The cold water did its job
Washing away the sticky feeling of dread and the lingering headache.
I felt much better, the chaos of last night finally settling into a quiet, manageable hum.
I decided to ignore everything that had happened for now, from my unexpected physical transformation to that ’phone call’.
My stomach however, which had been empty since last night, demanded my full attention.
I should have at least grabbed a snack before leaving the party.
I lamented at my past mistake of skipping out on free meal and went to open the fridge
However I met with a barren wasteland of shelves.
"Hmm, when was the last time I went shopping?" I pondered with a solemn expression, my reflection in the open fridge door looking just as disappointed as I felt.
"Guess I’d have to go out for shopping," I muttered in annoyance, rubbing my temples as I headed out the door towards the closest convenience store.
....
The old corner store in New Orleans felt different.
The air inside was thick and humid, a stark contrast to my air-conditioned house.
The scent of stale coffee and sugar hung in the air. I grabbed a cart, which rattled and squeaked in protest, and headed down the narrow aisles.
I tossed a gallon of milk, a carton of eggs, and a loaf of bread into the cart.
Then I stopped.
I needed something more.
I picked up a pack of beignets from a shelf near the counter and sighed.
My diet was probably the least of my worries right now. I just wanted to feel normal.
At the register, the total came out to a ridiculous amount.
"I can’t believe the prices these days," I mumbled to the bored-looking cashier. "A loaf of bread costs almost five dollars. Sigh."
I paid with a tired expression and put my bags in the cart.
I had bought more than I planned, and as I lifted the two heavy bags, a strange feeling washed over me.
They felt... light.
I was carrying what should have been a heavy load, but it felt like I was holding two bags of feathers.
This is getting ridiculous, I thought, my mind is struggling to process the new reality of my body.
The thought made my head pound slightly, so I just focused on walking.
My simple, plain life was gone. What was I even doing?
I exited the convenience store, the sunlight hitting me with a familiar New Orleans humidity.
The doors closed behind me with a chime, and that’s when I saw them.
A group of men in black suits and dark sunglasses surrounded me by blocking every path.
’Um... what now? Am I getting kidnapped this time?!’ I inwardly screamed in pure frustration, but on the outside, I maintained a calm, polite tone.
"So, do I know you gentlemen?"
A man with sharp, white hair and a serious face stepped forward. "Are you Valerian?" he asked.
"Yes... And what business do I have with you?" My muscles were already tense, preparing to make a move if I had to.
"Our young mistress wants to meet you, so you must come with us," he stated, his voice flat.
"Please do not resist."
I knew it. Damnit! I deadpanned at the obvious turn of events and replied politely, "Then I’d have to respectfully decline your offer."
I didn’t wait for a response, instead lashing out with a fist that connected with the man’s gut with a sickening thud.
The punch was so powerful it sent him flying.
"And run!" my words hung in the air as I was already away, a blur of motion down the street before the others could even react.
I ran as fast as I could, and my speed even surprised me.
I felt as if I was running at the speed of sound, the wind whipping past my face.
But for some reason, I couldn’t shake my pursuers. They were keeping up, their movements almost as inhumanly fast as me.
Are they also super soldiers or something? I
questioned the absurdity of this situation.
Then, a gaze fell on me, making me instinctively look toward a narrow alleyway. A hand waved at me from the darkness.
Should I go there? I hesitated, but with men in black suits chasing me
I decided to trust this unknown person and darted into the alley, my heart pounding in my chest.
As soon as I entered, I was pushed against the cold brick wall by a hooded figure.
"Shh," she whispered, a finger pressed to her lips. She waved her hand and the air shimmered, a barrier-like thing appearing around us, cutting off all sound from the street.
"Now, it’s good," she sighed in relief.
Her voice... it felt familiar.
I stared at her, my mind racing.
She lowered her hood, revealing a cascade of long, bright pink hair tied in a low twin ponytail.
Her eyes were the same shocking shade of pink, and they seemed to glow with an otherworldly light.
She was wearing a hoodie and shorts, and despite the casual clothes, her figure was undeniably striking—with huge breasts and legs that looked both strong and sexy.
Wait...
This woman.
"You’re that woman from last night who drugged me,"
I blurted out, a mix of surprise and accusation in my voice.
A seductive smile played on her lips. "Ah, so you already realized it.
Just as I expected... No you’re more outstanding than I thought.
To be able to resist that drug and even remember it..."
She whispered leaning in so close I could feel her breath in my ear.
"Most people would actually forget their own identity if they inhaled it for as long as you did."
She moved her head, and I felt her lips brush my ear before she bit down gently on my collarbone.
A shiver ran through me, part fear, part... something else.
"As expected of my husband, I guess," she finished, pulling back with a chuckle.
"Your what?!" I sputtered, my mind completely blank with utter confusion.