Upon stepping through the doorway, Cain found himself transported to a world frozen in time. The cozy antique store felt like an enchanted cottage nestled deep within a lush forest, its dark hardwood floors and floor-to-ceiling windows giving it an air of old-world charm.
The cluttered display of vintage sewing machines along the stairwell leading downstairs only added to the sense of timelessness, as if he had stepped back centuries to a forgotten era. Cain's gaze focused on the far side of the shop, where the mannequins proudly wore a whimsical display of antique hats and dramatic vintage gowns and robes. Each piece testified to the skilled craftsmanship of bygone seamstresses.
As he made his way through the maze of antique furniture, the soothing scent of fresh fabric and delicate jasmine blossoms wafted through the air, enveloping him in a sensory experience that felt almost dreamlike. Finally, his journey led him to the cash register, where a woman stood ready to assist him, a living embodiment of the store's rich history and the endless stories contained within its walls.
"Welcome, welcome," a redhead said, dressed in a bright pink polka for dress and rosy cheeks. "I'm Jessica. What can I help you with?" she smiled at him.
"I'm Cain, I am here to see Arabella," Cain said as a loud thump could sounded through the store, causing him to look around.
Jessica was bouncing on her heels as a piece of old, timely music hopped around the room. "she is…" Arabella appeared behind Cain, shaking her head frantically. "She is unavailable at the moment. Maybe I can book an appointment with her," she smiled stiffly.
"yes," he nodded, standing there as if he owned the place.
"Well, let me take your contact details," Jessica smiled, pulling out a piece of paper.
"Sure," Cain said, pulling out a pen when he sensed a presence behind him. He turned to find Arabella standing there. "Arabella?" his voice twisted Arabella.
"Hi, can I help you?" Arabella walked past him and behind the cash register.
"your brother, Noah, recommend your services" Cain tried not to look into her eyes. They were scorching.
Arabella couldn't help but be uneasy around him and she broke the tension in the way she could "You make me sound like a hooker, Cain". She leaned against the counter which made Jessica nudge her at the comment. "sorry"
Cain let out a nervous chuckle."I am looking for some antique pieces," he said, leaning against the counter.
"Maybe take this in your office" Jessica encouraged Arabella into professionalism.
"sure, this way" Arabella escorted Cain to her office.
The room had a wonderfully cozy and inviting atmosphere, with the desk situated perfectly next to the large window, allowing the soft natural light to pour in and bathe the space in a warm, golden glow. Behind the desk, a stately antique bookcase stood tall, its shelves crammed with worn leather-bound volumes and intriguing knick-knacks, creating an air of scholarly sophistication.
In the far corner, an overstuffed armchair upholstered in a plush, vintage fabric beckoned for someone to curl up and lose themselves in a good book. Despite the slightly cluttered state, with boxes and parcels scattered about, someone expertly curated the entire scene, handpicking every furnishing and accent piece to complement the room's antique, lived-in aesthetic.
"Sorry for the mess," Arabella suggested to the room.
"It's quite alright," Cain said, feeling big in the small room.
"What are you looking for, exactly?" Arabella powered up her computer, took notes and search for the pieces he was looking for.
Cain sat down in the leather armchair before Arabella's desk. As Arabella began to type into the search box, Cain cleared his thick voice and described the vintage African blackwood canvas stand with two drawing desks. "it's known as Eve's canvas stand and Cain & Abel's drawing desk" he looked at her, her eyes reflecting the computer screen's light. "it has their initials on the side, in gold"
Arabella heard those words uttered out, and it twisted her heart, causing her to freeze for a moment. "Umm…" she logged off her computer. "that's a tricky one" she turned towards him, blinking away tears. "it might take me a few days," she stood chuckling nervously. "I was looking for the same pieces myself, a few years ago but I could't them, I will contact you when I do," she hinted to him to leave.
Cain stood. Taken aback by the sudden change in Arabella's manner. "Sure, my card" he pulled out a pristine card, pitch black with golden inscriptions and a coffee bean in the middle.
Arabella took it from his hands. "Thank you, I will contact you when I find it" she smiled, as he left her office and she could finally exhale again.
…
Cain lay sprawled across the plush, inviting carpet of his expansive living room, his lanky frame stretched out as he gazed upwards at the high, vaulted ceiling above. The space was a showcase of sleek, mid-century modern design, all clean lines and natural materials that gave the room a sense of serenity and calm.
But despite the soothing atmosphere, Cain felt anything but at peace. A restless energy seemed to thrum beneath his skin, an insatiable need to be out in the fields, to sink his hands into the soil and lose himself in the rhythmic motions of sowing and weeding. It was a compulsion that had been growing stronger with each passing day, an itch that demanded to be scratched lest it drive him to distraction.
His lips, stained with the remnants of his last meal, parted in a soft sigh as he felt the cool air caress his skin, raising goosebumps along his arms. His unruly curls, a dark halo framing his face, only seemed to amplify the intensity of his alert, almost feral gaze. In this moment, the primal urge to return to the land, to lose himself in the simple labor of cultivation, utterly consumed Cain. It was a need as essential as breathing, and he knew he would find no rest until he had answered its call.
As his fingers sank into the soft, loamy soil, a flood of memories washed over him. The cool, earthy texture of the dirt beneath his fingertips triggered a cascade of recollections that he had long buried. He could feel the very beginnings and endings of his past, the highs and lows that had shaped him into the man he was today. As he delved deeper into the soil, he could feel the hurt he had inflicted on others, the anguish he himself had endured, the rejection he had faced, and the curses that had been hurled his way, rushing back in vivid detail.
Completely lost in his introspective reverie, he was oblivious to the scorching sun beating down on his back. The warmth was a mere afterthought as he became enveloped in the emotional memories the earth had unearthed.
"Hey!" Abey called out into the field. "Cain!"
His short, neatly trimmed haircut gave him an air of professionalism and maturity, the light blonde hue complementing his fair complexion. But there was a softness and wisdom in his piercing blue eyes that belied his youthful appearance, a tranquil gaze that seemed to peer deep into one's soul. His face was a captivating blend of contrasts - the strong, chiseled jawline and stern brow conveyed a sense of authority and command, yet his delicate features and gentle expression held an almost childlike innocence.
Cain looked up from his spade. "I need to talk to you!" Abey shouted. Pointing to the house, Cain dropped the spade a loud thump.
The heavy silence that hung in the air around Cain and Abey was palpable as they sat at the kitchen counter, steam rising from their mugs of coffee.There was a comfortable yet weighty silence as they stirred their cups of coffee, both of them deliberately disregarding each other's scents. Abey's scent, a warm and comforting blend of cinnamon, clove, and ginger, was like an autumn hug, while Cain's crisp, minty-fresh aroma with hints of lemon and yin-yang was akin to a brisk winter wind. The contrasting scents only served to highlight the divide between the two, a divide that Abey was about to attempt to bridge with the news he had to share.
Abey knew that what he was about to say might come across as an accusation to Cain, but it came from a place of genuine concern. With a deep breath, Abey prepared to speak, his words carrying the weight of his worry and the hope that Cain would be receptive to what he had to say.
Cain could sense Abey's uneasiness. "speak, Abe," he said with eyes of exhaustion.
"I was on the east side of the lake. I came across dead animals, a lot of them," Abey slowly said as he rubbed the back of his neck.
Cain crossed his heavy arms. "You think it is me?" he asked, a touch of hurt and anger in his voice.
"No…" Abey said, quickly. "well, maybe, you only vampire in the area, Cain"
"So it has to be me" Cain stood walking to his kitchen window, looking out at the grapevines that called his name. "you are only werewolf in the area, Abey" he gave Abey a sharp look.
"Cain…" Abey gave Cain a soft expression, making Cain's eyes turn soft, too. "I am just concerned. Is the blood not fresh enough for you?" he asked, moving towards him. "I can get a better source.
"The blood is fine, Abey," Cain huffed, rubbing his face, soil smudging his skin. "I don't drink wild blood, Abey. It's filled with diseases and it's not as nutritious," he explained to his friend once again.
"I know, I know" Abey looked into space, wondering what was next.
Cain noticed the worry on Abey's face. "let me check out the scene. Maybe I can find out what happened" he gave Abey a soft smile.
Abey's face lit up. "Thanks, Cain, I'm way out of my depth here," he nodded.
"It's no problem," Cain nodded.