Whispering Pine -- Project Borderlines

I stepped out onto the cobblestone streets of Whispering Pines NC., the fading sunlight casting long shadows across the quaint town nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. The air was thick with the scent of pine and mystery, as if the very trees whispered secrets of ages past.

Tall pines swayed gently in the breeze, their rustling needles seemingly conversing in a language known only to them. I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and trepidation as I wandered through the picturesque town, its charm belying the mysteries that lurked beneath the surface.

The central square beckoned with its warm glow, inviting me to explore its quaint shops and cafes. Artisans proudly displayed their handcrafted wares, each piece infused with the magic of the mountains. It was a place of community and camaraderie, where neighbours greeted each other with genuine warmth and shared stories over cups of steaming tea.

But as the sun dipped below the horizon, a sense of unease settled over my home like a heavy blanket. Shadows stretched and twisted, and the forest surrounding the town seemed to come alive with unseen creatures. Strange lights flickered among the trees, and whispers echoed through the darkness, sending a chill down my spine.

I knew then my town held secrets darker than the deepest shadows, and I couldn't help but feel drawn into the mystery that enveloped the town. Little did I know that my journey would lead me into a world of magic and danger beyond anything I could have imagined. But for now, as I stood on the threshold of between The Vale and the physical world that surrounds me. It was a nice quiet early morning, the small town still while across the Appalachian mountains the celebration of a lifetime happened.

As I listen to the stories on the app while stocking the shelves of newly arrived books I start thinking about my latest lessons in my social work classes. I know my purely good intentions in my quaint town could change everything. I close the curtains of my bookstore and cafe. As soon as I did this with a snap of my figures a clear mint green glow emerged from my hands. The green glow took on a mind of it’s one the magick of my ancestors lingered around as the books slid into their perspective places within the bookshelf.

As I listen on the edge of my set behind the counter I snap my figures. My magic comes barreling back like a lost child.

I glanced up surprised by his piercing brown eyes, yet he wasn’t phased by me. I pause my stories that I am listening to on my phone.

“You know miss, you really shouldn’t use magic like that inside. At least lock the door behind me.” His husky voice seductive like dark chocolate melting on my tongue.

“I am so sorry, please don’t say anything.” I pleaded with him.

“Oh don’t worry, I want to say anything. Just make sure you're careful next time.” The mysterious man spoke out of turn.

“Yes, thank you for letting me know. How may I help you?” I look at him sceptically.

He steps closer to my counter, “I do apologise, Echo? Is it?”

“Yes, that’s my name. Might I know yours?” I couldn’t believe he seemed sweet.

“Oh, I’m sorry my name is Blaze Stormborn. I’m looking for a rare book on the mythology of Zeus the Lightning God for a class project I am doing. The mythology of the Lykos.”

When he asked for his rare book he wanted to purchase I walked in the back to retrieve it. I walk out from behind the curtain. I keep all the rare books and manuscripts for the Eryolos.

As I ring the rare book up, “That will be $700.00, Blaze. Will that be cash or card?”

As soon as I say this he pulls out his American Express black card. On the luxurious rich are black card members. It wasn’t something that didn’t concern me whatsoever.

His eyebrow rose in curiosity when I didn’t press him. I pulled out a bag with my store logo of a black cat and her tail curled around a fence. I place his rare book in the bag adding the customary thank you card to the finishing product. After which I handed it to him, when he walked away he turned back around.

“It was nice to meet you, Echo.” When he spoke he turned around and walked to exit my shop.

I looked down at his credit card history and to my amazement I wasn’t familiar with his lineage.

There lies a mystery in these whispering woods, and Blaze is a mystery too. There is something about him that I want to know.