Chapter 10: Ghosts and Warnings

I frowned, thinking.

I rubbed my temples, feeling the old ache behind my eyes—like someone squeezing a bruise that never heals.

"He’s just a medium. Whatever wants to find you will find you regardless. It’s six in the evening—there’s still time. Go buy the mirror, and I’ll come back tonight. Remember, when you get home, act as usual—sleep as usual. Stick the charms in the right places and pretend nothing’s wrong, then wait for me."

I spoke softly, but firmly. Sometimes, the best way to fight fear is to treat the extraordinary like it’s just another Tuesday.

"I… I’m scared."

"With the charms on you, it can’t hurt you. Remember the places I told you—stick the charms properly."

I exhaled, trying to reassure her.

I placed a hand on her shoulder, squeezing lightly. "Trust me. You’ll be okay."

After she left to buy the mirror, I stood downstairs, looking up at the fourth floor, at Natalie’s balcony.

The dog was there, its blue and green eyes fixed on me.

A shiver ran down my spine. The city hummed around us, but for a moment, it felt like only the two of us existed—me and that shadow dog, locked in a silent standoff.

I narrowed my eyes and turned to leave.

Back at my table, I took out the wooden box my mentor left me.

The feel of the old wood was grounding. Inside, the contents were wrapped in a faded red handkerchief, the edges frayed from years of use.

Inside were a few command flags and a wooden plaque. In the ten years since he passed, this was only the third time I’d taken them out.

Looking at the bright red ‘chi’ character painted on them, my gaze sharpened.

My mentor’s words echoed in my ears.

"We’re not priests or pastors, so we have no official backing. In fortune-telling and house reading, we may not match the big names, but when it comes to catching ghosts, they can only chase after us and never catch up."

He used to say it with a wry grin, knowing our kind had to be twice as sharp just to break even.

"We’re appointed and commanded by the judges of the underworld, the enforcers. Caleb, remember, when you encounter ghosts or evil spirits in the human world, as long as they hurt people, I have only one demand for you."

"Only kill, never deliver."

His words still echo in my mind every time I face down something dark. We don’t give second chances to things that prey on the living.