Saturdays at the local mall were busy. Sebastian felt a good amount of sympathy for the store workers who were on their feet helping everyone the whole time. It made him even more grateful for the last-minute day off that Persephone had given to him after last night’s discovery.

When they made the call, the first thing that Persephone asked – demanded really – was why they’d disappeared. Edmund calmly explained everything, and then Persephone brought Hayden into the call.

“What kind of smell was it?” She asked.

“I don’t know. Whatever it was, Luke wasn’t able to calm down till we were all away from it.”

“Do you think you could recognise the scent if you smelled it again?”

Ed shrugged, even though the only person who could see him was Seb. “I can try.”

Persephone hummed. “Alright. It sounds like you’re describing a strong herb, we have a few in dried form for Hayden’s potions.”

“If we can figure out what the smell is, then we could perhaps understand why it’s linked to Lance and Patricia.” Hayden added.

“Is there any way they could be allies?” Sebastian inquired.

“While I wouldn’t say no, it’s not the easiest alliance to be made.” Hayden explained. “Lance is distrustful of anyone outside his pack, especially other supernaturals. Patricia wasn’t allowed into the territory prior to this, so there’s no way they could have met.”

“But there is something here.” Persephone noted. “Even if they aren’t allies, there’s something off with Patricia.”

Hayden made an affirmative sound. “We’ll keep a close eye on her and try investigating the matter deeper.”

That meant Sebastian and Edmund were left waiting. While spending most of their morning following Daisy from store to store as she found new clothes and shoes that suited her. Clothes shopping could be fun, but it was better done in moderation. One hour maximum, in Seb’s opinion.

Thankfully, they finished up just before noon, all that was left was one que to pay for things in this last store, then they could head over to the food court. Daisy was so hungry, she’d suggested leaving what they’d gotten here, and coming back maybe after they’d eaten. Sebastian didn’t want to have to come back again, and though he was sure Edmund and Luke didn’t either, both seemed tempted to agree so they could get out of there.

“You guys head to the food court, I’ll join you after I’ve paid for this stuff. “

Stolen story; please report.

Luke perked up. “Are you sure?”

Sebastian smiled and nodded. “I’m sure. Now go on and get something to satisfy those bottomless pits you three call stomachs.”

“Yay!” Daisy cheered and started dragging Luke away.

Ed chuckled then grinned at Sebastian. “Thanks. You want a burger and fries?”

“And a milkshake.”

Edmund nodded and then followed after the others. Sebastian patiently half-focused on his phone while waiting for the line to move. It went quicker than he expected, and then he was walking off to the food court. Without anyone in his group to keep an eye on, he found himself casually people watching as he walked.

There was an elderly couple who had taken a seat at a mall fountain and were playfully bickering. A trio of teenage girls were looking at something in the window of a jewellery shop. A mother and her kid were walking past the pet shop – or rather the mother was trying to pull her kid away from the shop while they begged for a hamster.

It was entertaining to observe all these different people, each with their own stories Seb may never know, but could imagine for himself. Until he saw one young man who looked familiar.

“Collin?”

The young man looked up, eyes brightening with recognition. “Sebastian, hey man, it’s good to see you.”

“You too. Are you visiting your mum?”

“Yes and no. Technically I’m visiting but I’ve been thinking of moving back here.”

“Really? How come?”

Collin shrugged. “I’ve missed this place, to be honest. Plus, my granddad finally decided to make the move here himself with Aunt Elsie, so I’d be the only Reedworth on the Coast if I stayed.”

Collin’s mother, Penny, worked at the police station with Ed’s dad. Collin was the oldest of the station worker’s kids, a full four years older than Edmund. He treated the other kids like younger siblings and was probably Sebastian’s second closest childhood friend.

“How are you and Edmund? You’re in your senior year now, right?”

“Unfortunately. School is as boring as ever, honestly. We’re both surviving though. He’s actually- shit.”

“What?”

“I left him alone with the kids.”

“Kids?”

“They're not really kids. Well, Daisy is technically twelve, but still I meant to meet them at the food court.” Sebastian explained as he started walking.

Collin followed, with a bemused expression. “Right. And who are these kids you two got stuck babysitting.”

“We aren’t babysitting. Luke is a friend from school and Daisy is Ed’s cousin.”

“Cousin? Isn’t Garret an only child?”

“He has a sister, they’re not very close.”

“Oh. Where’d you get that necklace, by the way? The glowing eyes are kind of freaky but cool.”

Sebastian froze and looked down at the artefact. The eyes were indeed glowing. But there was something that Arte had told him a few nights ago about said glow.

“What are you?”

Collin raised an eyebrow. “Uh, what?”

“This necklace is... one of a kind. And the thing that makes the eyes glow for people tells me more about them; about you. So... what are you?” Sebastian calmly demanded.

Collin frowned before realisation filled his eyes. “Ah...” He glanced around. “Could we talk... somewhere more private.”

“Only if you answer my question.”

Collin considered his options for a moment before looking Sebastian in the eye and saying, “I’m a lorelie.”