10 Souls, Magic Edition

Chapter One: Emotional Control, Part 1

Her name was Angel. She was known for being a kind soul and honest. Hard to be both, right? But somehow she managed both.

She had an eternal dream that she'd have complete control over her emotions. She could pick when she cared and when she didn't. She came to the shop with this dream in mind. The man that runs the shop said to her, "Hello, there, Angel. It is nice to meet you." She smiled and leaned against the counter, batting her lashes.

"You must be Chip," she stated knowingly. He smiled back and gave a single nod.

"Yes, I am. I run this shop." He gestured around the shop. There were all different kinds of beautiful glittering jewels all around them. She was mesmerized. He gave a smile and knelt down to grab something, pulling out a necklace and setting it down on the glass counter carefully.

"What is that?" She asked.

"A sapphire with a gem that has been enchanted with the ability you wish for," he said, eyes never leaving hers. Her head shot up and she blinked a couple of times in surprise.

"What do you-" she started to ask but cut herself off when she saw the wide grin on his face. His eyes sparkled, which had her absolutely enthralled for the slightest moment. She hadn't noticed how beautiful his bright, icy blue eyes were. And they were so expressive. She just... felt drawn to them.

His smile spreading across his face caused her to come back to reality. She lifted the necklace off the counter and studied it. He made a gesture toward it and asked, "Would you like to try it on?"

She stared at the mirror as she held it up to her chest where it would hang if she wore it. She stared at the mirror, mesmerized.

"It's incredible," she breathed. He grinned.

"I designed it myself," he said proudly. She nodded and started fumbling with the clasp, but he grabbed her hand, staring into her eyes. She stopped to stare back. He gave another little smile.

"I need it back for a second before you take it." She nodded without even thinking and handed it back. He stroked the sapphire and whispered something to it. A red glow emanated from the blue gem, causing a warm purple glow against the counter. As the light dampened, he grasped the necklace and put it in her palm.

"Alright. Go ahead and wear it," he said, giving a nod. She was staring at the piece of jewelry in her palm then glanced up at him.

"What did you just do to it?" She asked curiously. He beamed.

"Just made it okay to wear," he said vaguely, waving at her. "Go ahead." She blinked in confusion but shrugged and released the clasp so that she could put it on. As she reclasped it and stared into the mirror, gently touching the necklace, the glow returned. It was not as bright this time and she could hear a faint hum coming from the gem on her chest.

"What is happening?" She asked.

"The necklace has found its person," he said with a shrug. "Would you like to purchase it?"

She frowned, touching the necklace. It was warm against her fingers and she released a heavy breath.

"I want to try it out first." He took a step away from her and gave a single nod.

"By all means." Her eyes returned to the mirror as she watched the red glow disappear and be replaced with a blue one. The glow was bright, almost blinding, as she stared and tried to use the power to not be so enchanted by it.

The man, as if knowing what she was doing, clicked his tongue and took a step closer.

"I apologize, miss. The ability cannot be used against the necklace. But you may use it on anything else."

She considered this for a moment, humming softly to herself, then seemed to know exactly what she wanted to do.

Turning back toward the mirror, she stared at the gem that was no longer glowing. It began to glow again and she closed her eyes. She could hear the hum again and focused her attention on it, thinking about the man that had dumped her recently and willing her feelings for him and the sadness the relationship ending had caused away.

She no longer cared... she no longer loved him... it was done and over and she didn't care... She repeated the words in her head, willing them to life... and it worked. It worked! She felt nothing. No sadness, no grief, no love... nothing whatsoever. Her breath caught as she realized what had happened.

She could control her emotions, as she'd always wanted to be able to. No pills, no drugs, no alcohol, nothing had ever done this for her... until now.

Eternally grateful, she threw her arms around Chip, who had at some point walked around the counter. He smiled a little and patted her head.

"Do you feel better?" He asked gently. She smiled, feeling a wave of relief and peace fill her.

"I do," she agreed. "So very much better." He smiled, resting a hand on her shoulder.

"Take good care of that necklace. There is much power in having the ability to control your emotions. You can be quite the force... powerful, strong... just make sure to use it right." She shrugged his hand off of his shoulder, though she still appeared grateful and delighted.

"Yes. I will take excellent care of it. Thank you so much for this gift!" She pressed a few bills into his palm. When he counted it, it was twice the cost of the necklace.

"Uh, Angel, you gave me-"

"I know what I gave you," she interrupted, offering another smile. "Thank you." She pecked his cheek and, clutching her necklace, hurried out the door. He had opened his mouth to speak again but she was gone before he could get out another word.

He frowned a bit and sighed. Hopefully she'd be safe with the necklace.