Unnamed

Chapter Six

The next morning, I head out from the hotel and make my way to the used bookstore that Ajana works at. She's standing behind the counter when I walk in, her glossy black hair falling over her right shoulder in delicate waves. Her silver-toned eyes shine with happiness as she finishes ringing up a book for a customer.

"Have a nice day," she tells the customer.

Her eyes widen in shock when she swings her gaze around to where I'm standing. "Namahina?" She questions softly.

"Yes."

"It's been many years, has it not?"

I nod and take a seat in a plush chair. Ajana joins me, glancing over me slowly. "How are you, Nama?"

"I'm good. I heard you've gotten married."

She smiles brightly and nods. "Yes. About two years ago. How're your parents?"

Pain knifes through me at her question. The thought of them sobers me up and reminds me why I'm here. "Things went bad after I was adopted..."

Ajana swears. "I've heard of so many children being adopted by abusers."

I let out a sigh. "It's no fun, that's for sure."

"I hope they've been punished."

My mind flashes back to that night when I finally stood up for myself. I still can't wrap my mind around the fact that I used my magic -- that I didn't even realize I had -- to help me defend myself. "They're dead now," I finally respond.

Ajana raises her brows.

"Long story. I'll tell you sometime."

"How did you find me?"

"It wasn't that hard. I actually need to talk to you about something."

"Oh?"

I take a deep breath and gather my thoughts before starting my story about how Ana brought me into the group with Majhul and Nodanna.

When I finally finish speaking, Ajana purses her lips and nods slowly.

"Fascinating," she murmurs.

"And so, I came here to see if you wanted to join us in searching for answers," I state.

"Louisiana is a long way from London,"

"I understand that, Ajana, but do you really want to turn your back on a chance to search for answers? To be around other people like us?"

"I don't want to, but my life is here. I need to talk to Xander about this."

"That's fair."

"Where are you staying?"

I tell her about the little hotel near the airport and write my cell phone number down on a sticky note for her.

"I'll talk to Xander tonight and phone you tomorrow."

I nod. "Thank you, Ajana."

"Would you like to tell me what you've found so far? I am really curious."

I go into the whole story of how we were all found, our marks, and the few memories we have. I don't mention Jacobi. I'm not sure that I want anyone to know about how I feel for him. I barely know the man, I've never even met him, but I'd swear I'm in love with him.

"That does sound coincidental. Xander will probably be intrigued as well."

I nod.

A strange fear starts coursing through my blood and I have no idea why. I feel like I'm being chased and like I'm hiding from something.