After Sunset

by Nicole Renee

  “Tell me what you’re really thinking.”

  Winny ran her hands over his face, really looking at Zahir. She answered his question a minute later. “Where do I fit into this? Where do I fit into your world?”

  “Winny, can’t you see? You’ve come to mean everything to me. I know it’s not been long, but surely you can feel the pull between us.”

  She could, but she also knew that his life was filled with more of…everything. What could she possibly offer a king? And a serpent king at that?

  “I’m just Winter Frame. Book store owner and woman searching for happiness. I live a quiet existence. My life isn’t half as exciting as yours. What could I offer you that you haven’t already had or lived?”

  “You,” he said quickly. “It’s not fair, and it’s too soon to ask you to be mine forever.”

  “You, you barely know me,” she said as she stood. She started for the kitchen, but he grabbed her hand, stilling her.

  He stood hovering over her body. “I have lived for hundreds of years, and Winter Frame, no one has ever made me feel the way you do from only one glance,” he stated earnestly. “Please believe me when I tell you that you’re more than enough. You are more than I ever could have hoped for.”

  She looked into his eyes and she found herself believing him. Which was something she rarely did with people; trust them.

  “You don’t care what I am, or what I have. When you look at me, I can feel you looking at the man. And I have never felt that in my life. I want you with me, but I know that it’s not fair to expect an answer now. So I will leave you to your thoughts.”

  Alarm quickly raced through her before she found herself squeezing his arm. He paused before turning to her.

  “Wait. You can’t just leave now? After everything you just said, you walk away?” she said her voice raising at the end.

  He gave her a hopeful smile before stepping back into her personal space. “I can. Because I know it’s what you need right now. And as much as I want you, I know you have to feel the same. When you have come to a decision, I will be waiting for you, and only you Winny.”

  Before she could blink, Zahir was gone.

  18

  Akachi was in front of his home talking with Walker when Daisy came bursting out of the front doors as if the hounds of hell were on her heels. Akachi and Walker watched in amusement as she pushed her hair out of her face and straightened her dress before she noticed them.

  She looked a bit embarrassed before schooling her face into the haughty princess she was. “Good morning Akachi. Brother,” she said before looking around the two of them. When she saw her bodyguard pulling forward with the car she turned her attention back to the two men.

  “In a rush to go somewhere, sister?” Walker asked lightly. The tone of his voice made her narrow her eyes in suspicion, but she quickly shook the thought off. Her brother had no idea of who she was seeing, and who she really wanted. She kept it quiet for over two years. A couple more weeks wouldn’t hurt.

  “Ah, yes. I am going to the mall over on Canal Street. I heard they were having a sale,” she said brightly.

  “I can have Akachi accompany you. Then you-”

  “I need to get some personal items.”

  “I went with you to the lingerie store not too far from the south market area,” he deadpanned.

  She rolled her eyes before patting his shoulder. “Yes, well...”

  When she offered no further explanation, Walker shook his head. “Be careful Daisy and listen to your guard.” Before she could leave he stepped closer and spoke quietly. “I’m here if you need to talk. About anything,” he finished.

  She looked into her brother’s eyes and gave a slight nod before walking down the steps and to the car.

  Once she took off, Akachi shook his head. “What on earth was that about?”

  Sighing, Walker ran a hand through his hair. “Oh, you know the usual stuff. My sister having a secret boyfriend and not telling me because she’s afraid of my reaction,” he said casually.

  Akachi turned slowly to the man. “Ah.” He pointed behind himself. “I’m going to head out. I need to get some information for Zahir. Concerning Davien.”

  Walker’s interest was instantly piqued. “Mind if I tag along? I’ve got nothing else planned.”

  Akachi didn’t see how it could hurt. He decided to go with it for now. Besides, if Walker tried anything he could just kill him.

  As if he could read his mind, Walker smiled wickedly. “I wouldn’t give you the satisfaction, serpent man.”

  Winny found herself in a beautiful garden. It was filled with flowers both familiar and new. The sun was so bright, it was as if it was resting on the grass, and there was a waterfall that flowed into a clear blue lake. It was transparent enough that one could see their feet in the water, as well as the tiny fish, moving to and fro. Looking down at herself, Winny noticed that she was wearing all white and her hair was down her back. She glanced around the garden, at the trees filled with ripe, delicious looking fruit, noticing that no one was present.

  “Hello?” she called out.

  When she heard nothing, save for the birds chirping, she moved further into the garden and sat under a large weeping willow tree. It gave shade and the cool breeze felt good on her skin. She was so focused on the flock of lambs grazing in front of her that she didn’t notice the person sitting beside her until they spoke.

  “Isn’t it precious? To see innocent life between tiny animals?” a melodic voice said from beside her. Winny’s head snapped to the woman sitting beside her, and her mouth fell open. There were no other words to put it. She was quite possibly, the most beautiful woman she’d ever seen.

  The umber colored woman was wearing a bright yellow dress with long flowing sleeves. Her eyes were bright and clear brown, and her teeth extremely white. She wore a simple necklace with diamonds embedded, and she had her hair pulled into small braids that fell to her waist. Winny noticed that she was barefoot, and her toes were painted the same yellow as her dress. What struck Winny about the woman though, was the level of familiarity that seemed to radiate off of her. Winny knew she’d never met her, yet she felt as if she knew her. Knowing if she stared too long it would be rude, she cleared her throat before answering her.

  “Yes. Although I have never seen lambs before, I have to admit that it is endearing to witness.” After a second more of silence, Winny turned fully to her. “Who are you?” she asked bluntly.

  The woman threw her head back and laughed, causing Winny to find her more breathtaking. “I am Nova. The first Daughter of Sunrise. And you are my direct descendant.”

  Winny’s heart raced at that revelation. She heard that before. In another dream from her mother. Nova kept her eyes on Winny reading and understanding her every emotion.

  “I’ve heard of that before.”

  “I know. In a dream, you had of your parents. I made sure that you heard that conversation.”

  Winny gripped the bench under her trying to process what Nova just told her. “What do you mean ‘made sure’? You can control dreams?”

  “I can. I can also make a dual hear something via dreams that they were not a part of. And the conversation that your parents had was one of them.”

  “I can’t breathe. I need some water,” Winny gasped out.

  Immediately a glass of water appeared in Nova’s hand as she handed it over to her. She smiled encouragingly for Winny to take it, and she did after she took several deep breaths.

  She downed the glass quickly, gasping for breath when she finished. “Thank you.”

  “Anytime,” she said lightly.

  When Winny was able to sit up she turned her attention back to the woman. “You said I was a Daughter of Sunrise. What is that? And why haven’t I been told that before?”

  A troubled look came across the woman’s face before it cleared. “A Daughter of Sunrise was created by Abir. She is chosen and brings balance to the dual world. With so much conflict going on
, she helps to keep the peace. She brings balance. It is like having a strong repellent that always keeps everything bad away. They are to bring good luck and peace. They also possess power.”

  “Wouldn’t that just be an exaggerated term for a good luck charm?”

  Winny saw Nova’s eyes dance before she winked at her. “We are much more than a lucky charm.”

  She could see the playfulness in her eyes and tone of voice, and it eased some of Winny’s fears. “Do these Daughters-”

  “You, dear,” she said gently.

  Winny swallowed before continuing, “Right. Do we all have the same power or ability? Like don’t I have to be bitten by a radioactive spider or be exposed to some toxic waste causing me to morph into something else?”

  She leaned back on the bench and studied Winny. “Has anyone ever told you that you have a way with words?”

  Winny gave a rueful smile. “You could say that,” she answered.

  “To answer your question, no. You would not have to be exposed to any of those things. I’m sure as Zahir told you, every dual is born this way because Abir made it so.”

  Her eyes widened at the last statement and the woman gave an easy smile.

  “Yes, I know about that too.”

  Winny licked her lips before running her hands over her face. “But I haven’t experienced anything. My life has been normal. Extremely boring and normal. I went to school, I graduated, went on a few dates, traveled. Nothing extraordinary. Even moving to New Orleans was normal. Why should-”

  “Winny. Nothing about your life has been normal. What you failed to notice because your parents kept it from you, was you were exposed at a very young age to this world. But your father, bless his soul, wanted to protect you because he was afraid you would be exposed to things too soon. So he hid you and caused the dual side of you to fall into a deep slumber.”

  “What do you mean a slumber?”

  “Your father was a seer with extraordinary power. He was able to call upon the earth to hide you in plain sight. His mother, who was my descendant, found out and was outraged. She knew that you could not run from your destiny. If Abir deemed it so, it was meant to happen.”

  Winny turned and focused her gaze on the water. She loved her parents, and was sad about their sudden death, but she was angry in that moment. “Have I been living in a false sense of security?” Winny asked, hating what the answer would be.

  Nova reached out and squeezed her hand. “Winny, do not chastise your parents too harshly. They only wanted the best for you. And you have been living as a human. So I can’t for certain say you’ve been living in a false sense. More so ignorance than anything else. But that is not your fault,” she ended squeezing her hand.

  “What else has been out of the ordinary?”

  She looked into Winny’s eyes before speaking slowly. “Winny. The bookstore was never there. You wanted it in that exact location and it appeared.”

  Winny kept shaking her head in disbelief at the woman’s words and began to laugh. She felt her eyes tearing up and her laughter turned hysterical. She now felt as if she were losing her mind. Nova said nothing only stared at her until she quieted a bit.

  When she did the woman placed her other hand over her heart and looked into her eyes. “Remember,” she whispered and suddenly Winny did.

  She gasped as she saw herself walking down the busy street. She glanced around the block before she said, “Hmm. If there was a bookstore here, I could purchase it.” The next morning she returned, in the same location she was standing in the previous day was as the store. A man came out of the building and handed her the keys saying that the paperwork was already mailed to her. Winny stood in the shop and closed it behind her. When Winny blinked she focused back on Nova.

  “Why don’t I have any memory of this?”

  “Because your dual side was locked away. It fights to come to the surface, but it outweighs the human side. It’s like working a muscle. The human side has been fit and can adapt. But the dual side of you has not. So there will be moments when you may have experience memory gaps or had no recollection of what happened. That is why your mother was against it. It’s very dangerous for a Daughter of Sunrise to never be fully aware and in control of herself.”

  “Why are you telling me this now?”

  “You know why, Winny. Because it is time for you to live. Really live. And I have the utmost confidence that Zahir will show you the way,” she said with an intense look.

  Winny felt her cheeks heat. “He knows?”

  Nova shook her head before offering her a sad smile. “No, he does not. And the reason is that I made it so. It serves as a protection mechanism.”

  “Wouldn’t that be like suppressing it?”

  “No,” it is important that you know who you are, but others cannot.”

  “Why?”

  “Because it does more harm than good. To distinguish a Daughter of Sunrise there is a small golden mark placed on the skin under the right breast. Yours will show now that you know who you are.”

  “Will it also awaken my dual?”

  Nova hovered her hand over her chest and smiled. “I can feel her rising. She’s glad to be coming back to you. But she needs help. And I believe your friend Amara, a very strong seer in her own right, Will be able to assist you.”

  Winny was stunned at that. “She’s a seer?”

  “Yes. She can see the future and things of the past. She has been around much longer than you can imagine, and my guess is that she’s been waiting for this very moment.”

  “Other than me knowing of myself, why did I need to know at this time?”

  She stood, silent for a long while before turning to Winny. “Because you are going to be needed by one person. And you need them just as much. I must go now Winny, and so must you.”

  Standing quickly, Winny grabbed ahold of her hand. “Wait! Will I ever see you again?” Nova tilted her head to the sun before she sighed in pleasure. “You will. And I cannot wait for that day.”

  Shouting aloud, Winny sat up in her bed and groaned at the slightly dizzy feeling that came over her. She glanced at her clock and noticed it was noon. She’d been sleeping later than usual and typically that would bother her, but her body felt too drained to care. She blinked a couple of times before she threw her legs out of bed. She wondered why she was in her apartment above the shop, and then she remembered the conversation she had with Zahir yesterday. When he left, she was so thrown by everything that she decided to stay the night in her shop. She had taken a shower and climbed into bed. She pulled the covers over her head like she used to as a child and forced her mind to be quiet.

  And then she had that dream.

  Only it wasn’t a dream, it was real, and she could feel it. At first, she was ready to deny it even happened until she looked down at herself. And saw that she was in the same dress as she was in the garden.

  “This is crazy,” she whispered. And it was. Suddenly, she went from a boring bookstore owner to a Daughter of Sunrise? And she had abilities? She loved superheroes, but she never thought she would morph into one. Being able to meet with her ancestor. The very first of her line was a humbling experience.

  Nova.

  And while she was kind, she was honest. Telling Winny the truth, and not sugarcoating it with countless lies. It also let her know that she too was a part of the dual world. That it wasn’t just Zahir’s world. And that was what made her accept who she was more than anything. Winny could admit, at least to herself, the real reason why she was so hesitant to believe him. He was a supernatural being, and she was just human.

  But not anymore. Not ever, actually. She never had any trouble jumping into whatever, and accomplishing what others could not. She was powerful and strong. She was on his level. And she could help keep him safe. Winny had lost her parents. She didn’t want to lose anyone else. She was tired of feeling as if at any moment her world could come crashing down if she cared, or trusted someone too much. It was the real reason
she kept away from men. She was afraid of truly committing.

  But no more.

  Leaning over her bed, she grabbed her phone and dialed Amara.

  She picked up on the first ring. “Hello?”

  “I need you to come to the bookstore now.”

  “Winny-”

  “I know. About everything. Be here in thirty minutes.”

  There was silence before her voice flooded with relief. “I’m on the way.”

  “Wow,” Amara said, gaping at Winny in shock. The two were sitting in her living room in the apartment above the bookstore. Winny had confessed everything that happened since she’d last spoken to Amara. She knew that it was okay to share what she had learned during her dream with Amara since she was a seer and Nova said she would need her help.

  “You sure have been busy in the last couple of weeks,” she said off-handedly.

  Winny hit her arm, causing her to wince.

  “Ow!” Amara said loudly.

  Rolling her eyes Winny sighed. “So, you can help me, right? I mean, Nova knew that you could.”

  She smiled at the thought. “I know this is all strange, and a tad freaky to you, but please let me be the first to say that I think it’s cool that you spoke to your ancestor. I can’t imagine what that must’ve felt like,” she breathed.

  Now that Winny had gotten over the shock, she too was just as much in awe as her friend. “It was extraordinary. I cannot believe it myself. I’ve pinched myself numerous times throughout the afternoon to make sure it was all real. Amara, she was absolutely beautiful. But the kind of beauty that you never would expect to see in your own lifetime.”

  The two were silent for a moment. They both heard knocking on the front of the bookstore and they ignored it. When it stopped the two continued.

  “Anyway, she said that you could help me. I just need for you to-”

  “Bring your dual to life. It would be my honor, Winny. It won’t take long. I even have the book with me.”