BLOODLINES

followed the signs to baggage claim. The airport's

transportation area. Natural light spilled in through the large windows, illuminating the v

t's get to our hotel and then get settled in first." This caused Sarah to laugh, s

passengers. Leila and Sarah joined the taxi line. A friendly driver, sporting a Saints cap

out at the city's eclectic mix of old and new architecture, her expression thoughtf

onies and grand entrance inviting. " Alright, y'all, we're here!"

driver, and they stepped onto the sidewalk. The so

e .Leila's eyes scanned the surrounding area, her expression s

y's high ceiling, adorned with intricate moldings, seemed to transport them to a bygone era. P

esk, where a friendly receptionist, sporting

h replied, "We're doing great, thanks! We're excited to explore New Orl

ight place! We're happy to have y'all. May I have your names, please?

ou'll get to experience the city's vibrant night energy right from your doorstep." As Danielle ha

just a block away for beignets and coffee. For dinner, try Danton's

th their keys in hand, Leila and Sarah made their way to the elevator. As they ascended t

egant linens and pillows. Floor-to-ceiling windows led to a narrow balcony, w

ng the energy of New Orleans. Sarah flopped onto the bed, grinning. "This is perfect! Let's freshen up

ed in with the throngs of tourists. The narrow streets, lined with

phere. Live music spilled out of bars and clubs, while street

red the eclectic mix of shops and galleries. As they turned onto Royal Street, the s

g the street vendors and cafés. Leila lau

at a street vendor, offering an array of mouthwatering options. " What

or their food, they chatted with the vendor, learning about the city's hidden gems and local favorit

e food here is incredible." As they walked, they discovered a quaint courtyard, tucked away from the bustl

courtyard, surrounded by the soothing sound

s, savoring the flavors. Halfway through, Sarah nudged her playfully. "And you

ad idea. I just had some...reservations about coming here." Sarah rais

tone softened. "Hey, we're here together. Whatever happens, we'll face it as a team

ntarily pushing aside Leila's concerns. But as they continued to eat, that's wh

nd she felt an electrifying jolt. Her heart skipped a b

scaded to land atop his shoulders in lush waves, framing his breathtakingly handsome face. Piercing black eyes with golden flecks spark

white top hinted at refinement. An intricate golden amulet hung fr

barely audible. The stranger's gaze nev

o?". Just then, a group of laughing tourists s

canned the courtyard, confused. "I don't see anyone." Leila's e

n grew. "Leila

that the stranger wasn't anywhere to be se

encounter. "Must've been just some curious

?". Leila nodded, forcing a casual tone. "Yeah

s continued eating, the atmosphere returning to normal. However, Leila's gaze occas

la listened, trying to focus, but no matter how much she tried s