Asher stared in disbelief as his blood disappeared, seemingly spirited away into the ring.
He rubbed his eyes, blinked several times before confirming such a bizarre phenomenon to be real.
The inlay seemed to shift in place for a moment before settling down. Perhaps satisfied with its meal, Asher hadn't the slightest clue.
The skin he had lost fell off the ring, light as a feather swaying in the wind. It was completely dry, emptied of its life force, it crumpled midair, dissolving entirely.
Maybe... this is a cursed item?
Asher reached out again towards the ring, this time only grasping its case. He held it for a moment and after nothing strange occurred, he settled down a bit.
Strangely enough, he didn't feel the cold anymore, even if kept abreast he would have felt it.
The cold emanating from the ring was truly ghastly.
Moving his left hand towards the ring, he verified his conjecture. It's not cold anymore? Or maybe not cold for now.
"I really don't know one way or the other.
Perhaps it's safe to touch now? Maybe even wear."
He removed the ring from its case, held it in his palm, he could have sworn he felt it vibrate to his touch.
Gaining confidence, he slid it onto his left hand, the moment he did so, he felt strange.
As if coming into focus suddenly, he could see the tiny bits floating in the air. I think those quacks from the science faculty were calling them particles, whatever the hell that is.
He could see something else as well amongst them inundating the very air. It was particularly dense around him as well, he struggled to even find words to describe what he saw.
Like tiny motes of light, twinkling and glowing with ephemeral power. They came in all the colors of the rainbow, even some he had never seen before.
They coalesced into various shapes, creating nebulous clouds.
The motes clustered near him were black and sinister. Suddenly, the beautiful motes of light fell from his sight, fading back into the ether from which they came.
There was something unfamiliar within his heart, nascent and budding.
Yet, he felt a strong will emanating from it. Whatever the hell it is, I can feel it has a small connection with the ring.
The feeling, however, was fleeting, as quick as it came, it had left.
Asher looked at the ring, then at the box before coming to a decision.
He grabbed his clothes and headed for the lobby washroom.
After washing and freshening up, Asher let out a relieved sigh.
Not even a breath later, though, he wished he could get a refund for that sigh.
The fatigue from his self-defense class with the old man had finally reached him in full.
Doubling over, he scrambled towards the toilet before relinquishing his breakfast.
Maybe... maybe I shouldn't have tried so hard.
Asher changed his clothes and cleaned his face again, rinsing his mouth in the process. Then he reached over and shut off the lantern illuminating the bathroom.
There were no windows; as a result, he had made do with it.
He knocked on Mr. Bolard's door and waited; it didn't take long.
Soon, a familiar stern voice reached his ears.
"Come in."
Asher opened the door and walked inside, he turned towards the detective and assessed his employer. There were a couple things about this lucrative employment opportunity that didn't make sense.
At first, he wasn't concerned, perhaps blinded by the large advance paycheck he had received.
However, after the incident with the ring, he began to reconsider.
4 pounds a month is a wage a middle manager or a middle-class business could earn.
How could Mr. Bolard afford to hire him on? He had no experience... he was young... not even a particularly good fighter.
He was bright, sure, but not brilliant, just a grad student collecting accolades.
His debatably inflated self-confidence couldn't really justify it.
There were other employees too: Liz, Helena, and Henry.
Additionally, he suspected there were at least 4 more. Seeing as the hallway had 6 doors, he had seen two of their owners.
No doubt the others were not vacant either. If they're all enjoying the same compensation at a minimum, that would mean Mr. Bolard is spending approximately 40 pounds a month on just payroll.
How on earth was he affording such expenditures? Perhaps his clientele is not only robust but also affluent.
There's also the fact that they can afford to have fresh cream on hand. Let's not get distracted; I'll have plenty of time to inquire later, I hope anyway.
"Good morning, Detective,"
Asher gave a half bow, looking in Mr. Bolard's direction.
Mr. Bolard had the same tired lost expression on his face as Tuesday.
If Asher hadn't known better, he might've accused him of never having left. His jacket was still draped over his chair and his ashtray contained just one cigarette. Asher suspected it was the very same one he had lit after they reached an agreement..
Peculiar.
The man in question looked at him from top to bottom then nodded, seemingly satisfied with his attire.
"Good morning, Asher. I trust Henry has been taking care of you?"
"Indeed, I've just finished my morning session with him. It was highly enjoyable... truly to die for."
Mr. Bolard wasn't amused by his joke, or at least he didn't think so until Mr. Bolard revealed a knowing smile. He chuckled lightly and gave him a sympathetic look.
"Excellent! You can go home and rest for today. Your peers are busy in the field, combing for a person of interest. You will have to meet them some other time. Tomorrow, I will give you your first assignment. I know you said you're an orphan. Despite that, should anyone fret your absence, I suggest you inform them. While it's not expected, the assignment could very well require it. Additionally, make sure to maintain our dignity always. You must make an effort to always carry any tools required for your post. It is imperative that you're able to assume your responsibilities at a moment's notice. You will be expected to arrive no later than a quarter past should you receive notice."
Asher shuffled a bit, then placed the jewelry box he had taken the ring from on Mr. Bolard's desk.
"I understand, detective. I will without fail meet and surpass your expectations. However, there is something I can't help but bring to your attention. It's somewhat... how to say... fantastique, for lack of a better word."