Page 43 of The Wishing Game

"And yours doesn't?" I frown.

She shakes her head.

"It's all boring and conservative and agh." She stomps her foot—a littletoohard, because her heel breaks.

That attracts the attention of the people around, who stop to stare at her, which is enough for Cer to intervene and put himself in front of her. But just as I think he's going to chastise her some more, he goes down on one knee, grabbing her other foot and breaking that heel as well so Thea can walk properly.

"Okay, now that we've found the location, we should make a plan of action."

"What plan? We just go in and spook that spirit into going to P'asala and be done with it. How long can it take, a few minutes?" Thea says casually.

"P'asala? What is that?" I frown.

Cer and Thea share a look. Thea releases a sigh.

"Remember the bridge on the screen? That is B'Isalat. It's the place all souls go after they depart this world."

My brows shoot up in curiosity.

"And where does it lead?"

"It all depends on the quality of deeds performed during their lifetime."

"That's enough, Thea," Cer intervenes, raising a brow at her. She rolls her eyes but complies.

"Right," I add drily. They are likely wary to share too much information with ahuman. "We should devise a plan."

"Why don't we just—" Thea starts again, but her brother stops her.

"The first trial ends in a week. That means it will likely not be as easy asspooking the spiritinto crossing over." He gives his sister a look. "I think we should scout the location first and see what type of spirit we're dealing with. After we find out who the spirit was, we'll research the history and find its motivation for staying behind. As long as we're methodical about it, we should finish the task with ease."

"That's a good idea," I say, surprised at his insight—and the fact that he said more than a few words for the first time. "One thing to bear in mind, though," I note as I point to our surroundings. "This is too public to simply break inside. We'll have to scout the location during operating hours."

Cer nods pensively.

"Why?" Thea pouts.

"In this world, there are rules and the body that enforces those rules is the police. If we break in,steal, or destroy public property, we'll get in trouble."

"We have such a body in our world, too," Cer notes. "But that doesn't meansomeobey it." The jibe is clearly meant at his sister, who shrugs.

"Not my fault that you're all so boring. Live a little, big bro."

He narrows his eyes at her.

"Okay, what did I say about behaving? Please stop baiting your brother." I point at Thea. "And you." I turn to Cer. "Stop glaring at your sister."

Silence descends as he glares at her some more and she sticks her tongue out at him.

Good Lord, maybe I should have chosen a different team...

"You're no fun, Luce." Thea sighs. "This is the adventure of a lifetime. Take a risk. Or two. Or maybe more." She giggles.

"There is such a thing as calculated risks," I grumble. "Given what is at stake, I prefer to be more judicious with my decisions."

"B-o-r-i-n-g," she mouths.

"As I was saying." I clear my throat. "We should come back tomorrow during open hours. We can meet here at noon."

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