RYDEN

　　　 

　　　

　　　 

　　　

　　　 “Wow. Chopsticks.” I didn’t know what to say, but grateful, and at the same time confused. “Why chopsticks? Is there a meaning behind it?” It was made of steel with a serpentine design at the handle.

　　　

　　　 “Silly. It’s Kanzashi.”  I still didn’t know what that was. 

　　　

　　　“A what?”

　　　

　　　“A hair accessory. It comes in several varieties. Beautiful,” she said as she examined it. Then she twisted the nob as if she’d seen it before.

　　　

　　　 I heard a soft click. Then the sharp point popped up, shining against the light.

　　　

　　　 “Holy shit. A weapon?”

　　　

　　　 “Yup. I’m pretty sure it’s laced with poison.” She twisted it back, giving me the other...