed. "Of course."

Stepping inside, I couldn't believe it. We were going to see a psychic. Like a real, look-into-the-future-through-a-crystal-ball psychic. Or did those not exist? Was that an offensive caricature?

Breathe, Asteria. Breathe.

Along with numerous neon signs advertising palm readings and Tarot cards, the storefront of Luna's Magical Emporium was an occult-lover's paradise. Just outside the door, a pair of yellow eyes watched us from a perch behind a mannequin dressed like Wednesday Adams, and when we stepped inside, the wonderful scent of jasmine incense wafted through the air.

"Subtle." Melody said under her breath. "I like it."

It was in fact anything but subtle.

"I think I've fallen in love," I whispered back. "Guys, I'm freaking out."

"Hi guys," a girl said from behind the counter. Or, should I say, from on top of the counter. She sat cross-legged on the wooden end of the long bench, her apricot-colored hair piled in thick locs on the crown of her skull, contrasting the rich deepness of her skin. "How can I help you?"

Careful not to knock into anything, I slowly approached the girl. She was around our age, maybe a few years older, with a myriad of delicate piercings in her ears and nose. I eyed the five-pointed star in the center of her chest, eagerness mixing with anxiety. I wasn't afraid of her. No, I was afraid of what she would think of me.

"Hi."

There was nothing hostile in the way she looked at me, but there was a twinkle in her eyes that said she knew something I didn't. "Are you looking for something?"

"N-no," I answered automatically. "I mean yes. I, uhm, I wanted to talk to the psychic? Is... is that you?"

The girl smiled. There was a piercing above her two front teeth in the shape of a hook. "No, I'm sorry. Lana is out this week. But you're more than welcome to check out our tarot decks for sale. Can I put you down for an appointment?"

Disappointment clenched my belly. "Oh. Uh, sure. Sorry."

She shook her head. "Don't be sorry, hun. Like I said, we have tarot on sale this week before Halloween rolls in. If you're interested, I recommend checking those out."

"Oh! A book of spells and rituals!" Anna squealed from the other side of the room. "This is so cool! Melody, look! Asteria! Come here!"

With a small nod goodbye, I walked over to where Anna and Melody hunched over a purple-bound book, eagerly flipping through the pages. The edges of the book were sprayed golden, and the cover was embellished with metallic whorls and geometric shapes.