XX. A dangerous place

Cara

The bell gave a small ring as I pushed the glass door open. The place hadn't changed a bit, the same earthy smell -which was probably marijuana- , the same clutter, the same dim light illuminating the same smoky atmosphere. Kogo's shop was exactly the same as the first time I had visited, nothing was out of place.

I could have sworn that that was the same glass of water I had seen during my last visit sitting at the table by the candles.

"Is she expecting us?"I asked Alice. My question was quickly answered but not by her.

"I am," the voice came from the top of the spiral staircase. There at the top of the metal flight of stairs stood Kogo. In her hand she balanced a tall stack of old looking books.

She climbed down, enthusiasm in her voice as she spoke ," I have been expecting you, Cara. When you stepped out of my shop I knew our paths would cross again. You have questions. I know this time you will be more open minded."

She was right, I had questions, many of them. When Alice could not answer them she told me that we should go to her grandmother and now here we were.

The well aged woman placed the dusty books on the table and picked up the glass. She moved it closer to her mouth.

Her face immediately scrunched up. "Oops! That's not water..." She looked around and spotted another glass with a clear liquid on the shelf," here it is. I should really label these."

After getting some water Kogo turned the sign on the door, indicating to those outside that the shop was now closed and led us to the back of the shop, the reading room. She told me she preferred it if we talked back there rather than at the front.

She poured herself a drink, I guessed that it was vodka from its physical similarity to water. She offered me some but I politely declined. I needed to be clear-minded right now more than ever.

"You are not alone in the world, you only think you are. There exists more creatures than can be imagined, the gods are not as boring as you may think, they have proven to be very creative in their work. There are humans, werewolves and vampires and many many more, most of whom lurk in the shadows hiding away from your kind."

She paused, pushed away the scarf I had wrapped around my neck and took a good look at the healing scar caused by Hoff's attack.

What attacked you was a vampire, I am sure. The two incisions inches apart are a clear indication. Different creatures leave different marks. Witches leave no mark unless they want to, we don't beat anybody, werewolves tear their prey apart like barbecue."

She stood up from the cushions and left the room. We heard noises from the other room before she returned with a small black bottle. She handed it to me.

I studied the milky solution in the bottle. "Is this milk?"

"Some kind. Apply a modest amount on the scar, it will go away. I doubt you need the sleeping draught, you weren't bitten long enough. I assume the creature pulled out quickly after biting you," she said. I tried hard to catch up and make sense of what she was saying.

"Yes. How did you know?"I questioned, puzzled.

"Someone who cares for you very much has taken measures for your protection, your blood is not exactly tasty at the moment," she pointed at the pendant hanging from my neck.

Ivan gave this to me.

Despite recent events, I had not had the heart to take off the necklace.

"It would seem a certain lycanthrope has become very protective of you, you being his chosen after all."

"Chosen? I don't follow." I responded, confused.

"You will in due time. Now where were we? Right. Werewolves, vampires, witches...volk."

"Volk? I have heard of the others except Volk? What's that?"

"Vile creatures. In a way like a werewolf but instead of standing on all floors they stand on two feet like a human. They are bloodthirsty, vicious creatures with fangs longer than a wolf's and claws sharper than a tigers. Good thing they are nearly extinct. Stupid creatures started a wars amongst themselves. They were almost wiped out."

"Oh...so you're a witch?" I inquired. It was obvious she was. She had told me the first time we met that and the endless clues around me.

"Technically I am an alchemist or potionist...A type of witch. You see, witches are classified according to what they are best at and I excel at potion-making but I can do other things... spellcasting, being a mage ,anything I want. I am not limited to my talents."

"So there's spellcasters, mages and alchemists?" I asked. This was all very interesting. It was like there was an entire world I had no idea about.

It really makes you think. Humans are so oblivious to their surroundings. Entire races living around us and we do not have the slightest idea.

"There are more kinds but let's not get into that right now." She stood and took a large glass bottle of wine from the shelf, " wine? It's my creation. Would you like some?"

This was the second time she was offering me a drink. Sure I was eighteen but wasn't it a bit irresponsible to offer a teenager alcohol, hours before happy hour.

"No thanks.It makes you think. Just how powerless are humans?"

"Not all humans are powerless- well, the majority are but a small percentage, a decimal worth have more than they know...The gifted. The gods bless us everyday, some with the gift of sight...seers others are entrusted with the ability to communicate with various deities...oracles, Cara."

"Sadly," she continued," some never mature to their true potential."

"Can someone be both? Can someone be for example a witch and a vampire...or a werewolf and a vampire?"

"Gods no! It's impossible. Just as one cannot serve two masters, one cannot serve two beasts. They would tear the man apart like the hyena who, thirsty and hungry, could not decide which path to take, the one leading to fresh drink or the one leading to savoury meat."

"Grandma don't you think you should know...Sugarcoat this a bit."

"Why should I? She needs to know the truth. When the night is dark and the beast comes for her, he will not be kind and neither will his world."

My heart sunk with a sudden terror.

"Perhaps you should take that drink now," said the witch.

I only nodded, taking the glass Kogo was handing me.

***

By the time I got home it was already dark. Alice had been kind enough to drop me off. I had developed a liking towards her motorcycle.

The weight of all the new information still pressed on me, heavy as an anchor. It was all so overwhelming and the wine had only slightly helped, I scarcely had enough to get a buzz out of it.

I had hoped it would ease things but it hadn't really.

Its bitter taste remained in my mouth and I quickly regretted ever taking it.

Only as I got closer to the door did I notice the dim light inside the house. Crap! I mentally cursed, Dad's home.

I then brought my sweater to my nose hoping I did not bear the potent earthy smell of Kogo's shop and more importantly, the alcohol I had had.

Biting the inside of my cheek I prayed Dad would not question me too much. Maybe he would let me go to bed with no questions asked. With a deep breath, I pushed the door open -Dad must have left it open, he had probably just arrived- and entered.

"Sweetheart?"His voice resonated from upstairs. I saw his head peeking from the corner of the hall." Where have you been? I hoped you would be home sooner."

"I was at Alice's Grandma's. At her shop in town. "I answered quickly. There was no need to lie to him, I just prayed he did not have follow up questions.

He nodded."OK...well, it's dangerous at night. Next time, try not to stay out too late."

Believe it or not, it was seven o'clock, he spoke as if it was nearing midnight.

Thankfully my father did not dwell on the subject too much. I then told him that I was not hungry -which was true- and retired to bed early after a long cold shower.