Snippet #2709060

Charlotte was still awake by the time the sun started peaking over the horizon. Not that Charlotte would know by seeing it herself. Every window in her room had light blocking curtains. The only lights to ever brighten her room would be artificial. But the scientific wall-mounted clock told her everything about the current weather. When the sun would rise, whether it was raining or sunny, the temperature, and even wind speeds. Now it was telling her it was just past 0500. The sun would be in full view within the hour and the painting she was working on was no closer to being finished than when she started on it eight hours ago.

Such is the curse of being an artist. Charlotte thought to herself. Satisfaction is a rarity. The girl stepped back and removed her headphones to observed her piece. The entire piece was done in charcoal almost entirely using quick and aggressive strokes of black, blue, and red. It was a Minotaur standing over several people. A man torn in two, was held in each of the beast's hands. The men and women in front of it cowering in fear before the mighty beast. Charlotte liked to think the victims were the "heroes" that protected Haven. The Minotaur represented the Mercs. At least that's the way Charlotte interpreted it. She wasn't a hundred percent sure. She normally painted whatever came to her. The meaning non-existent until she stepped back and tried to figure it out. It was like she wasn't herself when she made art. It was like she was possessed.

A buzzing noise coming from her bedroom deterred Charlotte from her thoughts. She walked to the other room and picked up her smartphone, checking her email.



Temporary? Wasn't it supposed to be a more permanent solution? Charlotte supposed it was still an improvement from having none. Then there was something about a last minute job? Charlotte was surprised at this but seeing as she didn't have anything else planned it was acceptable. Before she could think anymore into the message she heard a knocking on a door outside of hers. It wasn't her door and it wouldn't make sense for the Cora, who lived across from Charlotte, to knock on her own door. So that meant someone else was up at a ridiculous hour making noise.

If Charlotte was into her work then the slight interruption would have made her furious. It was the reason why she normally wore headphones while she worked. Or had her stereo volume up very loud. But that particular solution normally irritated the others. Not that Charlotte cared but the thought of them coming down and telling her to adjust the music volume was annoying and would likely also set her off.

Charlotte walked up to her door and looked out the peephole. She saw Triton standing outside of Cora's door. Charlotte cracked open her door a little and said something to get Triton's attention.

"Hey!" Everyone knew Triton was apparently deaf but his super hearing seemed to override that setback. So Charlotte always addressed him like she would anyone else. "Do you know what time it is? What the hell are you doing down here besides causing a ruckus with that loud banging?"