The scent of ancient magic hung in the air—a bizarre, heavy mixture of ozone, crushed lavender, and what smelled suspiciously like cheap, synthetic strawberry perfume.
Leo's grip on my wrist didn't loosen for a second. His chest was still rising and falling from our ridiculous marathon through the puffer-fish-obsessed market, his dark eyes darting between my flushed, sweaty face and the glowing, magical sign overhead.
**[MAGICAL SOUVENIRS & DESTINY BINDINGS]**
"What kind of foolish setup is this?" Leo muttered, his voice gravelly, a sharp edge of hostility lacing every word. He tugged on my wrist, dragging me forward as he pushed aside the heavy, dark purple velvet curtain draped over the entrance.
"Inside. You are not slipping away again, you elusive little rat."
