A Parting Gift

Hadrian ignored Bertie’s shouts. He was faster and knew the streets better than Bertie. Using the maze of alleys and dilapidated rooftops, he was confident not even the older boy would find him.

Hadrian pulled out his treasure. He’d almost pickpocketed a well dressed mark when a small bag had fallen unnoticed from the man’s possession. Hadrian had snatched it up and run, especially after hearing Bertie yell to him; having spied what happened and wanting whatever it was for himself.

The bag was made of dark green velvet. Delicate golden thread had been used to sew entwining patterns across its surface. It looked beautiful and expensive. His fingers fumbled over the knotted cord, eager to see what was held. The contents shook out, a solitary gemstone falling into his waiting palm. It appeared almost black against his pale skin. Curious, he held it up, hoping light from the waning moon would reveal something more.

The stone was a deep translucent blue, inside, curls of smoke danced to unheard music. Hadrian’s breath caught as he realized his mistake. He was holding a shard of Spirit Glass already possessed with a curse. Made from the darkest of magics by profane necromancers, the sole purpose of Spirit Glass was to leech the life force from its host, bound together by the curse. Only being received freely by another could the bond be broken, the recipient becoming cursed.

The man had known Hadrian was there, had purposely dropped the bag as an offering. And Hadrian had willingly accepted it. Frightened, he placed the gemstone into the bag and tucked it back into his pants. From behind, he heard a familiar voice.

“I knew I’d find you hiding up here!”

Hadrian turned to face Bertie, fighting the smile that threatened to cross his face.