The door shut behind the stranger, leaving Ethan alone with his thoughts—and the forbidden ledger.

  He let out a slow breath.

  What the hell did I just get myself into?

  The system had warned him. This wasn’t just a book—it was a liability, a ticking time bomb in his hands.

  Ethan picked it up carefully. The weight was normal, but beneath the surface, he could feel something unnatural, like a whisper at the edge of his perception.

  "Would you like to unlock additional information?"

  Cost: 1 Astral Coin

  Ethan narrowed his eyes. The system didn’t normally charge for details. That meant whatever was inside was valuable.

  And dangerous.

  A Risky Investment

  Spending an Astral Coin would set him back, but Ethan needed to understand what he was dealing with.

  He tapped Confirm.

  A wave of cold knowledge flooded his mind.

  "The Sealed Ledger of the Moonlit Veil contains records of every contract, debt, and betrayal tied to the organization. Possessing it grants leverage—but also makes you a target."

  "Warning: The Moonlit Veil is aware of the ledger's movement. If you do not act soon, they will come for it."

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  Ethan stiffened.

  They know I have it.

  He forced himself to stay calm. Panic wouldn’t help. He had two days before the appraiser returned. That meant he had two days to figure out what to do with this thing.

  His options?

  Sell it immediately. If he could find the right buyer, he could make a fortune—but that also meant attracting even more attention.

  Destroy it. But would that even work? And what would the consequences be?

  Use it. If this ledger held secrets, could he turn them into leverage?

  Ethan ran a hand through his hair. No good options.

  Then—

  The shop bell rang.

  A Midnight Visitor

  Ethan’s eyes snapped to the door as a figure entered.

  This one was different from the noble merchant before. Taller. Older. Cloaked in deep gray, with a hood that cast shadows over his face.

  But what unsettled Ethan the most?

  He hadn’t heard the door open.

  The man moved like a ghost, his footsteps barely making a sound.

  Ethan kept his expression neutral. “Welcome.”

  The figure stopped just inside the doorway. He didn’t approach. Didn’t browse. Just watched.

  Then he spoke, his voice smooth and quiet.

  “You’ve come into possession of something… dangerous.”

  Ethan kept his face blank. “I deal in many things.”

  The hooded man chuckled. “No need for games, merchant. We both know what I’m referring to.”

  The air in the shop felt heavier.

  Ethan’s mind raced. Was this someone from the Moonlit Veil? A scout? A negotiator? An assassin?

  He couldn’t tell.

  The man stepped forward, just enough for Ethan to see the gleam of silver rings on his fingers.

  “I will make this simple,” the stranger said. “Give me the ledger, and I will ensure you are compensated.”

  Ethan crossed his arms. “How much?”

  The stranger tilted his head. “You misunderstand. Your compensation is continued existence.”

  Ethan smirked. “You call that a deal? That’s just a threat with extra words.”

  The stranger let out a small, amused breath. “I was told you were… bold. Perhaps even reckless.”

  Ethan shrugged. “Merchant’s gamble.”

  The man reached into his cloak, and for a split second, Ethan tensed—ready to dive for cover.

  But instead of a weapon, the man produced a single silver coin and placed it on the counter.

  It gleamed unnaturally, the surface shifting like liquid metal.

  Ethan frowned. “What’s that?”

  The stranger smiled. “An opportunity.”

  Ethan glanced at the Sealed Ledger, then back at the silver coin.

  A choice was in front of him.

  Did he hand over the ledger… or push his luck further?