The overhead lights returned, causing Cixi's lashes to flutter as she adjusted to the sudden brightness of her apartment.
"I thought we had made progress, and here the Reaper left without even a proper goodbye."
Something felt cold in her palm. When she uncurled her fist, she found the heavy coin resting against her skin instead of spinning in the empty air.
Lifting the coin between her fingers, Cixi studied it once more, turning it slowly as she traced the hidden script engraved into the metal.
This single piece of iron had travelled with her through that in-between world of life and death and had somehow wedged itself permanently into her living reality.
"I should never have accepted you," she told the metal.
Pushing herself up from the floor, she walked towards the kitchen counter where her purse lay waiting. She slipped the coin inside and snapped the fake leather clasp shut.
Just then, the sharp buzz of a notification made her jolt.
It came from inside her purse.
