This was a delaying tactic, she knew—a way to avoid thinking about Takamatsu’s offer. She didn’t take his threat lightly; he wasn’t the type of person to offer the future and not get what he wanted in return. What did she want though? The offer was as tempting as it was terrifying. Take the deal, lose her soul; refuse the deal, lose her life. How could she make a decision like that? Her body alternated between the desire to flee or lie on the ground and give up. Takamatsu’s offer seemed to have no way out, but until she knew her own mind, she’d carry the load and continue.