Forever and Beyond by Jayde Scott Page A

slowly, as though invisible hands moved it, leaving an uneasy feeling in my stomach. I stepped in and scanned the deserted shop floor. The first thing I noticed upon entering BELLS, BOOKS & CANDLES was the sheer amount of décor, and by that I mean lots of what every normal human being would call clutter. There were statues of all sizes, shaped in any possible form, from animals to various mythological deities to hearts and stars, and miniature replicas of famous sights like the Eifel Tower and the Statue of Liberty .
    I ran my finger across an ivory bowl and the matching grinder, marveling at how smooth the stone seemed, when I felt someone’s presence behind me. My head turned sharply, my senses heightened to detect any approaching danger.
    “Namaste. I’m Elyssa . Welcome to Bells, Books and Candles. How can I help you?” the woman said, taking a tiny bow. She was a few years older than me, with dark brown, cascading hair brushing her chin and shoulders. A warm smile spread across her pale face with high cheekbones and chocolate brown eyes that seemed to have a greenish shimmer to them. A chiffon, rainbow-colored dress hugged her body like a sheath.
    I returned the smile but remained guarded. “I’m just browsing. Your shop looks very interesting from outside.”
    “You’re not from here.” Her voice was friendly and pleasant, but there was a hint of frostiness in it that I didn’t notice before, as though she didn’t like non-residents of Morganefaire very much. Or maybe it was just one of Aidan’s companions she didn’t want around.
    I laughed softly. “What gave me away?”
    She shook her head and narrowed her eyes. “The fact that you’re not aware of Morganefaire’s customs. You’re in need but instead of asking for what you want, you pretend nothing’s wrong.”
    “What makes you say that?” I wore nice clothes. My shoes didn’t have holes in them. My boyfriend was loaded and one of the most powerful vampires out there. I tried to make sense of her words.
    “I can feel you’re in dire straits. We’re not afraid to admit when we need something desperately,” Elyssa said.
    The woman was spot on, but I wasn’t going to admit anything to a stranger because it could make us appear weak. Messing up Aidan’s chances of gaining the city’s support was no option. The magic would give us the advantage we needed in the upcoming war.
    Elyssa wrapped her pale fingers around what looked like a golden flask and held it up, jolting me out of my thoughts. The soft sunshine caught in the dark green glass and made the liquid inside shimmer almost black.
    “What’s that?” I asked. She was drawing me in and I couldn’t help but be mesmerized.
    “A magic potion that holds the power of the universe,” Elyssa said. “It’s one of the many things we have on offer.”
    “Have you used it before?”
    Elyssa nodded. “Many times. I’ve cured the sick, and mended broken hearts. I’ve brought happiness upon those who sought it, and destroyed others’ enemies. But those are all wishes that need to be spoken out before they can manifest.”
    My heart hammered hard as something dawned on me. The Shadow magic infused into Kieran’s blood during the ritual was passed onto me when I was turned, and it had worked…until something broke it, triggering my bloodlust and the sensitivity to light. Morganefaire was a strong source of magic. Even if this woman offered only bogus potions and strangely shaped semi-precious gemstones, the real magic had to be somewhere. If I found it, then I might just get rid of the bloodlust. I had no idea where it could be but I could multi-task...solve Julie’s murder and my sunburn dilemma.
    “Let me know if you have any questions and I’ll be happy to assist you,” Elyssa said. With a last smile she stepped quickly behind a transparent curtain, then disappeared.
    “Wait!” I trailed after her and pulled the curtain aside. Behind it was nothing but a white wall. Where had she