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Chapter 26
I was certain the sign had read Open when I first entered, and there was no way the shop keeper could have made it to the door that fast. He hadn't followed behind me as I left, yet the door was locked. For a second, I contemplated setting the basket down and walking away, but I needed Grandpa Kent's box.
Letting out a small sigh, I turned back towards the street. The sun was still shining in abundance. It heated my skin, and I hadn't realized how cold I felt. While the sun was blistering, the cool breeze that wafted by prevented sweat from forming behind my neck. It was the perfect balance; one my home town did not have.
The warm sound of chattering filled the air, and I inhaled at the various scents deeply. There were many vendors on the streets, selling a wide number of products. One man had a machine, with something oddly similar to popcorn crackling away. A petite woman with golden hair was selling a wide array of body products. Two of the contestants, both female
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The drifter from Stella's Diner sat on a large plaid blanket with two other girls. Books were scattered along the blanket, some open and others closed with hundreds of little sticky tabs poking out. I couldn't discern what the title's read, but each book seemed old and somewhat dusty. The girl noticed the basket in my hands first, and look of understanding crossed her heart-shaped face."Did my Dad send you?" She asked, setting the book she was reading down on the blanket. "I can't believe I forgot the basket again. The more books I read, the more I seem to forget."I managed to tear my eyes from the unusual lake as the second girl laughed, "Your brain is making space for everything we've learned so far!""It's incredibly inconvenient that I can remember nearly one hundred and thirty-five ancient, extinct species but not where I last left my car keys." She snorted, setting one of the books down to slip her long hair into a bun."Hey, aren't you one of the
Iridian   Chapter 28
After my strange encounter with the shop keeper, I ran into Helena and Camille. I tucked the wrapped box in my bag and gave both of them a friendly smile. Helena looked her usual happy self, but Camille’s shoulders seemed slumped in defeat. Her neat ponytail had been taken down, replaced by a poor attempt at a messy bun.Camille had visited nearly every fountain in town, but hadn't found a single clue. Helena knew her clue was in the library, but after searching all day, she hadn't found a single thing. Helena wasn't too concerned with winning, and planned to make another trip to the library tomorrow. Camille on the other hand, seemed a little put out.I had told her about the lake I visited today and how her clue could be anywhere near the large body of water. While winning wasn’t my goal, I was determined to give this competition everything I had. I refused to let myself turn into some of the other competitors, those who guarded everything they learned wi
Iridian   Chapter 29
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Iridian   Chapter 30
The moment my head hit the velvet pillow, the world around me faded from view. I was left with the solace of the darkness, and the tune of that haunting song. It followed me into my dreams, filling me with melancholy and dread. I briefly wondered who had written the song, and what they had endured to create a piece so magically beautiful.Since coming to the Iridescence Pack, I hadn’t had a single dream. Back at home, I savored each ridiculous and crazy dream. My dreams had been my own personal escape from my pack. I could be anything, anyone in my dreams. Since my arrival, all trace of my own dreams had vanished. Apart from the time I had met the Game Master, I had dreamt of nothing but darkness.This time had started out as no different, until the bright flashes of color stained my vision. The darkness gave way to images, millions of flashing pictures behind my eyelids. The first image was of me, falling through the sky like a comet of pure fire. It was right a
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Iridian   Chapter 33
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Iridian   Chapter 34
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