Page 50 of The Souls Harvest
I push away from the desk, flattening the envelope against my shirt as if to iron my nerves. “Why do we need to involve more people? I’ve never needed extras, andIcertainly don’t now. Ruining an innocent’s life is already painful when done solo.”
Something sparks behind her eyes, and she holds my stare for a second, nodding in silence. She then allows herself a too-long moment to lock the drawer and pick her words wisely. “This will still be treated as a routine mission,” - a key clicks under her desk - “But we both know there is so much more at stake.”
She guides her attention back to me, distractedly fidgeting with the clasp of a thin chain that has a small, brass key dangling from it.
“And?” I press on.
“There is a chance it will last longer than expected, and youwon’t be able to return as soon as you hoped.”
I slowly slide my arms to my sides, tightening my fingers around the envelope. “I thought Roden wantedhissoul back as soon as possible. What am I supposed to do other than harvest it and come back to base?”
Popplewish runs a finger over the edge of the desk and, using the armrest of her chair for extra support, she stands, flattening the velvety skirt and creating lighter-shaded patterns where her hand has been.
The wall behind her desk would be utterly bare if not for a square painting of a small house surrounded by a well-kept garden, a lake, and soft hills towered over by a periwinkle sky. Whoever lived there must have felt very safe and protected.
“Are you sure you still want to do this?”
I swear Popplewish was standing against that frame until a moment ago, but when I blink at the sound of her voice, I realise she’s moved to one of the windows. The curtain is still shut. Her back is straight, and her posture is so serene that she would be a perfect addition to that painting.
When I move towards her, my steps echo too loudly and impolitely in the carefully designed room.
“I don’t recall being given the option of rejecting the offer,” I respond, more bitterly than intended.
She turns to me, and the picture of serenity bursts. Her hands are folded on her lap, and she rubs them against each other. For once, she’s the one averting her eyes from mine.
Eventually, she pinches her nose, studying me from over her glasses. There is something she’s holding back.
“If this is all?” I start making my way back to the door, but she holds up a hand.
“I know you’ve been through a lot, and everything seems forced upon you. But believe me when I say you’re the best Harvester for this mission. You’re brilliant, July, and I will say this just once: Do not let your feelings cloud your judgement.”
As much as her words should sound hypocritical, I can’t find the courage to laugh and tell her to shut up.
I nod slightly. “Can I go now?”
Please, I don’t want to hear any more.Finding out about Roden being ready to sacrifice one of his precious souls only because it is different. Only because Roden wasn’t able to control it. To make it obedient…That was enough to make me doubt our existence and purpose.
Her hand drops to her side. “Sometimes we have to play parts we don’t resonate with. I did mean it when I said I didn’t want to see Galen hurt. Or you. But sometimes breaking free may look like a long road that only leads to a precipice. You just need to remember that you’re not alone.”
“That does not make any sense, considering the Chapter has forced me away from the only person I can truly rely on.”
“It will,” she nods, toying with the chain around her neck.
She glances at the door behind me, then quickly beckons me over, sliding the necklace off and carefully lowering it onto herpalm.
“I want you to take this. Take it with you to Horigos.”
Without letting me say anything, she takes my hand, folds the chain, and closes my fingers over it.
Incredulous, I shake my head, “But that opens your drawer. What am I supposed to— ”
“It has a twin.Ifyou need to use it, you will know. But, for now, keep it safe.”
“From what?”
“From the precipice.”
I wiggle my hand free from hers. “A riddle? Really?”
