Chapter 25: A Warning
Diane woke early.
"I can't believe this…" She looked at Gabriel sleeping.
The previous night was hunting her in her mind.
She silently showered, dressed, and prepared to leave for work, avoiding any interaction with Gabriel.
Before departing, she instructed Riot to watch over Arthur, ensuring his safety in her absence.
Stepping out into the crisp morning air, Diane decided to walk to work, hoping the fresh air would clear her thoughts.
As she strolled down the streets, she spotted a quaint café and decided to stop for a coffee.
Inside the café, the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee swallowed her.
She joined the line, glancing around at the early morning people.
Her attention was drawn to a woman seated in the corner, she had a messy appearance and a long stare.
The woman seemed to be glaring directly at Diane, her lips moved as if murmuring to herself.
Diane collected her coffee and exited the café, but as she continued her walk, she couldn't shake the feeling of being followed.
She quickened her pace, occasionally glancing over her shoulder.
The same woman from the café was trailing her, maintaining a consistent distance.
Feeling unease and curiosity, Diane ducked into a nearby alley, hoping to confront the woman.
As the woman approached, Diane stepped forward.
"Can I help you?" Diane asked, trying to keep her voice confident.
The woman stopped, her eyes widened and looked frantic.
"The leaves... the leaves that went through death," she began in a trembling voice, "were granted to come back by spring. But another life will be sacrificed if you don't distance yourself. Another innocent life will be taken by the same mistake. The leaves that brought you here will be the leaves that turn brown and die again."
Diane's heart raced. "What are you talking about?"
The woman stepped closer, intensifying her gaze.
"You have been given a second chance, but it comes with a price. Beware of repeating past mistakes, or the consequences will be dire."
Before Diane could respond, the woman turned and hurried away, disappearing into the crowd.
Diane was left standing there alone, with questions.
The cryptic message repeated in her thoughts, leaving her speechless.
Determined to understand the meaning behind the woman's words, Diane resumed her walk to work, her mind felt preoccupied with the warning.
She couldn't get rid of the fact that her past actions were catching up to her, and that the second chance she'd been given was more fragile than she'd realised.
"No…I need to talk to her. What brown leaves?" She turned around, looking everywhere for the woman.
"There!" She spotted her.
Diane quickened her steps, sweat started running down her forehead.
"Miss, please, wait! Miss!"
The woman turned around, "I can help you."
"Plea-please," Diane exhaled. "I don't understand the meaning of your sentence."
The woman looked around, making sure no one was seeing her.
"Come with me, child."
Diane was led into a small flat that was surrounded by tarot cards, heads of dead animals, crystals and smoke.
"Sit," she pointed at the pillow near the table.
Diane sat down on the worn, velvet cushion.
The room was dark, and it smelled weirdly.
The woman sat across from her, with long messy, dark hair and an intriguing look, introduced herself as Miru.
Her voice was smoother, but she was talking with an accent suddenly.
"I am Miru," she said, "a witch from Romania."
Miru extended her hand, gesturing for Diane to do the same.
"Give me your hand," she instructed softly.
Diane hesitated for a moment, then complied, her palm rested in Miru's steady grasp.
Miru's eyes traced the lines carefully, her brow furrowed slightly.
"I see a lot of pain here," Miru murmured. "Torture and death have touched your life."
Diane felt a shiver run down her spine.
She wanted to ask a question, to understand more, but as she opened her mouth, Miru silenced her with a gentle "Shh."
Miru reached for a deck of cards, shuffling them with practiced ease.
The cards made a soft, rhythmic sound as they moved through her fingers.
She laid them out on the table, scanning them carefully.
"There is something you must know about your second chance," Miru said, meeting Diane.
"Green eyes will lead you. They will guide you through life, showing you the paths you need to take."
Diane listened intently.
"But beware," Miru continued, her tone turned somber.
"Brown eyes will bring you down. They will try to drag you into darkness."
"What do you mean?" Diane asked, feeling a bit concerned.
Miru sighed.
"You must choose wisely who you trust and follow. Your journey is not just about survival, but about finding the light in the darkness."
Miru studied the cards for a moment longer, then looked up at Diane with seriously frowned lips.
"There is more you must know," she said, gently.
"The blue eyes have caused you great pain."
Diane felt a knot form in her stomach.
"What do you mean?"
"The blue eyes have haunted you," Miru explained.
"They brought sorrow into your past life, and their shadow follows you into this one."
Diane's heart raced. "Are they still a danger to me now?"
Miru nodded slowly.
"Yes, the pain and death they brought are not confined to the past. You must be careful. Their presence is strong, and their influence can be destructive."
"What can I do?" Diane asked in a rushed voice.
"You must learn to recognise them," Miru replied.
"Be wary of their charm, and stay true to your path. Trust your instincts, and remember the light you carry within you."
Diane took a deep breath, trying to absorb everything Miru was telling her.
"Thank you," she said softly, feeling both grateful and overwhelmed.
Miru gave her a reassuring smile.
"You are stronger than you know. Trust yourself, and you will find your way in this life."
"What about the leaves, are they-"
"Not safe," Miru looked around. "They so young, so fragile, but with a sharp edge to cut your skin and make you bleed."
Diane swallowed hard.
After a few minutes, she was outside and checked her phone, there was a message from Riot.
-Your brother likes to play with forks.-