The Magician

Chapter XV

The subsequent days were so lovely. Everything was back to normal, but infinitely better. Learning about my personal history, and about how much Asra and I cared for each other was a turning point in my happiness, and I felt as though I had come home for the first time in years. We spent our days in the shop, working together in mutual peace, passing one another with a knowing smile every so often. Sometimes it was a gentle brush of a shoulder, or a quick kiss out of the sight of customers, but every day was spent in quiet happiness, until the day was over and we were alone at last. Occasionally, on days that were really rainy, as had been the case recently, we knew we were unlikely to get many customers, we would simply keep the shop closed and curl up together with cups of the tea I had grown to love. 

We were having one of those days, rain pouring outside, the two of us relaxing upstairs in Asra's huge bed. My head was in his lap, and he stroked my hair absently while he described to me in colourful detail about one of the amazing places he had visited on his many travels. I half sat up, reaching over for my mug when I heard a clatter downstairs. The wind had picked up, so I assumed it had just blown something over outside, and lay back down. Moments later, there was another strange sound downstairs, like footsteps creaking over the floorboards. 

"I'll go check it out." I said, sliding off the bed. 

Cautiously, I crept downstairs. The rainclouds outside had made it dark, and the shadowy lighting was eerie in the empty shop. I admit, I was a little afraid. I conjured an orb of light in the palm of my hand to help ease the unsettled feeling I had as I looked around. There appeared to be nothing amiss, and I checked and double-checked behind curtains and the counter. The one place I hadn't checked yet was the tarot room. Pushing aside one of the heavy curtains that were drawn shut, I peered around the doorway. A shadowy figure startled me, and I stifled a yelp.