221 Night of Hailstorm

When they arrived back at the castle and disembarked from the carriage, Emily asked Raylen, "How did you know about it? About the man and me…" She was puzzled because she had never breathed a word about it to him before. 

Raylen gazed at her for a moment before responding, "Your grandmother and I had a little chat when you were sick. I had my suspicions that needed clarification."

"And what did you learn?" Emily inquired, feeling her heartbeat quickening its pace. 

"You possess a Barter Soul," Raylen explained to her. "In simple terms, a tradeable soul that can be used for other purposes, much like a joker in a deck of cards. It's likely what he's after."

"Why me?" Emily asked, as everyone else in her family was seemingly normal.