Pandora's Box
Chapter 3

Followyour gut!

I didn’t hesitate,I reached for my seatbelt, unlocking it. I reached for the door handle withoutthought and the driver shouted at me. I shoved open the door of the cab,ignoring the shouts of the driver, who suddenly came to a jarring halt. Inseconds, the driver was out, with a furious shout he came around the car and Imoved.

Don’tget your fingers caught on the door.

I closed the dooras he curled his hand around it and not expecting me to close it so suddenlyafter opening it, he was yanked forward with the pull. The door slammed in hardand on four of his fingers with a sickening thunk.

He screamed and Ididn’t waste a second, crawling to the other side and flinging the door andthrowing myself out, bag in tow and I started running.

Whateverhappens, run. And don’t stop running until your safe for now!

I didn’t dare slowdown, my feet flying over the road and my breathing heavy and chest heavy but Icould hear the heavy footfalls behind me and the panic grew.

OhGod, no! Come on, keep running-

A force on my backhad me falling forward awkwardly, skidding painfully on my knees and palms. Irolled over quickly and the driver stood over me. Except, he didn’t look muchlike he had before.

In the car’slights, his body seemed to grow a few feet in height and muscle, his clotheshung in stretched and torn rags over his shoulders and hips. His hair raggedand hanging around his head. His eyes glowed a horrible, sickly yellow as hestormed towards me.

Christ!

“Where’s the box?”

Hellno!

I quickly turned tomy feet and started running. My breath was suddenly cut of as the monstersnagged the back of my coats hood, making me gasp from the sudden cut of airand again when my back was slammed on the earth.

I gasped like a fish,begging for air, my lungs aching and my back groaned in frustration from theharshness.

“Bloody...hell...”I gasp but a sudden tightness around my neck lifted me off the ground, my feetdangling a few inches off the ground as the beast stared down at me.

“Where is the box?”His voice boomed quietly, his breath hot and rancid made me gag and my eyeswater. His entire face had enlarged, more angled, his lower jaw jutted out andhuge yellowed fangs sticking out from his lower jaw.

OhGod, help me.

I scratched at thethick, leathery hide of its hand that gripped my neck tightly, my air coming inshallowly, but the beast didn’t budge.

“Where is the box,wretch?” The beast snarled. “Or I pluck out bits and pieces of you until youspeak.” He shook me slightly, my body swaying like a rag doll. I gasped forair, but the beast repeated his words.

Thebastard will kill me without realizing it!

“Where. Is. The.Box?” He shook me harder. “WHERE IS THE BOX, OR I RIP THOSE EYES OUT SLOWLY!?”He raised his other hand, gnarly fingers with dirtied yellow and brown clawsmoved towards my face.

But with hisshaking, once he brought me closer, I struck.

I stabbed it inboth eyes with my fingers right back and he shrieked, yellowed eyes glisteningand closing and his grip loosened. Dropping to the ground, I tried to ignorethe desperation of air and grabbed the first thing I could replace. A longarm-thick, branch and swung it around and upwards.

The beast droppedto his knees with a high-pitched howl, his hands cupping between his legs and Iswiped the branch against his face, knocking him over. With the beastmomentarily down, I turned and I was running for my life. I ran towards thecar, the cars awfully bright lights making it hard to see ahead, I hoped itwould slow down the beast behind me.

I could hear itsgrunts and snarls as it came after me.

Christ,work those legs faster already!

The cold air didlittle to dispel the heat and terror coursing through my body. Gripping thebranch, I whirled around suddenly on my foot, branch extended out and it madecontact.

But not goodenough.

With a sudden blowto my stomach that had me folding back and sliding down the road, landing hardon my back once again with a dull thump that echoed throughout my body and myhead aching and blurring.

My ears wereringing, my vision above, was blurry and pale-yellow lights fading in and outas the it stood over me, dark and looming, terrifying.

Daphne,Father, Sisters...mother...I barely even started.

I tried to crawlaway, but my body felt heavy and sore, my body exhausted and something warmtrickled down my cheek, my head pounding like a hammer trying to get out.

“Where is the box?”

I could hear thefinality in the creature’s voice and with gritted teeth, I spat out.

“Skatáston táfo sou!” I threw my fist upwards, slamming itagainst his nose. He growled, his hand tightening around my coat collar andraised his elongated claws over my face.

I threw my armsover my face as his arm shot down, preparing to take the blow on my arms in thehopes I could possibly survive. Except the cars lights suddenly grew brighter,almost blinding to me, almost whiting and piercing. The beast snarled, glancingover his shoulder as the lights moved from behind and with a snarl, he shovedme against the ground, my head throbbing further from the continued assault.The grip on my collar loosened, the heavy, looming body over me gone and it wasbright. My vision dimmed in and out and the creature was gone from my sightabove me and the lights were faded, my eyes and head breathing in relief.

Another shadowsuddenly loomed over me, a different shape, the light made it difficult to seeas their face was shadowed. Muffled sounds reached my ears, but it felt like Iwas underwater. Groaning, I covered my eyes, water stinging them and my bodyfelt cold and wet. I felt my body moving as someone lifted me up, then backdown somewhere warmer, softer, less painful.

I wanted to move. Icouldn’t stop. There was going to be danger everywhere.

But my bodycollapsed in relief and I sank into sweet oblivion with very little choice.

The first thing Iwas greeted with was the smells.

It reminded me ofthose hotdogs I had with Daphne in the park. My mouth was dry like sand, myhead felt like it was filled with cobwebs and my back groaned when I slowlyrolled up into a sitting position.

The smells weredelicious, homey, and made my stomach grumble furiously.

Then followed thesounds. The muffled sounds grew louder the more I roused from my slumber. A TVwas playing not far, the voices low and a distant unimportant thrum compared tothe louder, clearer voice that spoke a few feet away. Opening my eyes slowly,preparing for the onslaught on brightness, which wasn’t too bright at least, myeyes adjusted easily to the lightning and then my surroundings.

Wheream I now? Did I die and wake up somewhere again?

Using my elbows topush myself up, I found myself with a thick red and brown thick checker blanketplaced over me, a soft pillow where my head had lain and my clothes, slightlywet from the rain, thankfully remained untouched.

“-yeah, sorry aboutthe sudden call. Just something came up. Yeah, I’ll be in tomorrow. ThanksDoris. I owe you one. Yeah, just keep the class on the same content.”

The voice, a man’s,deep and all too clear, moved closer suddenly near my head, the shadow ofsomeone passing over me and I flopped back, as if I playing dead helped at all.

“-reminders thatthe work is due tomorrow on the dot. No exceptions, unless it’s a good one.Yeah, thanks. Okay, Doris, goodluck. Yeah, bye.” The voice quietened and thenthere was a sigh, the person moving away though his steps were light and couldhardly be heard.

“If you’re hungry Ihave some breakfast ready to go.” The voice suddenly spoke sharply, making meflinch from the suddenness and I waited to see if anyone else would answer. Aheavy sigh, like a parent’s patience being pushed followed.

“Yes, I am talkingto the lady on my couch.”

Damn,sneaking out wasn’t much of an option. But whoever he was, did saveme...maybe...

Slowly, I sat up,keeping the blanket pulled around my shoulders and my back protested brieflyuntil I gave a simple stretch. My body hurt less than I remembered, stillaching but fine nonetheless. My head ached less but I was starving and thirsty.I glanced at my surroundings which was quite beautiful and very open. I waslaid on a very comfortable long sofa of a lovely, deep blue colour. Anothersofa across from mine, a small wooden table between the sofas with a large,rugged carpet on the floor. A fire was on closest to my feet which felt niceand toasty warm. A huge black rectangle screen was placed on the wall near thefire, figures moving around on screen, the volume lowered.

Looking back, aspaced-out area with a dining table for at least four people stood next to ahuge window that was just the one wall. A window that looked outside which wasdark but the outline of trees could just be seen in the distance. A kitchen onthe other side of the dining table and the man who had spoken slipped aroundthe counter, holding a plate and glass in his hands which he laid down on thetable.

“Are you hungry ornot?”

“Uh, Naí.I mean, yes.” I slowly stood up, the blanket dropping back on the sofa andstepped around the sofa and closer to the dining table where the man wasplacing another plate of food down with a glass filled with hopefully water. Heslowly turned around facing me, brow raised questioningly as his eyes fell onme.

He was tall. Verytall, at least a couple heads taller than me. His shoulders were broader thanDaphne’s or even Father Marios. He wore a rounded neckline, grey jumper andsome loose black pants and white socks. Despite his very quiet, casual attire,everything about him pulled a gut reaction.

But the gutreaction I could not read, except the intimidation I felt from his gaze wasintense.

His hair was a messof dark brown or black curls, a couple curls that curled charmingly over hisright eye and at the back of his neck. Charming or not, the shadows of thatcurl over his right eye gave him a darker look, made his eyes which appeared adeep, warm autumn brown, darker than one might think. His face was sharp anglesthat cut a girl’s heart. Sharp nose, a sharp jawline and strong, pointed chin,thin lips that while pursed in obvious frustration, would make Aphroditeherself weep from envy.

The rumpled clotheshe wore did very little to hide the obvious muscle over his body, which were extremelyobvious with his arms folded across his chest. Muscles that would make Herculeshimself proud and envious.

If I must be sohonest, he was beautiful. Beautiful and terrifying.

“I don’t plan onhurting you already.” The man sighed, unfolding his arms and moving away to sitdown at the head of the table. Without another look at me, he opened thenewspaper beside his plate open and began to read, ignoring me.

Twothings I have here. This could be a trick, to lure me into a false sense ofsecurity. If this goes bad, I have no idea where I am or how to get back-

“Your stuff is onthe sofa where you slept by the way.”

Startled, I glancedback at the sofa and saw my brown, bag hanging over the arm and I quicklypicked it up and found all my items, my ID, money card and transport card andsome money still inside.

Along with thephone that Daphne gave me.

Okay,the chance that maybe, I am safe. For now.

Taking a deepbreath, I took the seat with the plate of food and a glass of water in it. Theman barely glanced at me, while I kept to myself and a tense silence took overthe room

“Um, efcharistó. Thankyou, I mean. For helping me from uh, that man. Did, did they get away?”

The man stoppedreading, glancing up at me, a frown marring his face, his dark eyes so harshand intense, it was difficult to look straight at them.

“The man,” The manmuttered, brow raised. “is a coward for attacking someone in the middle ofnowhere and then running off like a coward.” The man shook the newspaper so itsat upright. “Don’t thank me. I called the cab company to alert them, though Ithink he might not be a real driver and may have stolen that cab.”

“Oh, um thank you.”I bit my lip, frustration warring with me. That beast would no doubt havegotten away by now and this man must be unaware of what he almost came across.Actually, this man was human like me. That beast could’ve easily killed him ashe was about to with me...

Sowhy did it suddenly leave?

“Um, where, wheream I right now?” I stammered, trying to remember the words as I spoke.

“Youspeak Greek?” The man suddenly spoke clear Greek tome.

"Naí,uh, yes but I like to speak English. I am still learning it.” The man’s lipstwitched slightly at my stumped words before sipping his large glass ofsteaming liquid inside.

“If you want to.And yeah, not bad with the English. You speak any other languages?”

“No.”

“Well, you’re doingwell.”

“Uh, thank you.”

“And to answer yourquestion, you’re at my place. I would’ve taken you to a hospital but the roadsat night can be pretty shit with this weather. Plus, I have done medicaltraining. No concussion at least, you’ll just have a couple wicked bruises thenext couple days.”

Delightful.

“Anyway, we are upin Greenwich, just on the outskirts of the town.” He took a bite of his toastand muttered around it. “Where did you mean to go last night?”

Lastnight?

As if reading mythoughts, he brushes the crumbs off his jaw.

“You’ve been asleepfor about eight hours. It’s half past nine now.”

“Okay,” I murmured.“Um, I was meant to go see someone. Some family. It was important. But the cabdriver went a different direction and I didn’t realize until too late.”

The man kept hisfocus unmoving from me, though his eyes darkened immensely, my fingers grippedthe edge of the wooden table out of nerves.

“I see.” The manhummed, the underlying harshness of it making me shiver. “Well, god forbid Iever see him then. So, where is it you need to go? If I can, I’ll help.”

“Um, no. It’s fine.I just need directions.”

“Are you planningon walking there? Is it far from Greenwich?”

OhGod, I had no blasted idea.

“I, uh, I am notsure. I am not from here.”

The man remainedsilent, his gaze on my face and everywhere he looked, I could almost feel it.My skin flushed hotly at his gaze, but my irritation and worry took over, myhackles rising.

“What’s theaddress?”

Ido need help replaceing which way to get there. Daphne’s phone is unresponsive.

Thankfully she gaveme the address on another sheet of paper, with the address Plan B still in mybag at least.

“Uh, I need to getto this address.” I gave the man, the paper with the address and his facebecame a little more tense as he read the address and turned to me slowly.

“Jesus Christ,lady. You must’ve been going far in the wrong direction.” He shook his head, astrange expression on his face and he sighed heavily. “This address is in LongIsland. It’s almost a two-hour drive from here.” He shook his head, laughing humourlessly.“You really have no clue where you are going that’s for sure.”

“There is no needto be rude about it.” I snapped, arms folding across my chest and he snorted.

“Forgive me then,but who doesn’t pay attention to their directions.” He handed me the sheet ofpaper back, scratching the back of his head, his frown marring his forehead.“If you need to get there asap, I can’t take you.” My hope dimmed, though Itried to admonish my thoughts.

Thisis a stranger. You don’t know who to trust now.

“But I can take youinto the city and you can catch your own lift to there. I have classes in thecity so I’ll be going tomorrow, if that works with you.”

Well,that was something at least. As long as he doesn’t drive off in the middle ofnowhere. I don’t really have a choice now.

“Okay. That wouldbe greatly appreciated.”

“I don’t suppose Icould ask the name of the maiden I saved in the middle of the night?”

“I am no maiden.And I am, uh, Dora. Dora Fields.” Thank you, Daphne.

The man’s browraised, his lips twitching as he nodded his head slowly, drawing out his words.

“Riiiiggghht. Dora.Suits you.” His words were mocking but he resumed his stoic expression with asharp nod. “My names Warren. Warren Red. And I’d entertain you if I had themanners right now, but I have some students to worry about at the moment.”

Students?

I would’ve takenslight offense or relief to that comment, except hearing he had students...

“You are ateacher?”

“Yeah, sure. I am aHistorical and Mythology Professor at the City College of New York.” Warrenturned back to the large machine on the desk that he unfolded and it lit upbrightly and he was gazing intently at the screen. “You’re welcome to dowhatever, just don’t break anything, Dora. If you’d like a shower, the showeris down the hall and at the very end. I have some spare clothes if you’d like towear for now on the sofa and towels are in the shower. Off you go.”

Whatwas his problem?

Trying to ignoreit, with a couple of large pieces of clothing in hand, I left the living roomarea and following his instructions, went down the hall on my left and openingit found a large and spacious bathroom. Much lighter and cleaner or newerlooking than the churches bathroom.

The walls a whitefrom a glossy squared piece all over with dark blue floors. A circular blue rugsat next to the shower and bath. A couple windows high up brought in somenatural light.

The shower was purerelief on my body, which felt dirtied and grimy from last night. I was temptedto just live in the shower with the steaming water on my flesh. But the heatwas strong and I felt a drowsiness start to come upon me. Drying and dressingin the garments given to me, which were twice my size and practically hung offmy body. The pant legs too long, I had to take into account after tripping overthem a couple time. Rolling up the waist line of the pants a few times did helpa little but still, I must look like I’ve been swallowed up in fabric.

And judging by thelook on that man’s face, he agrees.

I glared at him buthe was back to focusing on the screen in front of him.

That left me withno idea what I could do.

I glanced at the TVwhich was on and playing something, though I was very lost, the languageneither English nor Greek. A woman seemed distressed and upset, a man seemedforlorn and angry before he suddenly swept the woman into his arms while shespeaking and kissed her that had her going silent and swooning in his arms.

Huh,so the acting is pretty good. What a kiss that would have to be.

I tilted my head asI watched the people on the TV, intrigued though I barely understood, the actingwas pure emotion, deeply thoughts and feelings. Obviously, a romance, and therewere issues between the couple.

Iguess this all I can really do.

But as I watchedthe couple on the TV, my mind drifted to a face that smiled with a goldenwarmth and pure delight and had leaned in close and-

No!Don’t think of him right now. It’ll only hurt me to try to imagine what he mayhave gone through.

The TV couple fadedinto black and gone, the performance finished and I sighed despondently. Theygot something of a happy ending, though there seemed to always be acomplication following them no matter what.

I leaned back onthe sofa, unsure of what to do when my gaze fell on the wall which I didn’ttake notice of before. There were some paintings and portraits so life-like itwas a capture of the moment.

Aphoto, Daphne had said. Where light can catch the scene before you. Orsomething like that.

There were photosof Warren with some people, dressed and at what appeared to be a type of party,shaking hands and a tense smile on his face.

Warren, it seemedwas not an open friendly face.

Then there a couplebooks placed about irregularly on the counter, and a couple paintings placedover the wall neatly and strategically.

“They aren’t realpaintings. Just something from museums and other places.” Warren called outbehind me while I gazed over the pieces. “I wish I could have the realpaintings since some of them are quite stunning, but this good enough for me.”

I glanced at thewords at the bottom of the closest picture of a woman on water holding a glassbowl.

CirceInvidiosa, John William Waterhouse, 1892

A small bronze headitem rested atop the books askew on the counter, a gnarly woman’s face, jawsparted in a furious scream and snakes curled around her head. There were someother items, but the next image nailed to the wall made me freeze.

My heart thuddedsharply before slowing down, a heavy breath escaping me.

It was a paintingdone on a long piece of cloth like fabric that reached to my waist and wasnailed a few heads above me. Strands of the fabric caressed in line with mywaist. A nail stuck in the wall at the top and held it up with a piece of thin,white rope. The painting depicted four imposing figures, atop of the other,riding on stallions of their colours, barring their weapons.

I didn’t have tolook to know the exact colours they wore or their stallions.

“Found it in somemarketplace and it was a nice piece. Really well painted. A little violent andintense, but it sparks something when you look at it.”

I gulped silentlyto myself. It sparked fear and memories for me.

“When the worldcrumbles from fear and chaos and yet goes silent, it is the calm before thestorm. That very storm leads the way from the four winds, with it comes thehorsemen to bring forth the apocalypse. The storm has arrived.”

“The Four Horsemenof the Apocalypse, and the God above who unleashed them upon the world” Imutter, glancing over my shoulder at Warren, who stared at the painting with hisbrows pinched and lips pursed deep in thought. “You seem pretty...insightful,or awe-inspired by them.”

“I hardly admirethem. Nor do I see them as Godlike awe-inspiring. Depending on what belief theycame from, to me, it's nothing to worship or admire.” Warren’s expression wasdark, his brows furrowed and unreadable expression on his face as he thoughtcarefully. “They were brought into the world to cause further chaos and terror.Your supposed harbingers of war, death, famine and conquest. There isn’t muchto say about them. I only believe they were just metaphors for all of those.They did not bring death or war or disasters. War and death were happening longbefore they were supposedly created by Gods hands.”

“But there arealways many interpretations of historical and mythical events. At least theyaren’t real.”

...Atleast they aren’t roaming the Earth anymore.

Well,most of them.

“Do you believe theGod who released them, felt guilt for unleashing such disaster?” I whisper, Iwasn’t sure if he heard me but he glanced at the top of the painting at the Godpainted with angelic light all around him, his arms open for Godly embrace.

“Depends on the Godwho set them upon the world. The Four horsemen come from the Christian Faith.But their God did not release the four for nefarious purposes. It was eitherjudgement day, to punish a quarter of the Earth’s population.”

“Some speculate theFour Horsemen were part of the seven deadly sins. Though I wouldn’t quite sayso in that regards. In Christian Faith, they were just workers from work todeal the blow they were asked to do.” Warren scratched the bridge of his noseas he glanced down the painting at the bottom to the fourth horsemen. “Or thereis some thought that they were of nefarious purposes but that would be acreation by a God who barely hid his displeasure of humanity.”

“You mean Zeusthen.”

“But the woman tookoff the great lid of the jar with her hands and scattered, all these and herthought caused sorrow and mischief to men. Only Hope remained there in anunbreakable home within under the rim of the great jar, and did not fly out atthe door; for ere, the lid of the jar stopped her, by the will of Aegis-holdingZeus who gathers the clouds.”

I stared at Warrenat the words he spoke and he smirked humourlessly.

“Is that...”

“Pandora and herbox of horrors. So, yes it depends on the God you believed released the four. Ihave no care for it. If Pandora was created for such a petty ploy, then, inmind, Zeus is no more than a kid playing with forces out of his reach and outof his care.”

“Pandora though,” Ibreathed evenly through my nose, trying to control my irritation. The walls ofmy memories trying to break in, feeling me break. “She played the part Zeusmade for her though. Do you think she would be happy with what she did, withwhat she accidentally released on humanity?” I turned to Warren, keeping myexpression as calm as I could. “Your tone implies Pandora was nothing more thana fool. Do you think she was, considering she was a product of each of thetwelve Olympians? She was made for their beckoning, their whispered words andto follow along without realizing it.”

Warren remainedsilent there, though his expression remained a frown but the corner of his lipstwitched slightly.

“Truthfully, I trynot to bring work onto other people. Obviously, you know a thing or two, soit’s always entertaining sharing thoughts.” He explains through his words, butI hear a mockery within and it is infuriating. But I breathe slowly and shakemy head.

“Interesting indeed.Maybe apply your thoughts to those who are of less open-minded.” Sighing, Istep away, glancing over the other pieces of work he has decorating his wallsbriefly before curtly taking a spot in the lounge and sitting on the sofa.

Mr. Red turnedaway, though his smirk was prominent and returned to his place at the table,while I turned to the TV and tried to focus on the screen before me.

I didn’t need to betold I was the reason for such catastrophe. I already felt guilty and upsetover it...and if that was how the stories perceived me as, then they weren’twrong.

I was a fool. But Iwas a puppet just following the strings of fate.

I think he waslaughing at me. And it was far from amusing. But he didn’t say anything as Iheld my bag like a shield in front of me. I think he understood enough, didn’tstop him from making me feel like a child.

“You look like apetulant child, that your name very much suits you.”

I gritted my teethin irritation, keeping my gaze out the window as Warren drove down the quietroads.

It was early and Ididn’t sleep as well as I would like to in a stranger’s home, though a part ofme was both trusting and wary. It was pure stupidity to trust anyone and Iwanted nothing more than to go back to the Church and see for my own eyes thateveryone was okay.

But I had my job todo.

I needed to see theFates...if they would see me despite being late for this meeting. Fates weren’ttoo understanding for any reasons or excuses.

“Did you sleep alright?”

“Um, well enough Iguess.” I sigh, keeping my gaze on the outside of the car and watching the lushlandscape go by smoothly.

“So, Dora, whatbrings you to New York anyways?”

My frown grew atthe question, my wariness creeping by as I struggled to replace a good enoughanswer.

“I uh, came to seesome family in Long Isle.”

“Long Island.”

“Right.”

“What family? Whatdoes your family do?”

Oh,for the love of God.

“Um, not too sure.I’m not very close with them. I just needed to see them, for personal reasons.First time in New York, and I got a bit lost.”

“No kidding.”Warren muttered, glancing at the mirror above and moving amongst other cars.“And what do you do?”

“What do you mean?”

"Do youwork? Study? You’re from Greece? Where in Greece you from?" Warrenspoke clear, easy Greek and it was easier to speak back though I remainedunsure of what on Earth to say.

“I,um, don’t work.” I stammered. “I, uhsometimes help at Church though.” I guess that was as good as a job Icould have at the moment.

“Church,huh. So, would you say you’re quite religious? I mean, you assume to know a bitof your Greek history and such.”

“Um,I guess, I, uh believe in the higher powers out there but I wouldn’t go as farto say that I worship them.” Iglanced at Warren. “Would you say you’re a believer of God?”

He was silent for awhile, that I started to think he didn’t listen to me until he finally spoke.

“Ibelieve a higher power for all religions, not just one. But doesn’t mean I goout of my way to pray or show off my beliefs. I doubt the Gods need furtheradoration.”

Fairenough.

“So,how is Greece these days?” I blanched atthe question but Warren thankfully didn’t seem to notice, glancing away out theother side of the window. “I haven’t been to Greece for a few years,and it’s always beautiful.”

“It’sstill beautiful. It’s uh, home, so to me I guess, nothing too much to say aboutit.” I bit my lip, cringinginwardly. “What about you? Where are you from?” Warren’s lipscurled slightly.

“It’scomplicated. I was born in Athens, but I’m hardly Greek.”

Well,it was something at least.

“Doyou have family, in Greece?”

“Ihave no family anymore.” Warren grewsilent briefly, gaze flickering to me slightly, his eyes glazing softly. “Iused to briefly, but they were taken long ago.”

“Oh,” I didn’t need to ask further, thoughsomething in his tone said there was much more to it. It was not my business topry. I could understand the loss of family and if this ordinary human knew thetruth of who I am and my family, he might believe me insane. “I amsorry. I didn’t mean to pry. But I understand, I mean the loss of family. My family- well, most of them,” I backtracked quickly, stammering over mywords. “They were taken from me when I was younger. And it stillhurts.”

Warren didn’t saymuch, just silently staring ahead into the foggy landscape before us and hiseyes flickered with an unknown expression before his lips curled mildly.

“Yes,I guess you would understand.”

He didn’t sayanything more, just leant over and played with the radio until music played andit was far from soft and lovely than the last one, I’d heard in Daphne’s car.

The drive waslonger than I expected, my legs were starting to ache and so was my backside. Ishifted awkwardly, lifting myself to relieve the pain from sitting for so long,feeling my back groan.

My constantshimmying and moving around drew a pair of dark eyes on me. Glancing up brieflyat the eyes that stared at me with one raised brow and a questioning look hadme stop my moving around and slump back into my seat, my face aflame at the wayI might have looked moving around.

Hadesjust drag me through the car to the underworld to escape this eternalembarrassment.

“Arewe close?”

Warren breathed indeeply, shaking his head and I am certain I heard a few words about childishand impatient. I but my tongue to keep my words to myself, keeping my gaze outthe window.

“We’llbe in the city in minutes. We left early, so I can drop you at the subway soyou can get to Long Island.”

“Thesubway? You mean the train?” Iremembered Daphne mentioning subway was another word for train but was alsomistaken for a type of food place.

“Yes,the train underground.”

Warren drove inamongst cars, slipping down the busy streets despite it being so busy. Until heeventually pulled up a silently quieter street but had a few people walkingalong the footpaths. People disappeared behind some walls, walking down stairsor walking up from the stairs behind a sloped wall.

“Isthat,”

“Thatleads down to the subway. If you’ve got your metro card, you just scan it andgo ahead.”

“Thereare some maps I’m sure in there and just ask someone which train to take toLong Island. Surely, they have trains in Athens? You can use your phone tocheck on maps as well, I did charge it for you last night since it was dead.”

I glared at Warrenbut glanced down at my bag and scrolled through the few cards Daphne gave me.

“The Metro Card?” Iheld up the bright yellow and blue card and Warren nodded.

“Yep,that’s the one.”

“Okayum, efcharistó.” I gave Warren a small gratefulsmile. He nodded, expressionless.

“Parakaló.” For a second his eyes seemed to show atroubled expression but quickly disappeared, leaving me believing it was justmy tired mind playing tricks. I opened the car door and slipped out, closingthe door behind me and crossed the road, seeing no cars around thankfully.

“Dora! Hey DoraFields!”

I stopped hearingthe fake name so suddenly and the harsh voice calling it. My heart thudded fromthe surprise and an immediate wariness placed over me.

I stopped at thestairs leading underground, a chill wind picking up and causing my hair to flyover my face obscuring my vision from the tall and imposing man crossing theroads to me.

I heard somelaughter as I swiped rapidly at my hair, eager to get it out of my face andfinally face to face with Warren who stands over me, brow raised slightlymocking.

“You alrightthere?” He chuckles and I roll my eyes.

“Yes, I’m okay.”

“Good, here.” Hishand reaches out and he grasps my wrist and places a small folded up piece ofpaper in my hand. “I have no doubt that trouble seems to follow you around. So,if you come back in the city and heed help, here’s my number. Hopefully youdon’t use it.”

Oh.

“Oh, wow. Um, efcharistó polý.”

“Goodluck,princess.” With a tense smile and nod, hiswrist leaves my hand and he turns away and back over the road to his car. Iwatch him hop back into his black and grey car and drive away without a glancetowards me and I turn and hurry down the stairs underground. I shove the paperwith Warren’s number inside my bag and for now, until I replace my way, I try toforget the scarring on Warren’s inner wrist, even though I know one thing.

Iknow I’ve seen that scar somewhere before.