I simply look up into his eyes and I can see the desperation there. I now have the upper hand.

‘That doesn’t matter’ I say, ‘what does matter is what you’ll pay to take it away.’

His responding scowl mirrors my own. Except my blonde hair and blue eyes don’t make it quite as intimidating. This isn’t a place for someone like me. Someone like me shouldn’t be handing their soul over to a hooded man she met only yesterday. One, because she shouldn’t have the ability or strength to get hold of a Vessel, and two, because I’m a princess who should have everything she ever wanted.

I glance behind the hooded stranger before me, his reluctance forcing me to find a plan B. I’d hoped he’d simply take it, leave the key I needed on the table and disappear. I mean, the soul of a princess is a pretty hefty find, but it looks like he’s after a bit more than I originally bargained for.

‘You know, princess, this key I’m holding can open up a lot of doors for you.’ I know exactly what that key can do and I know exactly what this man is hinting towards as I feel his fingers graze my knee.

The damp pub I chose to meet in holds only one sure exit and I’m looking right at it, I’m also looking at three over-weight, grimy looking drunkards who’ve slowly turned their attention to our little meeting.

It was at that moment the barman dropped a glass and I was forced to act. I grabbed the Vessel that holds my damaged soul and decided it was time to show this man exactly how I was able to get hold of it. I sprung into action.