When Twin Flames Unite

Three Times a Charm

As Treasure's Den came into view, Ala lingered back, pulling on Shen's sleeve.

"I can't walk in there. I've been banned," she said.

Shen looked at her. His expression was devoid of any ulterior motive. A genuine question escaped his lips.

"How do you resolve anything?"

"I don't. Carry me."

In a puff, Ala had turned small – no bigger than a garter snake. The splendid valor of her scales turned delicate and precious. Fate had intervened, and the scale found its way back to its owner.

It was a joyous reminder that Shen had his own. How fortunate and beautiful she looked. Bright like the spark of hope for his future – he would reclaim his flame one day.

"Another trick," he smiled.

The brick doors parted once more. The path of the den was more twisted than before. Gamblers shuffled in a daze. Luck wouldn't strike twice, and most didn't play their cards right.

Under the dim lights, Ala was the brightest. The flashing lights illuminated her like a thousand stars.

She attempted to slip down and hid in his sleeve. But he took her and propped her around his neck. A tantalizing prize that would draw the greediest of the lot.

The crowd parted. One side filled with the fearful, the other with the enamored. Both curious as to how much a snake like her was worth.

Shen leaned against the bar in wait. From the looks of the crowd, a high roller would be a dime a dozen. Only one needed to take the bait.

A particularly debonair fellow glided over. His crisp robe was secured by a crushed velvet belt. Pristine hair coifed and combed in place.

The nose knows, and theirs told them something was afoot. He was standing on the edges of his feet. The soles of his shoes were dusty and tattered. A nauseating odor covered him, so strong it almost disguised his humanity.

He flashed a smile of pearly whites as if he was used to people being dazzled. But when Shen did not lean in, and Ala snapped her fangs, he pulled back.

"That's a fascinating creature. Particularly bold of you to bring it here," he said. His tone light and casual.

"Boldness is the way one makes choices," Shen responded. His tone was clipped and cool.

"Well, it is a poor choice to bring it here. It is not welcomed."

"A paying customer is welcomed. My friend is worth more than the lives of everyone here."

A hungry gleam filled the man's eye. He feasted them on the people in the den. A creature valuable enough to feed their hatred and fuel their adoration. Such a thing shouldn't be allowed to exist.

"Friendship is invaluable. You mustn't be that attached," he raised.

"Attachment is a gamble – one I'm not prepared to lose," Shen matched.

"It seems we're on the same page then."

"You have nothing of value in turn."

The man held a bashful hand against his chest and graciously shook his head. He took the tone of a parent explaining the simplicities of life to a child for the first time.

"You mustn't not know who I am – an elected guardian angel."

He pulled out a golden medallion with a lightning bolt etched on the surface. Like a hypnotist, he swung it back and forth. Convinced it would make Shen do his bidding.