CHAPTER NINETEEN
Cherry's fingers loosed hold from the cup as it dropped gently on the wooden table.
"Zorvath," she called out with her eyes closing lightly. I met a strange cat, since then I don't know what happened to me and now…. she paused and bowed slightly close to him, 'I am taking the form of another person. Can you please help me change back?"
Zovarth blew off the steam that evaporated towards his face and took one last sip of the tea before drawing close to see her eyes and palm.
"Ah, yes. The whispers of the universe have led you to my doorstep. Let me see…"
"The cat's mark is upon you. "
Zorvath began to prepare a ritual, gathering herbs, candles, and a small crystal ball.
"Hmmm," he rubbed his jaw.
"The cat's magic is ancient and powerful. we must first understand its purpose."
After rubbing his hands severally on the crystal ball, his eyes popped open and his mouth opened at the revelation.
"Ah, yes...the cat chose you for a reason, Cherry."
Cherry clenched her hands before responding.
"What reason?"
Why would a cat choose her? And what reason could be behind a strange cat choosing her? There were different other people on the street, at least three or four, why did she have to be the one the cat decided to put in a muddy situation? She thought.
"Please, I just want to be myself again." She resigned.
"Patience, child." He began shuffling tarot cards, with a deliberate slowness. He lays out a spread, studying the symbols and images.
"The cards reveal a journey of discovery. But beware, child, for there are forces that will come against you when the discovery starts."
Cherry was boiling over, "What forces? What do you mean?"
"The shadows that lurk without. First, you must find the cat!"
Zorvath lights a candle, the flame casting flickering shadows on the walls. He began to chant, his voice weaving a hypnotic spell.
"Go! Find the cat, it'll be the first of the discovery. Bring it to me when you find it!" He continues the chants.
"B..but, you haven't told me how the change back would happen?"
"Urrgh" Cherry's anger flared, and she shot up from her seat.
"This is ridiculous!" Zorvath's cryptic words had only added to her confusion.
As she turned to leave, her scarf slipped off her neck and fell to the floor.
Cherry bent down to grab it, and that's when she saw a mysterious book lying open, its pages fluttering as if beckoning her.
The cover read "Curses and Spells" in fancy letters.
She was curious, so she turned to check, only to see Zorvath still chanting away, eyes closed, oblivious to the sneaky move.
She grabbed her scarf and the mysterious book, making a quick escape from the hut.
She flung open the door and burst out into the cool air, colliding with Carlos, who was pacing back and forth outside.
Catching her breath, she exclaimed, "Ah, oh my.. Finally some fresh air!" as she tossed her head, letting her hair flutter behind her.
Carlos glanced at his watch, his eyes widening and said,
"An hour and a half? Really? You spent that much time on something so unrealistic?" He threw up his hands, shaking his head in disbelief.
"Hey!" Cherry exclaimed, but then hesitated, realizing they were still near Zorvath's hut and she might be caught with the stolen book.
She quickly grabbed Carlos' hands, her eyes darting around nervously, and pulled him towards the car with urgency.
As they walked, she glanced over her shoulder, ensuring they weren't being followed.
She released his hands once they reached the vehicle, and Carlos rubbed the red marks left by her tight grasp, wincing in mock pain.
"That wasn't unrealistic!" Cherry defended, holding up the book like a trophy.
She tossed her hair and her eyes flashed then added, "I felt everything in there, and I got a confusing answer - plus this helpful book!"
Carlos' eyes narrowed slightly as he read the inscription on the book, "Curses and Spells? Really?!" He raised an eyebrow.
Cherry's finger swiftly covered her lips, signaling him to be quiet.
"Let's get out of here, now!" she whispered urgently.
"Open the door, or he'll catch up to us when he realizes what's missing!" she exclaimed slightly.
Carlos didn't have time to question her frantic behavior; he quickly opened the door, and Cherry slipped inside, book clenched tightly in her hand.
Cherry's eyes were fixed on the rearview mirror, her fingers drumming impatiently on the seat, she just couldn't wait to uncover the mystery behind the book and find a solution for herself.
As they were near their destination, Carlos asked, "What took you so long in there? You were gone for over an hour!"
"How can I find a pet?" Cherry deflected his question with one of her own.
Carlos responded, "Are you looking for another pet?"
"Just answer me!" she said.
"The pet store, of course," Carlos replied,"But do you want to go back to getting a pet..." He trailed off, his hands rolling slightly on the wheel as he glanced at her, referencing a past experience.
"...You know, after the last incident."
Cherry realized Carlos had misinterpreted her question - she was searching for a lost pet, not seeking a new one.
However, his response made her interested.
"What happened at the last incident?"