Chapter 65: Talisman Circle
Mikel sat on a stack of wooden planks in the corner, quietly sorting nails into separate trays so the ghosts wouldn’t waste time figuring out which ones to use. It was the only thing he could do, given that his Recovery Protocol hadn’t finished working its magic yet.
Meanwhile, the sounds of cheering and laughter from the shrine kept the ruins from falling into total silence.
"Mikel."
He glanced up as Arthur joined him, sitting beside him with a small smile.
"How’s everything going?" Arthur asked. "Once you’re out of here — everything good?"
"Mhm." Mikel hummed casually, returning his focus to the nails. "I’m not dead and still refusing to die, so yeah — everything’s good."
A flicker of worry passed through Arthur’s eyes. Mikel might’ve had the reputation of a delinquent, but after spending time with him as a ghost, Arthur had realized there was more to the boy than that. Mikel might look intimidating for his age, but it was only because life had forced him to grow up too soon.
And despite it all, he was kind, just not in ways most people noticed.
"I’m okay, Arthur," Mikel said again, still not looking up. "I wouldn’t be here if I weren’t."
Then, he tilted his head slightly toward him. "Anyway, those two ghosts who used to come with me on nightly errands? They’re gone. Don’t go looking for them."
"You already helped them cross over before their contracts ended?" Arthur asked, brows knitting.