Pandora's Box

Follow your gut!

I didn’t hesitate, I reached for my seatbelt, unlocking it. I reached for the door handle without thought 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. In seconds, the driver was out, with a furious shout he came around the car and I moved.

Don’t get your fingers caught on the door.

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

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

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

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

Oh God, no! Come on, keep running-

A force on my back had me falling forward awkwardly, skidding painfully on my knees and palms. I rolled over quickly and the driver stood over me. Except, he didn’t look much like he had before.

In the car’s lights, his body seemed to grow a few feet in height and muscle, his clothes hung in stretched and torn rags over his shoulders and hips. His hair ragged and hanging around his head. His eyes glowed a horrible, sickly yellow as he stormed towards me.

Christ!

“Where’s the box?”

Hell no!

I quickly turned to my feet and started running. My breath was suddenly cut of as the monster snagged the back of my coats hood, making me gasp from the sudden cut of air and 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 the harshness.

“Bloody...hell...” I gasp but a sudden tightness around my neck lifted me off the ground, my feet dangling 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 eyes water. His entire face had enlarged, more angled, his lower jaw jutted out and huge yellowed fangs sticking out from his lower jaw.

Oh God, help me.

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

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

The bastard 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 claws moved towards my face.

But with his shaking, once he brought me closer, I struck.

I stabbed it in both eyes with my fingers right back and he shrieked, yellowed eyes glistening and closing and his grip loosened. Dropping to the ground, I tried to ignore the desperation of air and grabbed the first thing I could find. A long arm-thick, branch and swung it around and upwards.

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

I could hear its grunts and snarls as it came after me.

Christ, work those legs faster already!

The cold air did little to dispel the heat and terror coursing through my body. Gripping the branch, I whirled around suddenly on my foot, branch extended out and it made contact.

But not good enough.

With a sudden blow to my stomach that had me folding back and sliding down the road, landing hard on my back once again with a dull thump that echoed throughout my body and my head aching and blurring.

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

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

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

“Where is the box?”

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

“Skatá ston táfo sou!” I threw my fist upwards, slamming it against his nose. He growled, his hand tightening around my coat collar and raised his elongated claws over my face.

I threw my arms over my face as his arm shot down, preparing to take the blow on my arms in the hopes I could possibly survive. Except the cars lights suddenly grew brighter, almost blinding to me, almost whiting and piercing. The beast snarled, glancing over his shoulder as the lights moved from behind and with a snarl, he shoved me 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 was bright. My vision dimmed in and out and the creature was gone from my sight above me and the lights were faded, my eyes and head breathing in relief.

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

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

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

The first thing I was greeted with was the smells.

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

The smells were delicious, homey, and made my stomach grumble furiously.

Then followed the sounds. The muffled sounds grew louder the more I roused from my slumber. A TV was playing not far, the voices low and a distant unimportant thrum compared to the 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, my eyes adjusted easily to the lightning and then my surroundings.

Where am I now? Did I die and wake up somewhere again?

Using my elbows to push myself up, I found myself with a thick red and brown thick checker blanket placed over me, a soft pillow where my head had lain and my clothes, slightly wet from the rain, thankfully remained untouched.

“-yeah, sorry about the sudden call. Just something came up. Yeah, I’ll be in tomorrow. Thanks Doris. 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 of someone passing over me and I flopped back, as if I playing dead helped at all.

“-reminders that the 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 then there was a sigh, the person moving away though his steps were light and could hardly be heard.

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

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

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

Slowly, I sat up, keeping the blanket pulled around my shoulders and my back protested briefly until I gave a simple stretch. My body hurt less than I remembered, still aching 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 was laid on a very comfortable long sofa of a lovely, deep blue colour. Another sofa 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 nice and toasty warm. A huge black rectangle screen was placed on the wall near the fire, figures moving around on screen, the volume lowered.

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

“Are you hungry or not?”

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

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

But the gut reaction I could not read, except the intimidation I felt from his gaze was intense.

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

The rumpled clothes he wore did very little to hide the obvious muscle over his body, which were extremely obvious with his arms folded across his chest. Muscles that would make Hercules himself proud and envious.

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

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

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

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

Startled, I glanced back at the sofa and saw my brown, bag hanging over the arm and I quickly picked it up and found all my items, my ID, money card and transport card and some money still inside.

Along with the phone that Daphne gave me.

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

Taking a deep breath, I took the seat with the plate of food and a glass of water in it. The man barely glanced at me, while I kept to myself and a tense silence took over the room

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

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

“The man,” The man muttered, brow raised. “is a coward for attacking someone in the middle of nowhere and then running off like a coward.” The man shook the newspaper so it sat upright. “Don’t thank me. I called the cab company to alert them, though I think 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 have gotten 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 as he was about to with me...

So why did it suddenly leave?

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

“You speak Greek?” The man suddenly spoke clear Greek to me.

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

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

“No.”

“Well, you’re doing well.”

“Uh, thank you.”

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

Delightful.

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

Last night?

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

“You’ve been asleep for 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 cab driver went a different direction and I didn’t realize until too late.”

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

“I see.” The man hummed, the underlying harshness of it making me shiver. “Well, god forbid I ever 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 planning on walking there? Is it far from Greenwich?”

Oh God, I had no blasted idea.

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

The man remained silent, 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, my hackles rising.

“What’s the address?”

I do need help finding which way to get there. Daphne’s phone is unresponsive.

Thankfully she gave me the address on another sheet of paper, with the address Plan B still in my bag at least.

“Uh, I need to get to this address.” I gave the man, the paper with the address and his face became 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, a strange expression on his face and he sighed heavily. “This address is in Long Island. 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 need to 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 of paper 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 I tried to admonish my thoughts.

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

“But I can take you into the city and you can catch your own lift to there. I have classes in the city 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 of nowhere. I don’t really have a choice now.

“Okay. That would be greatly appreciated.”

“I don’t suppose I could 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 brow raised, 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 a sharp nod. “My names Warren. Warren Red. And I’d entertain you if I had the manners right now, but I have some students to worry about at the moment.”

Students?

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

“You are a teacher?”

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

What was his problem?

Trying to ignore it, with a couple of large pieces of clothing in hand, I left the living room area and following his instructions, went down the hall on my left and opening it found a large and spacious bathroom. Much lighter and cleaner or newer looking than the churches bathroom.

The walls a white from a glossy squared piece all over with dark blue floors. A circular blue rug sat next to the shower and bath. A couple windows high up brought in some natural light.

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

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

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

That left me with no idea what I could do.

I glanced at the TV which was on and playing something, though I was very lost, the language neither English nor Greek. A woman seemed distressed and upset, a man seemed forlorn and angry before he suddenly swept the woman into his arms while she speaking 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 as I watched the people on the TV, intrigued though I barely understood, the acting was pure emotion, deeply thoughts and feelings. Obviously, a romance, and there were issues between the couple.

I guess this all I can really do.

But as I watched the couple on the TV, my mind drifted to a face that smiled with a golden warmth 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 may have gone through.

The TV couple faded into black and gone, the performance finished and I sighed despondently. They got something of a happy ending, though there seemed to always be a complication following them no matter what.

I leaned back on the sofa, unsure of what to do when my gaze fell on the wall which I didn’t take notice of before. There were some paintings and portraits so life-like it was a capture of the moment.

A photo, Daphne had said. Where light can catch the scene before you. Or something like that.

There were photos of 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 seemed was not an open friendly face.

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

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

I glanced at the words at the bottom of the closest picture of a woman on water holding a glass bowl.

Circe Invidiosa, John William Waterhouse, 1892

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

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

It was a painting done on a long piece of cloth like fabric that reached to my waist and was nailed a few heads above me. Strands of the fabric caressed in line with my waist. 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 to look to know the exact colours they wore or their stallions.

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

I gulped silently to myself. It sparked fear and memories for me.

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

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

“I hardly admire them. Nor do I see them as Godlike awe-inspiring. Depending on what belief they came from, to me, it's nothing to worship or admire.” Warren’s expression was dark, his brows furrowed and unreadable expression on his face as he thought carefully. “They were brought into the world to cause further chaos and terror. Your supposed harbingers of war, death, famine and conquest. There isn’t much to 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 long before they were supposedly created by Gods hands.”

“But there are always many interpretations of historical and mythical events. At least they aren’t real.”

...At least they aren’t roaming the Earth anymore.

Well, most of them.

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

“Depends on the God who 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 either judgement day, to punish a quarter of the Earth’s population.”

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

“You mean Zeus then.”

“But the woman took off the great lid of the jar with her hands and scattered, all these and her thought caused sorrow and mischief to men. Only Hope remained there in an unbreakable home within under the rim of the great jar, and did not fly out at the door; for ere, the lid of the jar stopped her, by the will of Aegis-holding Zeus who gathers the clouds.”

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

“Is that...”

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

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

Warren remained silent there, though his expression remained a frown but the corner of his lips twitched slightly.

“Truthfully, I try not to bring work onto other people. Obviously, you know a thing or two, so it’s always entertaining sharing thoughts.” He explains through his words, but I hear a mockery within and it is infuriating. But I breathe slowly and shake my head.

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

Mr. Red turned away, 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 be told I was the reason for such catastrophe. I already felt guilty and upset over it...and if that was how the stories perceived me as, then they weren’t wrong.

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

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

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

I gritted my teeth in irritation, keeping my gaze out the window as Warren drove down the quiet roads.

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

But I had my job to do.

I needed to see the Fates...if they would see me despite being late for this meeting. Fates weren’t too understanding for any reasons or excuses.

“Did you sleep alright?”

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

“So, Dora, what brings you to New York anyways?”

My frown grew at the question, my wariness creeping by as I struggled to find a good enough answer.

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

“Long Island.”

“Right.”

“What family? What does 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 you work? Study? You’re from Greece? Where in Greece you from?" Warren spoke clear, easy Greek and it was easier to speak back though I remained unsure of what on Earth to say.

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

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

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

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

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

Fair enough.

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

“It’s still beautiful. It’s uh, home, so to me I guess, nothing too much to say about it.” I bit my lip, cringing inwardly. “What about you? Where are you from?” Warren’s lips curled slightly.

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

Well, it was something at least.

“Do you have family, in Greece?”

“I have no family anymore.” Warren grew silent briefly, gaze flickering to me slightly, his eyes glazing softly. “I used to briefly, but they were taken long ago.”

“Oh,” I didn’t need to ask further, though something in his tone said there was much more to it. It was not my business to pry. I could understand the loss of family and if this ordinary human knew the truth of who I am and my family, he might believe me insane. “I am sorry. 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 my words. “They were taken from me when I was younger. And it still hurts.”

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

“Yes, I guess you would understand.”

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

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

My constant shimmying and moving around drew a pair of dark eyes on me. Glancing up briefly at the eyes that stared at me with one raised brow and a questioning look had me stop my moving around and slump back into my seat, my face aflame at the way I might have looked moving around.

Hades just drag me through the car to the underworld to escape this eternal embarrassment.

“Are we close?”

Warren breathed in deeply, shaking his head and I am certain I heard a few words about childish and impatient. I but my tongue to keep my words to myself, keeping my gaze out the window.

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

“The subway? You mean the train?” I remembered Daphne mentioning subway was another word for train but was also mistaken for a type of food place.

“Yes, the train underground.”

Warren drove in amongst cars, slipping down the busy streets despite it being so busy. Until he eventually pulled up a silently quieter street but had a few people walking along the footpaths. People disappeared behind some walls, walking down stairs or walking up from the stairs behind a sloped wall.

“Is that,”

“That leads down to the subway. If you’ve got your metro card, you just scan it and go ahead.”

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

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

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

“Yep, that’s the one.”

“Okay um, efcharistó.” I gave Warren a small grateful smile. He nodded, expressionless.

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

“Dora! Hey Dora Fields!”

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

I stopped at the stairs leading underground, a chill wind picking up and causing my hair to fly over my face obscuring my vision from the tall and imposing man crossing the roads to me.

I heard some laughter as I swiped rapidly at my hair, eager to get it out of my face and finally face to face with Warren who stands over me, brow raised slightly mocking.

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

“Yes, I’m okay.”

“Good, here.” His hand reaches out and he grasps my wrist and places a small folded up piece of paper 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 you don’t use it.”

Oh.

“Oh, wow. Um, efcharistó polý.”

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

I know I’ve seen that scar somewhere before.