Lyra's mind was spinning with questions as she tried to concentrate on her work. What is Aramania? Did that place exist? What about the shadows? Why did his grandfather send her a mysterious book with a mysterious note a year after he died? What do those words written in the book mean?
''Calm down, Lyra; it's just a book. He probably sent it to you as a prank, but he passed away before it arrived.'' Lyra's convincing herself that's just a normal occurrence, but deep down she couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to the book and its contents.
As she restocked shelves, a chime above the door announced a new customer. Lyra turned to see a striking woman with piercing red-orange eyes and white hair.
Lyra was mesmerized by the appearance of the woman, especially the eyes.
Must be contacts, she thought to herself.
"Welcome to our bookstore," Lyra said, forcing a smile.
The woman's gaze swept the room before settling on Lyra. "I'm looking for something... unusual," she said, her voice low and mysterious. Lyra's instincts prickled. "What kind of book are you looking for?"
The woman's eyes locked onto Lyra's. "One that holds secrets.''
Lyra's heart skipped a beat. "I... I don't know what you're talking about."
The woman's smile was enigmatic. "Oh, I think you do, Lyra, aren't you?"
Lyra's grip on the book she was holding tightened. "How do you know my name?"
''Nameplate'' the woman answered.
Lyra felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be rude," she stammered. The woman's smile widened. "No need to apologize, Lyra. I'm here to help you unlock the secrets of this book."
'' What do you mean? '' Lyra hates herself for stammering.
''I mean the book that you would recommend for me.'' The woman smiled again.
Lyra felt shy and flustered every time the woman smiled at her. "I think you'll find this book quite intriguing," Lyra said, handing it to the woman. "It holds the key to unlocking your true potential."
''Oh really? '' The woman said with a teasing smile . "Yes, I believe it will open up a whole new world for you," Lyra replied confidently. The woman's eyes sparkled with excitement as she took the book from Lyra's hands.
The woman smiled in Lyra's oblivious reply to her flirty gesture, grateful for the intriguing recommendation. "Thank you, I can't wait to dive into it," she said before turning to leave the bookstore and dropping the flirting attempt.
What am I even doing? The woman asks herself, hitting her head in her mind.
But before she left the store, she turned around.'' By the way. Ahm..'' The woman started.
''Yes? Did you forget something? '' Lyra asks innocently.'' No. I just want you to know my name, Gabrie—'' But before the woman was able to introduce herself, her eyes glowed into an orange hue, revealing her true identity as a supernatural being. Lyra's eyes widened in surprise, realizing she was not an ordinary customer after all. "Gabrielle," the woman continued, her voice now laced with an otherworldly charm.
Before Lyra was to answer Gabrielle, grab her.
''AAAAAhh'' Lyra screams when the woman lifts up the air with her in it's arm; a sword like shadow figure was aiming them.
''Waaaaaah'' Lyra struggles to break free, but Gabrielle's supernatural strength holds her firmly. "Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to you," Gabrielle reassures her, as they both disappear into the shadows, escaping the imminent danger.
But that's what Lyra think she was finally free from Gabrielle; she crawled down the street, having a hard time breathing.
She can't believe what just happened.
''Who are you? What are you? '' Lyra asks, her voice barely above a whisper. Gabrielle simply smiles mysteriously, her eyes glinting with an unknown power as she extends a hand to help Lyra up.
''No. Leave me alone anywhere with you,'' Lyra pleads, fear evident in her eyes.
Gabrielle's smile widens, revealing an even and beautiful set of teeth as she whispers, "You have no choice but to come with me." And with that, Lyra realizes she may never escape Gabrielle's grasp.
''No, I am fine with myself, and I don't need your help,'' Lyra says firmly, pushing Gabrielle's hand away. But as she tries to stand up on her own, she stumbles and falls back down.
''It's normal; let me carry you; it's from the teleportation we just went through,'' Gabrielle says, reaching out to help Lyra up again. Lyra hesitates, unsure of whether to trust Gabrielle's offer.
Gabrielle smiles when Lyra finally accepts her hand, but she is shocked when Lyra pulls and pushes her with force, leading her to fall.
As Lyra pushed Gabrielle away, a mix of relief and fear washed over her.
"I don't need your help," Lyra said firmly, her eyes locked on Gabrielle's. Gabrielle's smile faltered, and for a moment, Lyra saw a glimmer of sadness.
"Perhaps not now," Gabrielle said, her voice tinged with melancholy.
"But soon, Lyra, you'll realize you can't escape the shadows alone." Lyra stood tall, trying to shake off the unease. "I'll manage."
Gabrielle's gaze lingered on Lyra's face before she nodded.
"Very well. But know this: I'll be watching, waiting for the day you need me." With that, Gabrielle turned and vanished into the night, leaving Lyra feeling both relieved and abandoned. As Lyra walked away, she whispered to herself,
"Who am I running from? The shadows or myself?" The darkness seemed to swallow her words, leaving only the echo of Gabrielle's parting whisper:
"Until we meet again, Lyra..."