Chapter 35 Haven
ARDEN
+5 Free Coins
“Oh crap,” I muttered under my breath when I noticed a notification from Silver Quill. It appeared that we had an activity scheduled for tomorrow, and I needed to buy a book from the local bookstore.
Owen halted in his tracks and turned to me, one eyebrow arched inquisitively.
“Do you know where this place is?” I asked, holding up my phone to show him the name of the bookstore.
“Haven? It’s that one, he replied, pointing towards a shop not far from us. It was only a few blocks away, which caused me to sigh in relief. “Why do you ask?”
“I need to buy something from there,” I explained. “You should go ahead first.”
1 stepped back and noticed the hesitation in Owen’s eyes. Confused by his expression, I tilted my head slightly.
He glanced up at the skies for a moment before letting out a small sigh. “It looks like it’s going to rain soon.”
“What do you mean?” I chuckled, following his gaze to the heavens. The skies are dark, but they’re perfectly clear, and the stars are shining bright.”
He pursed his lips. “I just have a knack for these kinds of things,” he said defensively.
A smile tugged at the corners of my mouth, and I nudged his shoulder playfully. “Why? Are you worried about your new
“Don’t worry. I won’t take long. I teased, leaning into the banter. “If you’d like, I can text you once I’m home.”
He let out a deep breath and shook his head. “It’s not like that,” he grumbled, a hint of exasperation in his voice, which made me chuckle even louder. I had never had a younger sibling, but I imagined that this might be a slice of what it would feel like to have one to provoke and tease.
“Whatever,” he muttered, a hint of annoyance creeping into his tone. “I warned you. I’m going right ahead.”
With that, he turned around and started walking toward Elite. See you tomorrow, Owen!” I called out, but he didn’t look back, which caused another giggle to escape my lips.
I walked over to Haven and quickly entered, a chime ringing above my head. As I stepped inside, I couldn’t help but gape at the enchanting scene before me. From the outside, it seemed like such a modest store, but within, it felt utterly magical.
The shop had only one floor, but the shelves reached all the way to the ceilings. An antique ladder wound its way around the place, and artful vines twisted around it, appearing as if they were free of dust despite the store’s age
Along with that, the air was infused with the scent of both fresh and old pages, a combination that evoked a sense of nostalgia. I closed my eyes for a moment, inhaling deeply and relishing the fragrant atmosphere.
When I opened my eyes, I nearly jumped back in surprise upon spotting a stunning woman with olive–toned skin and wild, curly hair pulled into a half–up, half–down style.
She seemed just as astonished to see me.
“Oh, hey there,” she chuckled awkwardly, her cheeks tinting slightly. “Umm, right. I must have forgotten to flip the sign at the front. We’re already closed” she said scratching the back of her neck sheepishly.
towed my head slightly in apology. “My apologies. I replied “I didn’t realize. I just needed to buy a book for Silver Quill, but I can come back tomorrow.”
Her expression softened when she saw how genuinely apologetic I was A small smile crept onto her lips. “For Silver Quill? I guess it’s alright then. The book for your club is already behind the counter. It’s just a quick transaction.”
1/3
10:44 AM ch
Chapter 35 Haven
“Are you sure?” I asked, unsure if I should press my luck.
+5 Free Coins
She nodded, still smiling. Her light and carefree personality brightened the already lively atmosphere of the bookstore, and I found myself willingly following after her.
“No worries!” she chimed cheerfully. “Here you go. That will be $4.99.”
I handed her a five–dollar bill, and she quickly returned my change before presenting me with the packaged book.
I smiled widely as I received it from her. “Thank
you…
“Elara” she answered with a glimmer of enthusiasm.
“That’s a pretty name,” I muttered, finding myself captivated by her charm.
“Not as pretty as you,” she winked lightheartedly. I felt a warm flush creep across my cheeks at the compliment coming from someone so vibrant.
“I’m Arden, by the way.” I introduced myself, extending my hand.
She took it and offered a gentle shake. “Nice to meet you, Arden. I believe this is your first time in Haven?”
“Yes, I responded, glancing around the cozy shop. “It certainly won’t be my last. If I had known there was a place like this near the school, I would have visited much sooner.”
“Right?” she chuckled, a sparkle in her eyes. “I’m glad I found this job too. I get to earn money for college while doing. something I love!”
“Oh, do you go to Elite, as well?” I inquired, curious to know more about her.
Elara quickly shook her head, her expression animated. “Goodness, no! Aside from not meeting the academic standards required to pass, my brain just doesn’t function on the same level as the ordinary student there. Plus, I definitely can’t afford
“You’re selling yourself short,” I replied, genuinely feeling that way.
“I’m not,” she insisted, maintaining her radiant smile. “I’m well aware of my limitations. You, on the other hand, must be very start Silver Quill, huh?”
A playful warmth spread through my cheeks. “It’s not that special, I guess.
“Trust me, it is,” she athimed
Clearing my throat, I changed the topic. “So, which school do you attend?“
o work
“A local college around half an hour from here,” she replied. “Although my house is quite far from this store, I opted to here anyway because the pay is excellent. Being situated near Elite is certainly a privilege”
1 nodded in agreement, as my pay from Evermore had also far exceeded a typical cafe wage.
Realizing I had taken up too much of her time. I bowed my head slightly in apology. “Oh, sorry! I must have rambled on.”
she shook her head, her genuine smile still in place. “Not at all! I actually appreciate the conversation. It would be lovely to sprak with you again”
Excitement bubbled me my chest. I hadn’t realized that making friends could be this easy; it had always seemed so difficult in the past, or perhaps that was just due to being stuck with Sienna
Regardless, I felt a sense of pride for having struck up this conversation. “I’ll see you around, Elara!” I called out enthusiastically as I started to make my way to the door.
She waved her hand at me, her wide smile making my heart flutter. “Yeah, see you, Arden!”
2/3
10:45 AM ch
Chapter 35 Haven
+5 Free Coins
As I stepped outside, the door chime echoed behind me. A smile lingered on my face as I headed back to campus.
Just then, as Owen had predicted, the skies began to rumble ominously. My eyes widened, and I glanced up instinctively
In that very moment, the downpour began. This was no gentle drizzle; it was a torrential rain. I cursed quietly under my breath, relieved that my backpack was waterproof.
I ran toward campus, but soon discovered that the bookstore wasn’t as close as I had initially thought.
Ritter–patter. My feet splashed through small puddles that had rapidly accumulated on the uneven sidewalk.
Suddenly, I felt an unsettling presence looming behind me. I didn’t stop, but a gnawing feeling built at the back of my throat.
I dared not turn around, aware that someone was there, I could faintly hear his footsteps and smell his scent; however, both sensations were largely overshadowed by the strong rain drumming around me.
I began to walk faster, edging into a borderline sprint, but I could feel him closing the distance too.
Crap. Maybe I should have asked Owen to wait for me.
Relief washed over me when I finally spotted the campus gates in the distance; however, I must have underestimated the proximity of the stranger, because the next thing I knew. I felt his heavy body crash against my back.
My breath caught in my throat, and I spun around, instinctively swinging my right fist, only to have my wrist caught in a vice–like grip.
I closed my eyes, fear gripping me, and began to breathe heavily.
“Arden, what is wrong with you?” he asked, his voice familiar yet startling.
I opened my eyes, and there he was again–Cade.
