Was it crazy to shower before getting answers about mystic script glowing across my back?

Probably.

If I was going to meet my end it would be on my terms and with clean underwear. I needed to ditch Ben and get some answers. Reading dead languages, in a mirror, while they move proved a little difficult.

I came out of the bathroom to face a grinning Ben.

"How's the weather out there this morning?" I asked.

Good. I could totally be inconspicuous.

He peered in the direction of the window. "Looks to be Sunny with a 68.99 percent chance of hail and lightning."

"Wow really? How did you know? Some of your wolfy super senses?"

"No." He laughed and shook his head. He stopped and stood still. "You going to tell me what's up?

"What's up? The sky is up. Duh." I snorted.

"Sure. I'm going to meet up with my Beta and see how Eva is doing. Then I'll meet up with you and Damon. You going to be okay while I'm gone?"

"I'm fine. I'm just going to do some research next door."

"Alright then. I'll see you soon. Don't wonder off without telling anyone where you are going first."

"Okay." I figured the less I fought his over protective instincts the faster he would leave and the sooner I could get some answers.

I followed him after feeding Luna and giving her a few treats. I didn't want her trading me in for Damon.

I tried to be more carefree than I felt as I went down the stairs and into the Hideout. I went into the kitchen to find Lila and Morse fast at work and a fresh cup of coffee waiting for me. Probably cold again. 

"Morning."

"Good morning." They said in unison.

"Working like a well oiled machine today I see."

"Morse has been amazing. I'm really grateful for his help. The place is packed with regulars that usually come on different days since we were closed. I guess their instant coffee and day old baked good weren't enough."

"Can you blame them? Nothing is better than your fresh goods Lila."

She smiled warmly and shrugged. "I guess you are right."

"I'm going to go visit Han. Do you have anything I can take to him?"

"Sure grab some of the caramel pecan rolls. One batch had a bit too much caramel."

"Perfect."

I walked to where she pinted and put two in a bag. "I shouldn't be too long. Just want to have a bit of a chat. I can help with the shop after if you want?"

"We are doing well. People are just glad we are open. I'll see you in a bit."

I didn't mind helping and tried to as much as I could. Sometimes the regulars made me feel a little weird. Like a tingling on the back of my neck and a hum in the air. I knew some were gods. Mostly minor and few odds and ends of creatures and a ton of humans. I like to people watch there. Even the Fae would come and pay a visit for some of Lila's honey cakes.

I found my way to Old Man Han's. The sign read open and I went inside. His shop didn't have the in person patrons like the Hideout. Most preferred to be in the respective homes and call in orders. Han would have their items delivered.

"Mr. Han?" My voice echoed just a little. I felt like the space seemed bigger on the inside compared to the dimensions outside.

"In here."

I followed his voice to the customary couches and coffee table. New stacks of books and parchment surrounded him like a fort. I could see the top of his head and only just.

"I brought you some treats."

"Oh wonderful. I was begging to feel a bit peckish. Help me move these and we can enjoy the fare you brought. I'll make us some tea as well."

"Thank you."

I practiced the words for the request I wanted to make. I wanted to sound nonchalant and brave like glowing script happened all the time. Maybe in this world it did. Out of the corner of my eye I could see a white creature dashing from one alcove to the next holding parchment of some kind. Then just as fast it was gone.

We sat quietly eating the wonderfully gooey sticky buns and licked a little caramel off the side of my mouth and finish it with the gentle tea Mr. Han routinely prepared.

"Mr. Han, I'm not quite sure how to say this but with you I believe it's best to be straight to the point."

He ushered me to continue.

"I have been experiencing some odd things. Some of them I could brush off from exhaustion, or tricks of the light, but this one is hard to dispute. I seem to have words across my back. Magic glowing words."

I waited for the shock and awe, but much to his stead fast credit he remained calm.

"Shall we have a look?"

"Yes please."

I positioned my shirt to keep my modesty and give Mr Han the best possible view.

My blood rushed in my ears and I practiced my breathing. So much for being brave and infallible. Distant ticking from one of the clocks in the shop made the time seem never ending.

"Nothing to worry about my child. It's just a bit of a story a history is perhaps a better word. I believe the book you touched rubbed off on you. I can give you something to help and make sure it goes back to where it belongs."

I bit my lip. "What about my eyes and what history?"

"Your eyes are unrelated. As you know humans have great affinity for magic. You my dear have a high one. Sometimes emotions or stress can trigger a release of excess." He patted my shoulder and continued. "The history is of the Sky People. It is a sad tale and really not worth me mentioning."

He seemed so resolute I didn't have a hope of getting more information from him. I deflated a bit and readjusted my shirt.

He studied my face and added. "I will tell you the story of their people in more detail another day. I have some business to attend to. Please do not fret my child. Wisdom comes with time and so does history."

"Thank you for your time." I finished my tea and felt better.

"You are very welcome child. I will see you soon."

Questions swirled around and I left with more than what I came with. Life had a wicked sense of humor and irony. I left the shop and found Ben and Damon waiting for me.

"That was fast. You guys are both done with checking in?"

"Eva is doing well."

"I'm glad to hear it." I smiled the relief evident on my face.

"I got the results back from the blood sample. It's human, female. I waiting to see if there is a match in the chip data base. It may take a couple days. I've pushed it as much as possible."

As much as I disagreed with the councils way of doing things they sure have ways to get things done.

"Looks like we are going dancing. It's lady's night at the Toxic Ozone."