Chapter Two
``So, I'm in the Gambler's Den,'' Eda said, chuckling under her breath. ``And me and the kids came up here yesterday.''
Great, now she only had about a twenty-four-hour hole left in her memories. That was barely anything at all. What could possibly happen in twenty-four hours?
She looked back at the wreckage of her penthouse suite and let out a heavy sigh.
Right.
``Oh Raine, I really hope you didn't put your real name on this room,'' Eda whispered.
She tried her best to pick away at her memories, trying to recall if she'd even seen her ex. But once more, there was just this raw blackness that seemed to fill the gap between that morning and now.
Whenever now even was.
She tried to locate a clock but the only one she noticed was shattered upon the floor with the hands bent at angles that were extremely unhelpful at telling time.
``King did say he wanted to take Luz to some restaurants,'' Eda whispered. ``Maybe that's where...''
But where was Owlbert?
Eda's expression faltered. ``Maybe they took him to uh... they took him there instead of hiring a taxi? Totally understandable.''
She then sighed and looked around at the carnage. ``Just please don't let Raine have seen the owl beast.''
Her mind was fuzzy and she couldn't very well think in this penthouse; it was just so suffocating. So, she turned around and made her way back across the room, towards the elevator.
``Just buy something to eat,'' Eda said. ``That'll help clear up your memories. This is nothing but a terrible hangover.''
She cast a quick spell and pulled her purse out of the ether. Only, as she cracked it open, she noticed that it was completely empty with not even a single snail or casino chip left inside.
Of course, she'd also lost all of her money! Why wouldn't she lose every single snail that she'd brought along for the trip? That was just so typical of her.
Eda let out an aggravated huff.
``Well, it wouldn't be a trip to the Gambler's Den if you didn't blow away all your money on the tables,'' she grumbled. ``We'll figure something out.''
She finally reached the elevator and her heart promptly leapt into her throat.
Just above the button for the elevator there were some scratch marks that tore into the wallpaper. They weren't deep grooves, like her owl form would've created, but were instead shallow. The feeble scratches of something small.
King.
And worse there was a splotch of gruesome red splattered upon the button.
``No,'' Eda whispered.
Midday Yesterday
``This place is amazing,'' Luz beamed.
She strolled through the lobby, seemingly entranced by every bit and bauble on display. If she wasn't careful, she was bound to walk into another of the guests. Though thankfully, she had some self-preservation as she weaved out of the way of oncoming traffic.
``The best tourist trap on all the isles,'' Eda said, flashing a playful smile. ``Best tables, best rooms, best drinks, and best shows. All designed to swindle good folks out of their money.'' She sighed fondly. ``This place makes me feel like a good person and I appreciate that.''
She drew out a handkerchief and feigned dabbing at her completely dry eyes.
``Where did you get that?'' Luz asked.
Eda shrugged.
``Hey!'' a voice called.
Eda glanced over her shoulder and saw a couple witches being very energetic amongst themselves.
The witch who spoke looked at a second. ``Have you seen my handkerchief?''
Eda looked away and saw that Luz was staring at her, her gaze growing increasingly narrow.
``Could be any number of handkerchiefs,'' Eda explained. ``This has been in my family for generations.''
She moved towards the front desk, putting as many steps between herself and the two witches as possible.
``Hey!'' the second cried. ``Where did my wallet go?''
Eda proceeded to walk even faster.
``So, who's footing the bill for this place?'' King asked.
Eda bit her lip. ``Uh... an old friend.''
Luz gasped. ``An old friend? Who are they?''
``Unimportant,'' Eda explained. ``Just someone that I want to see...''
Luz beamed.
``Alone,'' Eda finished.
Luz' smile promptly fell.
Eda made it to the front desk where a purple creature with a single large eye was staring absently ahead. When the beast didn't bother to look up, she loudly snapped her fingers and the creature stirred.
``Can I help you?'' they asked.
Eda smirked. ``Penthouse suite for Eda Craw-''
Her eyes widened as she spotted a wanted poster behind the creature. It wasn't like the one's around the capital but instead portrayed her as a pesky pickpocket. The emperor's presence was weak here but his coven wasn't the only faction Eda had managed to piss off in her lifetime.
The creature cocked its singular brow.
``Raine,'' Eda corrected. ``It should be under Raine.''
The creature looked down at their computer and scrolled through it for a moment. They then nodded to themselves and produced a set of key cards in a fresh leather sleeve.
``The hexes in these cards will allow you to get up to the penthouse,'' the creature said. ``Any of the elevators in the lobby will get you there.''
Eda nodded and flashed a smile. ``Thank you very much.''
She then turned to face the kids, slipping out two of the cards and offering them.
``You heard them,'' she said. ``Whenever you want to go up, just take one of the elevators.'' She then winked at them and moved towards the casino floor. ``Anyways, mommas going to go play some redjack, so don't wait up.''
Luz and King both waved at her as she departed.
``Remember to save money for food,'' Luz called.
King nodded. ``And remember, if you bet slowly, they'll start bringing you free apple blood!'' He got louder. ``Free apple blood, Eda!''
