He held the staff in his hands. He ran his hands over the marks. The last mark he rubs lovingly. He can see in his mind’s eye that birthday before everything changed.

He didn't think either of them knew what was in store of them.

There was an argument at the beginning and a bargain reached at the end.

That the bargain had been struck had surprised them both.

That the magic came at a price hadn’t.

He carved new marks on the wood.

Bae placed the staff back in the corner for his father to find when he returned.