The city lights in front of her were brighter than she had expected. The buildings higher than she had thought and the atmosphere different from any place she had ever been. There was something in the air. Something unnatural.

"New Orleans is a magical and supernatural city, but it is also dangerous."

She couldn't detect any danger at the first look. It was quiet except for the normal every day city noises. The streets were busy and people were going about their business at every corner. She watched two boys secretly exchanging a small package. They looked around nervously before they parted again.

"I neglected it for far too long and there might be consequences."

It didn't look neglect at all. Everything was lit and bright which made the night sky look even darker. Musicians played their instruments at every street corner with so much passion that the rhythm went directly over into blood and soul.

Artists painted the pavements with bare hands which made the street look colourful and inviting. The city itself looked like a painting, a piece of art of in itself.

"I don't know what exactly is going on down there and I can't promise you for it to be a nice holiday."

She smiled at a couple that was dancing to the wild rhythms of jazz. Their movements were liberal and everyone stopped and stared, laughing along with them. Their clothes were extravagant.

This was a world of its own, but it was inviting everyone who wanted to take a closer look. The woman waved at a girl and motioned her to join in on the dance, but the girl declined looking a bit embarrassed.

"I will do everything in my power to keep you save."

It smelled of delicious food. The restaurants were full of people and most of the menus promised the best gumbo. The bars just opened and everyone who fancied a good drink would set foot over the threshold some time.

Fortune tellers were praising their business, insisting on their truthfulness. The eyes of the old women were attentive and cautious, even suspicious, of everyone who passed by. Some might be real witches, who knew.

"It is your decision to join me in New Orleans and yours alone. I am not forcing you to come with me and I won't be mad if you decide not to. It won't change anything between us, I promise you that!"

But change lay in the air.

Heads turned when she walked by and instead of ducking she straightened. The first place on the map she had to visit. The move to the south had been surreal. The start of a new life began with good byes and promises that it was no farewell. Then there was the road that led to the happiness of a new beginning and excitement drowned everything else out. As long as you kept everything you needed to lead a full life close, home was never far away.

A painter painted a canvas with restless fierce strokes. The colours were dark and the whole scene looked wild and unsettling. A blond man clad in black was watching the artist and there was a certain understanding between the maker and the bystander. Maybe it were the dark colours or maybe the restless behaviour that feigned a connection.

She walked up to the blond man without hesitation. She wrapped her arms around his waist and joined him in watching.

"You so would have been mad!"

He shook his head smiling. "I prefer to call it disappointed, sweetheart."

"Your disappointment usually comes with a dagger."

He chuckled. "Now tell me, my heart, what do you think?"

"I think everything is possible around here."

I can't believe that this is it! Somehow I am so not ready to let this story go, but until here this is it.

As I said before I do have more and I am sure that I can't keep away for too long. I am just too addicted to writing for that;)

Thank you guys so much for your support! I know that some chapters were quite rash, which I am not happy about. My perfectionist tells me that I should have made more of it, but well...^^

Let me know what you think.

All the best wishes

Jane Bennett