Page 41 of Dark Shaman: The Lost Treasure
"Fenella!" Arezoo protested, but she was laughing.
"Your turn," Fenella said, handing the bracelet back and turning to Ruvon. "What have you got for me?"
Ruvon reluctantly unclasped his watch, an expensive piece that Kalugal had gifted him years ago. It was one of the fewpossessions he truly valued—not for its monetary value but for what it represented. Kalugal had presented it to him after he'd successfully upgraded their entire security system.
Fenella whistled appreciatively. "Now this is a timepiece. Swiss?"
"German, actually."
"Even better." She cradled the watch as if it were made of spun glass. "Let's see what stories you tell, shall we?"
The performance this time was even more elaborate. Fenella stood up, holding the watch to her ear as if listening to whispered secrets. The pub had gone nearly silent, everyone waiting for the revelation.
"This watch has counted many hours," she began. "Lonely hours. Working hours. Hours spent proving worth through service and skill." Her expression grew more serious. "But its owner's time of loneliness is ending. I see...transformation. A transformation of the heart."
Ruvon shifted uncomfortably. This was hitting closer to home than he'd expected.
"There will be challenges," Fenella continued. "Old fears to overcome. Trust to be rebuilt. But the reward..." She opened her eyes and looked directly at him. "The reward will be worth it."
She handed the watch back with a softer smile than her usual theatrical grin. "Also, kisses. Lots and lots of kisses. You two are going to be absolutely nauseating to be around. Off with you." She waved a hand. "Find a table and make room for new readings."
They found a small table in the corner, and Ruvon helped Arezoo with her chair, earning himself a smile that melted his heart.
"She means well," Arezoo said once they were settled. "But you were right. It was a little embarrassing."
"It wasn't that bad." He twisted his watch around.
"Can I do a reading for you?" Arezoo extended her hand.
He arched a brow. "Are you developing new talents I should be aware of?"
She smiled. "I might be. Now, can you hand me that nice watch?"
He took it off and handed it over.
Arezoo closed her eyes, pretending to concentrate. "This watch has seen a lot. It has witnessed its owner being lonely for a very long time because he was scared of letting anyone in. His soul ached from the things he'd been forced to do, things he did to survive, but he never let it make him cruel."
Ruvon's throat felt tight. "That's...very insightful."
"I recognize the signs," she said softly. "I see them in the mirror every day."
Before he could respond, the lights dimmed, and Din took the stage with his guitar. The pub erupted in applause.
"Have you heard him play before?" Arezoo asked.
"No. I didn't even know he played."
Din started with a haunting ballad, his voice rich and warm. The pub quieted, everyone drawn into the melody.
"It's beautiful," Arezoo whispered. "What's it about?"
"Lost love," Fenella said, placing a plate of appetizers on their table that they hadn't ordered. "On the house."
She pulled up a chair without invitation. "Atzil is covering for me so I can watch my man perform."
"It's about a warrior who comes home to find his village destroyed and his love dead," Fenella explained quietly. "He spends the rest of his life wandering, looking for a way to join her in the afterlife, but cursed to keep living."
"That's heartbreaking," Arezoo said.
