Destiny Swap Ritual

Disaster struck during my sophomore year.

Not only did my family fall into poverty, I ended up getting diagnosed with cancer as well. I was so broke that I only had a hundred dollars left to my name.

Desperate for cash, I tried to pawn off the family amulet I had been wearing since I was a child.

Unexpectedly, the storekeeper of the pawn shop took a glance before refusing it with a curt shake of his head.

“This amulet is cursed. Whoever wears it is doomed to lead a short life. I can’t possibly take it.”

I was speechless upon hearing this, becoming agitated once what he said had registered.

Suddenly, I had a violent coughing fit until I nearly coughed up blood.

“I might not have long to live, but my father had this amulet crafted by a blacksmith using pure gold in the year I was born. Why can’t I pawn this off?

“Please, sir, let me pawn it. I would much rather die of my sickness than of hunger!”

The storekeeper frowned and looked at me, then said with a gesture, “Just by taking one look at you, I can tell you were born in poverty. How could your family possibly have the money to have someone forge a golden amulet for you?”

I wiped away the tears from the corners of my eyes before retorting, “What do you mean by that? My family was based in the capital. We were once the wealthy Kleins!”

“The Kleins? Are you Geneva Klein, the daughter of Robert Klein?”

His expression changed dramatically.

Realizing that he knew my father, I felt the urge to cry and choked up.

“Everything changed so suddenly when my parents died and my relatives ended up kicking me out of the house. Why else would I end up here of all places, trying to pawn off my amulet?”

The storekeeper suddenly opened the door next to the counter and gestured me inside so we could talk.

The interior was warm and cozy. He even handed me a hot cup of tea.

From the corner of my eye, I noticed that his left leg had been amputated.

It had been ages since I found myself in a place with proper heating. I was so touched.

“My name is Job Chalmers. I would have still been herding cattle in the countryside if it wasn’t for your father graciously financing my education in the past.”

He paused, and I noticed his brows twisting into a tighter frown. “I know my way around fortune telling and have read your father’s fortune, too. According to my reading, he was supposed to live a prosperous life filled with blessings well into his old age. I have been trying to figure out why he passed away so suddenly.

“Geneva, if you would trust me, please let me read your fortune as well.”

I was a little hesitant at first, but after debating it, I gave him my birth date and time.

Then, he started reading my fortune. At one point, his expression became rather queer.

“Did your father's career start to blossom as soon as you were born? Your parents must have had a good relationship with each other, too. I’m sure you got along very well with them.”

My father had mentioned that our family operated a relatively modest business.

After I was born, business boomed, and we became very wealthy. My father succeeded at every business venture he took and ended up growing the modest business into an empire.

He had always remarked that I was his lucky charm.

I nodded profusely at Job’s suggestion.

Job took a deep breath before continuing, “You were born under a lucky star, destined for countless blessings that would extend to your family members. You were supposed to continue expanding your fortune and live a good life. How did this happen?”

He suddenly stopped talking and directed his attention at the amulet in my palms.

He reached forward and plucked a strand of hair caught between the seams. Then he took the amulet from me and flicked the face of it open.

I was about to say something when I noticed a clump of black hair stuffed in the center of the amulet.

The engraving in the center of the amulet that read “Prosperity” was now replaced with this horrifying mass of black hair!

Job’s expression had grown sinister. Feeling his gaze, I felt goosebumps running through my skin.

At last, he spoke, “The fortune that was promised has been claimed, leaving an empty shell of misfortune and despair in its place.

“Geneva, somebody has stolen the blessings meant for you!”