Page 20 of Scars Like Wings
MAISIE
I would expect nothing less from you two, to be honest.
SIMONE
Wow. ?? You aren’t outside my door yet, ma’am.
MAISIE
You know damn well when I text walking out the door, I most often mean my bedroom door.
SIMONE
Exactly, bitch. Don’t read us. ??
I chuckled:
ME
A mess. Let me know when you ?heauxes? are on the way for real.
After everyone liked my message, I locked my phone and looked out the window. I was so engrossed in my texts I had missed the last few stops. We were already almost to the end of the tunnel, and the train was ascending out of it. It was almost time for my favorite part of the train ride that I always looked forward to. With no ceremony or fanfare, the train emerged onto the tracks high over the city. No matter how tired I was or how many times I saw this view in a day, it never lost its luster.
Blackbell stretched out like a cat readjusting before settling in for her next nap. Tucked away in southern Georgia, just a few miles from Albany, the city wasmassive. Even in the darkness of the night, it sprawled beyond the horizon. With the dazzling lights, the city was like a mirror of the stars. It was one of the largest supernatural cities in the country, one of the largest cities in Georgia, and the largest supernatural city in Georgia.
By design, you have likely never heard of it. Only certain humans who knew about supernaturals are allowed in. If you are a normal human and accidentally come within a few miles of Blackbell, you will never know it. As soon as you reach the outskirts, your eyes glaze over and your body develops a mind of its own. You will speed through each of Blackbell’s thirteen exits without blinking. Then on the other side, clarity will return, and you will proceed like nothing happened. You will never remember or question a thing. Or so I’ve heard. Blackbell folks say that this city has a mind of her own. Whether from the witches who run the city or a spell placed on the city long ago, Blackbell runs like an old black grandmother on her porch. She knows her kin, those with magical ties, and she welcomes them into her house for some sweet tea. Everyone else, she waves and sends them on their way.
The city of Blackbell was divided into four distinct districts, each with their purpose and vibes. Toward the west was the Business District. A supernatural Atlanta of sorts, with shiny skyscrapers towered high above and flashy modern buildings clustered within the bustling inner city. Home to the headquarters of corporations, banks, and offices, the Business District also housed the Georgia office of the United States Department of Supernatural Operations that oversaw supernatural affairs. On weekdays, the streets, air, and waterways were flooded with all sorts of supernatural creatures in business outfits, fancy cars, and on high-end brooms. When the sun set, the Business District could get a little dangerous, so I tried to avoid it.
In downtown Blackbell was Little Salem, named after the U.S. Headquarters for the witch’s Pinnacle Coven. All the buildings there were made of maroon brick and creamy white mortar. Of course, massive magic stores filled with spell books, magical ingredients, ritual items, and other witchy desires wereaplenty. Most importantly, though, Little Salem had some of the best, most delicious restaurants in all of Blackbell—maybe the entire country. I swear, Soul Eater had pork chops to die for! Perhaps I was biased since Everett and I lived there. But there were quite a few cute cafés, stores, and places to hang out with my besties, too.
In the east sat the Shopping and Transport District. Expansive parking lots were separated by shopping centers, local mom-and-pop shops full of knickknacks, and tourist traps. The Midnight Railways, Spellways, and Byways’ main building was stationed there. The Spellways teleported witches, fae, and other magical beings to different stops in flashes of lights. On the outside, multiple trains and tracks for the Midnight Railways branched out from the main station, like any other city metro. The Waterway tunnels resembled a water park as it flowed its riders throughout the city. Above Blackbell, I knew there were dark shadows that temporarily blocked the stars as they flew over with their wings, powers, and on their brooms using the Airways. Many were ending their days and heading home or back out for fun. It was Thursday night, after all, and there were plenty of clubs getting ready to open their doors.
The train turned slightly, and I could see her gleaming like a Swarovski crystal in the sun, even in the night. At the very heart of the city, she was a blazing star that the universe of Blackbell revolved around. The Archive was one of the oldest libraries in the world, full of the oldest books ever written. Everlore University—Go, Beasts!—was built around the Archive to study the books within, and Blackbell was later built around that for community. She was a rather ordinary rectangular building that belonged in Little Salem with its brickwork until you noticed the huge, colorful stained-glass windows evenly spaced apart. Lit from within, colors bounced onto the ground in a sight that I could even see from my high vantage point. And then there washer roof. The Archive’s roof was a clear glass dome. When the sun hit it just right, she shined like a light going through a prism, a technicolor rainbow dancing off the modernity of the western towers, the cozy brick of Little Salem, the eastern Shopping District’s malls, and the surrounding university. Even at night, the Archive gave off a kaleidoscope of color. It was only a tease of the magic of the old library.
Seeing the city every day from this view was as stupendous as seeing it for the first time. This city was breathtaking to see and even more wonderful to experience. It was so incredibly accommodating for all the supernatural beings who lived within it. They truly prioritized their comfort over all else. Blackbell was full of so many creatures and history; the energy was as palpable as the magic used to run it.
And I loved it.
My phone vibrated in my hand, interrupting my thoughts.
MAISIE
I’m on the way. Like, I’m actually in the car with it turned on and headed to Simone’s right now.
SIMONE
Cool! Ready when you arrive!
The train slowed as it pulled into the first platform within Little Salem. There were two more stops left for me.
ME
I’m about 5-10 minutes out. There’s no one on the train, so it might be less.
SIMONE
No word still from E?