e of possibilities, a landscape for my revenge. I didn't go to my art studio, a place that would soon become a source of failure and frustration. I

ad: "Dr. Anya Sharma. Spiritual

uck. She had been the only one who didn't look at me like I was insane. She had explained the dark, parasit

age, with sharp, intelligent eyes that seemed to see more than just t

aid, her voice gentle

k," I said, without preamble. "A specific kind

surprise in her otherwise serene expressi

serious claim," she said, ste

t about my rebirth-she would have thought me crazy-but about the sudden, drastic turn of events, the engagement, the Peterson family's meteoric rise coinciding with my ca

fingers steepled before her. When I fin

thetic magic. A parasitic tether. They have linked their destiny to yours, but in a predatory way. The engagement, the charm, the contract-these

new, but hearing it said so clearly,

prove it?

he center was a strange device that looked like a modified Kirlian photog

colorful aura bloomed around the image of my hand. It was mostly a bright, strong blue and gold, but a do

nd financial vitality. But look here." She pointed to the dark threads. "These are the dr

al representation of my life being bled awa

stark, damning report of a crime no court would recognize. "The good news is that a channe

ice, and a new feeling

ard. "I want to reverse the flow. I want to take back what's mine, with

hole world blind. But sometimes, it is the only way to make sure the thief learns not to steal again. It is a dangero

sk," I said. "What

plained. "We must do the same to counter it. We will create a 'feedback loop.' We will feed their

is with you at all times. It will not block them, but it will 'taint' the energy they draw. It will act as a buff

y first stop was a corner store. I walked up to the lottery counter. I remembered Derek once rantin

ionaire's Jackpot." Then I went to a coffee shop, sat down, and pulled out a coin.

. And another. Soon, I had a row of them. Undern

was a start. A small, tangible victo

ing ticket, my phone buzzed. It was

nt. Falls Down Stairs at Product Launch, Sustai

to the winning lottery ticket in my hand.

e. And I was now the o