Unforgettable (OLD COPY DISCONTINUED)

Chapter 23

The next morning I'm relieved that I don't have my classes to worry about, as my spring break has finally begun. Though guilt quickly takes over as I feel bad for not spending much of Indigo's break with her, but in the meantime I've told Astrid and Tessa everything that's happened. We all agreed that it was shocking that Ava had been willing to help me, but nonetheless, I had still gotten answers that I needed and we had agreed that I would go to the funeral.

Tessa's head suddenly pops down around the edge of the bunk-bed as she grins at me.

"Spring break has finally arrived," she warbles, "what do you want to do first?"

A rush of nerves washes over me as I think about the fact that I'll be attending a funeral later in the evening, though I quickly shake it off as I force myself to focus on the present.

I shrug as I sit up, "I don't know, maybe we can do a little shopping downtown?"

"Like...underground downtown?" Tessa suggests with a grin.

****

The faint ka-thud of cars driving overhead is an ever-present reminder of where we are as the undercarriages flash by above us like strange, metal birds. The Underground is exactly what it is, a hidden city beneath Salem that is solely for witches. Cloaking spells and special, secret entrances that are well-guarded by runes provides a barrier much like what Greenwood has from the real world as a safe haven from mortals.

Other than the fact that it's underground, it's relatively normal save the fact that many places are advertising magical wares.

The sidewalk shimmers beneath me, the oily hue on the concrete acting as a solar panel would as it collects energy from the sun and runs it throughout the city to provide electricity. The world above us is visible due to certain spells put in place, which allows anyone walking in the Underground a view of the mortal world as sunlight streams through the transparent surface no more than a hundred feet above my head.

Dozens of shops line the streets down here, along with a few apartments that must cost a fortune to rent as Tessa leads us into a shop that is selling crystals. The interior smells of burning sage as a woman with dozens of piercings nods to us from where she stands behind a counter. Tessa immediately heads for the back, her stride confident as she stops next to a glass case that has crystals of all colors displayed inside.

I touch the crystal around my neck, the one my mother had given me in order to summon Bastet for the first time. I summon her now, as the Underground is a safe place to show off familiars and Astrid looks to me and does the same. Nala grumbles slightly as she flickers into existence, the sound coming from deep in her chest as she observes Bastet with wide, golden eyes.

I feel safer with my familiar next to me as she brushes against my leg and blinks softly at me as I reach down and pat her on the head.

"I only need one more stone," Tessa murmurs as she gnaws on the corner of her lip.

Bastet suddenly nudges her nose against my hand and I startle as she looks up at me. Her eyes are wide and her whiskers flare forward as she makes a low grumble in her throat. She looks toward the front of the store and I follow her eyes and look past the display windows to see that Ava is standing on the sidewalk outside.

"I'll be back," I tell the others as Ava ducks out of view and Bastet falls into step beside me.

The large cat's tail twitches irritably, her paw-steps fast and cautious as she trots along like she's preparing for a fight.