The sound of running water echoed as May Shaw slipped into the hot spring pool, still shivering. Tonight’s events seemed to haunt her, and since returning, she hadn’t said a word. I didn’t disturb her, sensing her mood. Now, guilt was written all over May Shaw’s face.
What I’m thinking about now is a question: after those three girls died, where did their souls go? No matter how strange this place is, when people die, their souls should leave their bodies. But where did their souls end up? I got up, intending to go out, but May Shaw called out to me.
“Roxie, where are you going?”
I smiled and said I was heading to the kitchen to get something to eat. After comforting May Shaw, I left, clutching the Charm Pouch. I hadn’t taken out what was inside; I planned to ask Serena Chen about it when I saw her. She’s the only one I can ask here—after all, she’s from the Nether Syndicate and knows more about supernatural techniques than I do.
After careful observation, I realized this Charm Pouch had a spell cast on it. Holding it, I could feel a certain power flowing through. If I opened it rashly, I’d break the spell.
As for the smell inside, it was unmistakable—blood and flesh were mixed in. I knew this scent too well; it was the smell of ghosts, something my father taught me to recognize as a child: a pungent, burnt stench.
After stepping out onto the highway, I looked around but didn’t spot Serena Chen. Still, I knew she was here.
“Serena Chen, I know you’re here. Come out.”
I called out, but there was no response. After a while, I heard footsteps. Turning around, I saw Serena Chen, who gave me a cold, sinister smile, her eyes fixed on the Charm Pouch in my hand.
“Can you tell me what this thing really is?”