Chapter 1
Flora had never been fond of Peril Street. After all it was the most dangerous place in Magix city and it was definitely not a place for a young fairy like herself to be wandering about in. The dark shophouses and grey cobblestones made the sunny day seem gloomy, and she withered under the intense gaze of the stone-faced passersby who openly stared at the girl in a bright yellow dress with daisies in her hair.
You've fought the Trix and Darkar, Flora. You can make it to the flower shop without passing out. Come on.
Flora encouraged herself as she clutched tightly to the strap of her shoulder bag and took quick steps in hopes of reaching her intended destination before Peril Street swallowed her whole. When she spotted the words 'Belladonna Florals' written in swirly font on the sign hanging opposite the street, Flora heaved a sigh of relief and she all but ran to the flower shop.
She pushed open the door, and the gush of wind that followed her as she entered rang the wind chimes hanging around the shop. She brought her fist to her mouth and coughed to get rid of the sudden scratch that appeared in the back of her throat when the acidic scent of the deadly flowers that filled the shop wafted up to her nose.
"I'll be with you in a minute!" A croaky voice called out to her from the room behind the counter.
"It's just me, Flora!" She shouted back. "Take your time, Bella! No hurry!"
Despite her assurance, the old witch that owned the shop took less than a minute to come stumbling out, holding her arms wide open as she waddled up to Flora. "Oh dear, you look lovely as always!"
"Thank you, Bella." Flora laughed at the compliment as she leaned down to hug the short woman. Even after she pulled away, Belladonna held onto her hand and guided her to the back of the shop.
"Come, come, let's chat over a cup of tea! I'll make you your favourite!" They settled into the couches set up at the back of the workroom filled with cauldrons and jars full of seeds with steaming cups of chamomile tea in their hands.
"Thank you for coming, dear. Seeing you has been a big relief." Belladonna sighed, placing her wrinkled hand on top of Flora's thigh.
"It's no trouble, I came as soon as I got your letter." Flora smiled back. "Congratulations to your daughter for her new baby! She looked so adorable in the picture you sent!"
"Oh isn't she just the sweetest little thing you've ever seen?" Belladonna cooed before her face fell. "And, I really want to pay them both a visit but if I were to travel back to Linphea there will be no one here to take care of my shop. She really needs help with the new baby and I don't have the heart to simply visit them for a few days. If I were to go I'd like to stay for at least a month or two! But, I run the risk of closing down for good if I close business for that long!"
Flora frowned, and placed a comforting hand on top of the witch's. "But, you can't stay away if you really want to see your daughter and your granddaughter."
"That's why I called you, Flora." Belladonna admitted. "I was wondering if you'd be able to take care of my shop while I'm gone."
"Oh." She hadn't been expecting that.
"I'll pay you good, I promise. It's just really hard to find someone you trust around here, which is why I'm asking you. Will you be able to help me for the next two months?"
Flora had known Belladonna for about a year now when they'd met after Mirta had told her about the witch's flower shop in downtown Magix. Belladonna sold rare and exotic flowers that she'd been searching to use in her potions but were too dangerous to be found in other flower shops. Ever since her first visit, Belladonna had fawned over Flora, always saying she reminded her of her own daughter. And, Flora knew how much Belladonna missed her family so she couldn't possibly say no.
"Of course, I'll help, Bella." Flora smiled, giving the witch's hand a soft squeeze. "Lucky for you, school break starts in a few weeks and I'd already been planning on staying in Alfea for the break to get a head start on my final year!"
"Oh, you are goddess-sent, my dear!" Belladonna wrapped an arm around Flora's neck and pulled her into a tight hug, almost spilling the tea in their cups. "Thank you so much, Flora!"
Flora pulled away from the hug and tried to give the woman a warm, reassuring smile but Belladonna quickly sensed the hesitancy that she tried to hide.
"What is it, dear? I apologise if I've forced you-"
"No, no, not at all! It's just…" She bit her help, trying to think of a way to share her fears without possibly offending Belladonna. "Peril Street's a bit, well…"
"Roguish? Dangerous?" The Witch offered before laughing. "I'm well aware that our neighbourhood can be intimidating, Flora."
Flora tried to laugh along but it sounded fake even to her own ears. "I'm just a bit worried since, you know…" She gestured to herself sheepishly. She knew she'd stick out in a place like this, and she was worried about potentially chasing away customers with her cheery nature that people often told her was a little too much. "I'm just not sure if I'm the right one for the job…"
"Why, you are the smartest girl I've ever met! I just know you'll do a wonderful job dear, don't worry about that!" Belladonna waved her off. "But, I get where you are coming from. You know what, I'll introduce you to He-"
The sound of the wind chimes ringing cut her off, followed by a deep voice calling out, "Bella?"
The Witch turned to Flora with a mischievous smile who stared back in confusion. "Speak of the devil…"
Without offering an explanation, Belladonna set down her cup and stood up, making her way out to shop. After a few beats of hesitation, Flora followed suit. If she was going to be working here for the next two months, she might as well start getting acquainted with the regulars.
Flora stepped out into the shop and found Belladonna talking to a young man who was carrying a thick full sack on the back of his shoulder. She froze, gripping on to the doorframe for support as her mouth went dry at the sight in front of her.
He was hot.
Whoever this guy was, Flora swore she'd never seen anyone as pretty and handsome as him. He had raven black hair that was tied up in a low bun and he wore black pants and a loose tank top that exposed his flexed biceps. It was almost a shame when he set the sack down on the ground but even when he wasn't exerting himself, his arms looked like they were sculpted by the Great Dragon, not to mention that sharp jawline that looked sharper than a sword forged by Hagen himself. Flora was further drawn in when she caught a glimpse of a tattoo of what she assumed was a wolf on the side of his arm, and she itched to go take a closer look.
"Flora-" Her eyes snapped up from staring shamelessly at the guy's arm to stare right into a pair of blue eyes that reminded her of the ocean waves. "-this is Helia! Helia, meet Flora! She's the girl I've been talking about and she's agreed to take care of the shop while I'm gone! Told you she was a sweetheart!"
Flora would have stretched out her hand to greet him but she was afraid that if she moved away from the doorframe, her legs just might give out from the intense way he eyed her up and down. Helia was quiet, his sharp features giving away nothing until he nodded in acknowledgment.
"Helia works at the tattoo parlour across the street." Oh right, Belladonna was still here. "And, he's the only one who visits this old lady nowadays!"
"Where should I put the Logwood?" Helia eventually tore his eyes away from Flora — who almost melted from his deep voice — and bent down to pick up the sack again, throwing it over his shoulder. Holy mother-
"Be a darling and put it in the back of the workroom, will you?" Belladonna pointed to where Flora stood blocking the way to the back of the shop. Helia walked up to her, and she moved to make way for him, flattening herself against the doorframe while still clutching onto it for dear life. Her nails dug into the wood when he slid past her through the narrow doorway, one long strand of his hair that fell down his face lightly brushing against her cheek. Her nose was inches away from his chest, his musky and wooden scent mixed with sweat making her heart race.
Once Helia was no longer close enough to turn her into a hormonal mess, Flora finally breathed again. She turned to Belladonna who studied her with a knowing smirk and flushed at the realisation that she'd been that obvious.
He's single. Belladonna mouthed to her, before laughing out loud at the way Flora spluttered.
"Stop it!" Flora whispered as she walked up to the Witch, having somehow regained control of her legs again.
"He's the one I wanted to introduce to you. I'll tell him to look after you while I'm gone, he's a real sweetheart even if he looks a little scary."
"I can take care of myself, Bella. You don't hav-" Flora froze, again, when Helia walked out of the workroom, wiping the sweat on his neck with the hem of his shirt. She almost reached for Belladonna's arm to steady herself when she saw the toned abs on his stomach that she hadn't expected to see on such a lean body.
"Will you do me a favour, boy? Will you look after Flora while I'm gone? She's not from around here, so she's a little worried."
Helia eyed her up and down again, and Flora cursed herself for choosing today of all days to dress up like the goddamn sun. She fidgeted with her paisley skirt, knowing he probably thought she wouldn't survive a day in Peril Street looking like that.
"Sure."
He really didn't talk much, which boded well for Flora since it would be very embarrassing if her legs kept giving out everytime he opened his mouth.
"I'll see you later, Bella." Helia kept his eyes on her the whole time, and gave her another once-over before turning around and heading for the door.
"Thank you for the Logwood! And, thanks for watching out for Flora!" Belladonna called out as he walked out of the flower shop without a second glance. How rude. Flora frowned, crossing her arms at her chest.
The Witch then turned to her, a wicked smile on her face. "I want to hear all the details once I'm back from Linphea."
"What details?"
"That boy has never given anyone a second glance, and he couldn't stop looking at you." Belladonna teased, wiggling her thing and sharp eyebrows playfully. "I have a feeling that the two of you are going to enjoy the next two months."