Chapter 102
Cecilia’s pov
A dim red glow lit the hallway as we moved deeper into the so-called spiritual advisor’s office suite.
The lighting was clearly intentional—just eerie enough to make you question your surroundings, but not enough to trip over your own feet.
Alpha Sebastian’s voice cut through the rising tension like a knife.
“Keep it down,” he said sharply, his tone leaving no room for argument.
The corridor stretched ahead, lined with odd decor—crystals, hanging beads, and abstract art that looked like it came straight from a new age gift shop.
Shadows shifted strangely under the crimson light, but it all felt… staged.
The scent in the air was some kind of incense—probably sandalwood or patchouli—thick and cloying.
It didn’t smell spiritual. It smelled like someone trying really hard to create a mood.
One thing was clear: Whether this Madam Amber actually had any talent or not, she knew how to sell an experience.
At the end of the hallway, we turned a corner and came face-to-face with a set of massive double doors.
They were made of dark wood, framed by carved stone that looked far too dramatic for a commercial building.
It gave off funeral-home-meets-museum vibes.
I half-expected a smoke machine to kick in.
Before we could knock, one of the doors creaked open.
A young woman in neutral-toned clothes opened the door.
She couldn’t have been more than twenty-two.
Her eyes widened slightly when she saw us, but she said nothing.
“Are you all together? Do you have an appointment?” she asked, clearly surprised by our presence.
So we needed appointments. Interesting.
I casually pushed my hair back, letting the obsidian bracelet catch the light.
“A friend recommended your place. Said Madam Amber’s the real deal p>
The girl’s eyes lit up when she spotted the bracelet.
“Oh—that’s one of Madam’s signature charms! If your friend gave you that, she must really trust you p>
Bingo. Harper had definitely been here. Maybe still was.
“Yeah, it’s been great for me,” I said with a friendly smile. “So good, my friends wanted their own p>
I paused just enough before adding, “Thing is, we were hoping to come with the friend who brought me here. But her phone’s been off all day, so… we figured we’d just swing by p>
The robed woman tilted her head slightly. “May I ask your friend’s name p>
“Harper,” I replied, watching her reaction carefully.
Something flickered in her eyes—a momentary hesitation. “Oh, Harper. Well, she’s not here today, and unfortunately, all our appointments are booked until 10 p.m. You’ll need to come back another time p>
She started to turn away, clearly intending to dismiss us.
I grabbed her arm, perhaps a bit too forcefully.
I was now certain Harper was inside.
The woman winced at my grip, and I quickly released her. “I’m sorry, but we’ve come all this way. Please let us in p>
I pulled her aside where the others couldn’t hear us, and we began negotiating.
At first, she shook her head adamantly, but gradually her expression softened from firm refusal to hesitation, and finally to reluctant agreement.
From the corner of my eye, I caught Alpha Sebastian raising an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by whatever deal I was making.
When we rejoined the group, the woman’s demeanor had completely changed.
“The Madam Amber feels a connection with you tonight,” the woman said smoothly, as if reading from a script. “Please, follow me p>
She led us to a small alcove just past the entrance, where she gestured to a polished wooden box on a side table.
“We ask guests to turn off their phones and place them here for the session,” she explained. “It helps minimize distractions p>
Translation: they didn’t want recordings.
We hesitated, just for a second, then did as asked. I hated being cut off—especially walking into a place that felt this… controlled.
Beyond the entry, the hallway dimmed. Soft amber lights lined the walls, and the air was thick with some kind of designer incense—something between sandalwood and overpriced candle.
The décor leaned heavily into curated mystique: abstract art, minimalist furniture, and a few vaguely symbols stenciled on the walls for effect. It was the kind of space that tried very hard to feel exclusive.
As we walked, I noticed someone fall into step beside me, their presence blocking some of the light.
The haze of incense shifted briefly, replaced by a faint, clean woodsy scent—subtle, expensive, familiar.
It was Alpha Sebastian.
His mouth close to my ear. “Why did she suddenly let us in p>
I glanced at our guide walking ahead, then cupped my hand over my mouth to whisper back. “Cash works p>
“What was that?” he asked, leaning even closer.
I repeated myself, but he still pretended not to hear.
“You said what?” he persisted.
I fought back an eye roll. Was he suddenly hard of hearing?
Frustration mounting, I stood on my tiptoes and turned toward his ear, cupping my hands around my mouth to whisper directly,”I paid her off p>
His warm breath tickled my skin as he turned his head unexpectedly, bringing our faces mere inches apart.
I found myself staring directly into his piercing eyes, my balance wavering from the surprise of his sudden proximity.
Alpha Sebastian’s arm circled my waist to steady me, and he mimicked my gesture, leaning in to whisper, “Clever little girl. I like your style p>
A shiver ran from the top of my head to my toes.
My heart raced uncontrollably, and without thinking, I pushed him away forcefully.
Alpha Sebastian, caught off guard, stumbled back against the wall.
His hand brushed against a string of hanging metal charms, sending a sharp jingle through the quiet hallway.
I quickened my pace, distancing myself from him and the scene of the crime.
Behind us, Yvonne and Tang exchanged knowing glances but wisely remained silent.
Our guide stopped and turned around, just in time to see Alpha Sebastian withdrawing his hand from the wall.
Her face flushed slightly as she gently admonished him,”Please don’t take the metal objects off the wall. They have magical powers p>
Alpha Sebastian’s expression was priceless.
I had been feeling awkward about our interaction, but this unexpected accusation immediately diverted my attention.
Yvonne and Tang struggled to contain their laughter.
Finally, the woman led us to a waiting room. “Please wait here. I’ll come for you when it’s time. Don’t wander around p>
With that cryptic warning, she left us alone.
The room was clearly designed for waiting clients, with comfortable seating and small refreshments laid out on a low table.
“Harp—” Yvonne began, but I quickly raised my hand to stop her.
I pulled a notepad from my purse, scribbled a message, and passed it to her along with my pen:This place might have listening devices. Let’s write instead of talking.
Yvonne read it, wrote OK underneath.
I wrote another message and motioned for everyone to gather around: Harper is definitely here. Everyone nodded in understanding.