The moment they met, Bors Burke could barely conceal the excitement on his face. His eyes seemed to glow as he spoke:
"Miss Cassandra, I am fortunate not to have failed your request. There are fifty-three cards in total, all crafted exactly as you instructed! Please take a look! I've named this deck... the Deck of Stars!"
With that, Bors Burke retrieved a deck of fifty-three cards from the counter, handing them to Cassandra with no small amount of pride.
Cassandra took the cards in hand and meticulously inspected them. She found Burke's craftsmanship impeccable—each card was made to her exact specifications. On the back of every card, he had engraved an exquisite starry pattern, with fifty-three stars in total.
As Cassandra examined the cards, Bors Burke enthusiastically explained the various functions of the deck. His excitement grew to the point where he could hardly restrain himself, gesturing wildly as he spoke.
Once Burke finished his explanation, Cassandra asked nonchalantly:
"How many people have seen this deck? Did you show it to anyone else?"
Burke seemed not to think much of the question, his face showing a faint trace of embarrassment as he replied:
"I was just about to discuss that with you, Miss Cassandra. I wanted to ask if you need the cards immediately. If not, could I display them in my shop for a week to boost my shop's reputation? But rest assured, Miss Cassandra—I haven't shown these cards to anyone without your permission. I still have my professional ethics!"
Hearing this, Cassandra finally exhaled in relief. She casually pocketed the deck and said:
"I'm sorry, Mr. Burke. I have urgent use for this deck, so I can't lend it to you for display."
Burke's gaze lingered longingly on his hard work as Cassandra tucked the cards away, but he waved a hand dismissively.
"No matter, no matter! It is your right, Miss Cassandra! You gave me the opportunity to create this masterpiece—I'm already deeply grateful."
Cassandra smiled faintly, but her tone grew sharper as she asked again:
"Mr. Burke, you're absolutely certain you haven't shown this deck to anyone? Nor told anyone I commissioned it?"
Burke answered firmly:
"Rest assured, Miss Cassandra. I haven't even told my wife. I've been working day and night in the shop, too busy to speak to anyone. The more I worked on the deck, the more perfect I wanted it to be. It took longer than I expected—I only finished late last night."
Cassandra's heart finally settled. She spoke softly:
"Forgive my nagging, Mr. Burke. This deck is far too important—there can be no room for carelessness. I wore a black veil when I first entered your shop precisely to ensure absolute secrecy."
Burke waved his hand dismissively, smiling.
"Of course, Miss Cassandra. I understand perfectly. I will guard this secret—I won't breathe a word of it to anyone. No one will know you commissioned this deck."
Cassandra merely smiled faintly.
"Mr. Burke, do you know who can keep a secret completely?"
Burke froze at the question, a thoughtful expression crossing his face.
A second later, his hand shot toward his pocket, reaching for his wand.
But Cassandra was faster—she had anticipated this. Before Burke could fully draw his wand, Cassandra's was already leveled at him.
"Expelliarmus!"
The Disarming Charm sent Burke's wand flying. With Cassandra's wand mere inches from his face, Burke froze, bitterness flickering across his features.
"Miss Cassandra, there's no need for this... truly. I would never betray your trust—I swear it on my family name."
Cassandra's smile remained cold.
"Your family name? As I recall, Mr. Burke, the Burke family struck you from their family tree long ago. And besides... your draw was far too slow."
Before coming to the shop, Cassandra had already made up her mind. Bors Burke—the only person outside the Secret Order who knew about the deck, and its very creator—had to be silenced.
Secrecy was one reason. But more importantly, Cassandra feared that Burke might have left behind some hidden trick in the cards—something she could not detect.
For the past week, Cassandra had claimed to be caring for her father, staying away from Hogwarts. In truth, she had devoted herself to mastering one spell.
Avada Kedavra.
Burke forced a bitter smile.
"Since leaving Hogwarts, my wand has seen little use in combat..."
Cassandra's smile sharpened.
"That is precisely the problem with the wizarding world, Mr. Burke. Too much peace... too little excitement. It's time to add something new."
Burke did not understand the meaning behind her words. He merely twitched a finger, pointing toward the room behind him.
"Before you act, Miss Cassandra... may I make one final request? In the back room, in the drawer, there are a few remaining Galleons you gave me. If you must take them, I cannot stop you. But in light of my hard work... could you leave some for my wife?"
His voice trembled.
"She just gave birth to our son—he's one month old. My wife cannot work, and they have no income. They need that money... to survive."
Cassandra fell silent.
The room's air grew heavier.
Time stretched on.
Suddenly, the tip of Cassandra's wand flared bright with light.
-----------------------
Want to read ahead of schedule?
Join here for advance chapters: PATREON.COM / PRIMALDEMON