Oliver’s Letter

There was an awkward silence between us. I mean, I don't really know what to say anymore after hearing that.

"So. You wanna make a pact or not?" he asked me, finally breaking the silence.

"I don't really have a choice, do I?" He shrugged and then he took something from his pocket. It was a brownish paper folded clumsily into a small rectangle. He unfolded it revealing a needle.

"Here. Prick your finger with it and smear the blood on the symbol," he told me as he shoved the needle at me while waving the paper. And I thought the symbol was very familiar. It was a black rope tied into a knot. Where did I see it again? Ah! Right! Ethan made me draw one at the apartment door. Except that it was missing the three circles around it.

I did what he told me. I pricked my ring finger using the needle and smeared the droplet of blood into the knotted rope.

"Done."

"Okay, that'll do. By doing this, you agreed to become my eye around the city, and that you will follow all the rules. In exchange, you will be under my supervision and I will give you a hand if you find yourself in a difficult situation."

"That's right."

As soon as I said that, he pricked his index finger and smeared his blood over mine. And seconds later, the paper combusted, releasing a good amount of gray fumes. As if they have a life of their own, the fumes circled around our right wrist. That lasted for a few seconds before they completely disappeared. A knotted black rope appeared on my pulse. The same thing happened to Liam. The rope glowed. And my vision suddenly pulsated. There was a tugging in my chest. Much stronger than usual. More vivid. Much clearer.

"What was that?" I muttered under my breath as I squeezed my chest. Trying to calm down the loud booming from inside me.

"Did you feel it?" Liam asked.

"What?"

"Your connection with that little guy," he said pointing to my chest.

"Oh! Yes, I did."

"Then you're good. I'll leave now. Careful on your way. And by the way, before I leave, you're safe in this inn. Goodbye." And he left. Leaving me alone in the room.

"That's it?" I shook my head and decided to return to my apartment as well. I bet Mr. Gab won't sleep as long as he didn't see me return. That man is a pain in the ass. But what does he mean by being safe in this inn? That poor guy was caught here. But now that I think about it, Ethan brought me here too when we went to see Mr. Vlad that night.

Shoving the useless thoughts to the back of my head, I headed downstairs. I placed the key on the front desk and left. I arrived at the apartment sooner than I expected.

Mr. Gab was waiting by the curb with his hand on his waist, tapping his foot, obviously annoyed with the grumpy look on his face.

"Good evening, Mr. Gab! Why're you still outside?" I tried to sound more cheerful than usual.

"Why do you think, young lad? T'was almost eleven!"

"I know. I know. But I returned didn't I? Let's get inside now, shall we?"

"Hmph! Kids these days —" he was mumbling as he got inside the apartment, slamming the door, while I'm still outside.

"It's already late, oy! Don't go slammin' those doors!" It was Mr. Mason. And guess what. Yes. He was drinking again.

I shook my head and decided it was time for me to sleep as well. I caught sight of Madam Helen craning her neck from her window. Looking in my direction. We even made eye contact. Well, that's creepy.

I got inside my room. And immediately as soon as I closed the door behind me, I noticed my pillow on the desk.

"That's odd. I don't remember putting that there. Was it Ethan?"

I grabbed it and tossed it back to the bed when a piece of folded paper flew to the floor. I knitted my brows. I have an idea where it might've come from.

I unfolded it. It was a letter addressed to me. A crudely written letter as if it was written by a kid. And indeed it was written by a kid because it was from Oliver.

"Good day, Mr. Jack!

"I'm sorry I couldn't put it inside an envelope. I cannot get inside my father's office. How are you? I am doing well. I hope you are too. Nero said he wished to speak with you in the future. Also, he said that a bad guy has been following you earlier. He wanted to tell you but you're in the middle of the game. And I am sad that the game was canceled.

"Be careful, Mr. Jack. I just wanted to ask when can you visit me again. There's a game I wanted to play with you on your next visit. I wish you can visit me soon.

"Oliver."

I can feel the tips of my fingers tremble as soon as finished reading it.

"Ombre, why didn't you tell me about this so-called bad guy earlier?"

My shadow wriggled and squirmed before taking the form of a devourer. "Hello there, Sean. And yes, I didn't tell you because that BAD GUY didn't follow you back into your apartment. That's all and don't disturb me for the rest of the night," he said before he disappeared back into my shadow.