Strings of Fate

148–Contracts and confirmation

I reach out to pick up the drink and Cam frowns.

“Uhm, can I ask why you’re wearing a dodgy plastic bead necklace? It doesn’t really go with what you’re wearing.” She asks, gesturing to the necklace Logan gave me.

“It’s a good luck charm from a kid I know. It’s not the prettiest thing but I like it. Although I have been thinking maybe I shouldn’t wear it because I don’t want to break it.” I think aloud. Cam looks apologetic.

“Sorry, I shouldn’t have said anything. That’s actually super adorable. Oh! But I can help. Give me a sec.” She disappears through a door behind the bar for a minute and comes back. with a black coffee mug. She places it on the bar. I peer over the rim and see a silverish liquid that is definitely not a drink. I’m assuming it’s a potion.

“Drop the necklace in that for a minute.” I’m a little hesitant, but I decide to do as she asks. I drop the necklace in the potion and it makes an alarming sizzling noise. I watch curiously as the

potion swirls around, the silver leaching from it and into the necklace until it is completely clear and just looks like water. Cam fishes the necklace out, dries it on a towel and. hands it back to me.

“There, it should be pretty near indestructible now. No need to worry about breaking it.” She says with satisfaction.

“Woah, thank you so much. But that’s an expensive spell. I should pay you.” I offer. She

shakes her head.

“Nope, I’m not licensed to sell spells here. But it’s not illegal to give them away. Don’t worry about it. Most of those spells are only expensive because the local covens are greedy old bats who want to hoard all the good magic for themselves. It’s not actually expensive or difficult to make in small quantities like this. I make it in bulk and apply it to glasses and dishware. Stops them breaking when idiots get drunk and clumsy. Costs a bit to make so much of it but replacing dishes is way more expensive than you would expect, so it’s much cheaper in the long run.” She explains.”

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148- Contracts and confirmation

so cool!” Megan

thank you somehow.” I object.

Also a thankyou for delivering my special

don’t know… I would have done that either way just to

your necklace. The spell has already been used up and unless you know how to remove it, you’re stuck with it now. So hah. I win. Just take the gift

you

a grin. She glances over

back to your table. Your food will be out in a minute and the men who I assume are yours are looking like abandoned children. Lost and

the air curiously as

words a clear question. I hold up my

We need to leave her the world’s best tip

“Sure.”

a lot. I suspect she’s more powerful than she lets on.” Harry confides. Then with only a moment’s hesitation asks

what do you think of Cam?” His tone is super serious and

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148- Contracts and confirmation

sure what kind of

shakes his head.

REALLY think? About her and me I mean?” He pushes. Everyone at the table watches me to

that. I don’t like telling people about their fates.” I respond. awkwardly. I expect Harry to argue, whine a little but ultimately give in and accept it. But instead, he whips out an old ratty piece of paper and slaps it onto the table in front of me. It’s yellowed and crumpled like it’s been shoved in the bottom of a bag for ages or crushed in a pocket. Harry stares pointedly at the paper. I pick it up and gently

Harry when I see any strings or ties on him

boys from being mean to Ryann and will listen. when she asks me