The shaman let out a loud laugh, her voice cracking. "Back to life? Out of all people, I didn't expect to hear such absurdity from you."
"He died on the night of a blue moon. We might've accidentally made overlapping wishes. It might be why he's attached to me," Ein laid out the details.
The old woman raised her eyebrows, her eyes opening with fascination. "On the blue moon night? You should've started with that!"
With her attention grabbed, the shaman leaned in closer to Ein. "You're in luck! When the blue moon rises, the barriers between worlds are at their thinnest. Those who die on such nights retain their lives for thirteen days."
She continued in a knowledgeable tone, "Your little friend isn't fully dead yet. The body will preserve itself for these thirteen days, awaiting the soul's return."
Adriel beamed, his face unfolding into a grin. "I told you my body wasn't fully dead!"
"Where's the body? You didn't bury it yet, did you?" the shaman questioned Ein. "Without it, there's no hope."
"The body is still in one piece," Ein responded.
"Ha! I can get back to life! Your grandma is a savior!" Adriel exclaimed, tugging at the floor cushion Ein was sitting on.
The old woman leaned back in her seat, stroking her chin. "But reviving a dead body is tricky." She sighed. "You brought me quite the pickle. I usually deal with comatose spirits."
The silence would have hung heavy in the air if not for the excited ghost shifting around Ein.
"I know a way, but it's dangerous," she said finally.
Ein nodded, listening intently. Meanwhile, Adriel looked like he was about to start climbing walls out of impatience.
"As I always say, there's a price for everything in this world. There has to be balance between the dead and the living," the shaman gestured with her hands as she spoke. "If you want to bring the body back to life, you'll need to offer a life in return."
The old woman held Ein's gaze for several seconds longer, as if searching for any signs of doubt or hesitation. Seeing none, she clapped twice, and the beaded curtain rustled softly as the orange-robed man entered the room again.
"Bring me the green box from the storage room," she directed.
The man nodded and left the room. Barely two minutes later, he returned with a small green box and placed it carefully on the lacquer table.
Without any further ado, the shaman opened the lid, revealing a round, light blue crystal ball.
"Now, listen carefully," she said, pushing the box towards Ein, "this is moonstone. You'll have to use to exchange lives. The spirit will have to enter his original body and hold the stone to the dying person. Both must touch the stone skin to skin, otherwise it won't work."
The shaman's aged eyes almost closed as she narrowed them, "But be warned, it's irreversible. Once the exchange is initiated, you cannot stop it. The lives have to be traded, no matter what."
"Understood. How much is the moonstone?" Ein moved onto the practical matters, taking the box carefully.
Baffled, the old woman stared at him for a moment, then cackled. "Just take it. You paid for all of this," she gestured at the room. "I can't imagine living in a better place at my age. This stone is the least I can do for you."
The transaction seemed to be over, and Ein stood up, bowing his head slightly.
"Wait, that's not all," she pointed her wrinkly finger up.
Ein paused, waiting for her to continue.
"Try not to upset the spirit. If angered beyond his limits, he can turn evil. Then he won't be able to come to life," the shaman noted. "And make sure his heartbeat doesn't diminish. If it does, come to me immediately."
"Haha, hear that? Be more patient with me," Adriel snickered, circling Ein playfully.
After giving another nod, Ein took a step towards the exit, but she stopped him, "One more thing."
"What is it?" Ein asked, turning back again, his patience dropping.
"Stay for dinner." The shaman slowly rose from her seat. Her tone was almost apathetic, but Adriel could see her watching Ein expectedly from the corner of her eye. "It's not every day that you visit. Let's share a meal."
Ein tried to refuse, "Thanks, but—" however, the ghost swiftly picked up the floor cushion and smacked his back, cutting him off. "Stay!"
"When's the last time you've eaten? I bet you're not going to cook today. You should use this chance to eat a proper meal," Adriel chided, repeatedly nudging him with the cushion.
The old woman broke out laughing, satisfaction coloring her overly casual expression just a moment ago. "Looks like your little friend is persuasive. I'll prepare seats for both of you."
"Me too? Aww, that's so nice of you," Adriel shook the cushion as a 'thank you' gesture to the shaman.
She briskly left the room before any objections from Ein came to the surface. He glared at the ghost, then plucked the pillow from his grasp, dropping it back down before walking to the dining area.
"Rude!" Adriel complained, following. "Your grandma looked like she really wanted you to stay, you know. And it looks like you're extra cranky because you're hungry. I did you a favor."
"I'm not cranky. I'm just not in the mood to stay," Ein muttered in reply, turning his head.
Adriel shrugged nonchalantly, "Yeah, I can see that." He walked to the other side, trying to catch Ein's gaze. "But what's the harm in spending an hour or two indulging the old lady?"