Shop Lights

It was the dimmest light, barely discernable in the shadow of the dead street on the south side of Toxia. Bethany was inexplicably drawn to it, like a moth to a flame. As she came closer, a small shop appeared out of the thick mist.

Bethany pushed the heavy door open, it was already ajar, and it creaked low and long. A gush of dust and incense furled her nostrils. She held her breath and waved her hand in front of her nose to clear the air.

“Something I can help you with?” a deep, masculine voice, smooth as black velvet startled her. A tall man, broad shouldered and muscular, stood behind the front display case. His dark hair fell with roguish seduction across his brow, framing the angular lines of his face. He was alarmingly handsome, which made Bethany ogle like a schoolgirl.

“Sorry, no. I-I didn’t mean to disturb you.” Bethany stuttered and shook her head. She turned a shade of red, embarrassed to be staring at him.

The man eyed her with an air of arrogant authority, “Feel free to look around.” He paused briefly, then sternly warned. “Don’t step behind the counter.”

Bethany nodded quickly to the powerful looking man “Oh…umm…,” she tripped over her words nervously, “perhaps…another time.” She decided it was best she left now before she made a silly fool of herself. She turned on her heel and nearly stumbled as she headed for the door. She grabbed the door handle, and glanced back over her shoulder to the mysterious man.

The cold air greeted her with a chill. She stopped at the base of the steps and looked up to read the faded and cracked store sign, “Voodoo Shop”. A strange tingle ran down her spine. Somehow, she knew she would return…