Sanctuary of Memories

(Neva’s POV)

I had barely responded when the woman turned the bookstore’s “Open” sign to “Closed.”

My lips felt glued together, my heart pounding with uncertainty. The faint smell of old pages and candle wax hung in the air, yet something colder crept under my skin; it was the fear of the unknown.

She turned slowly, brushing her silver hair behind her ear, and walked back toward me with graceful s