From there, it doesn’t take the others long to assemble the narrowed number set in order. A brush for the Three of Pentacles, which represents a leader at work. A frowning mask for the Five of Pentacles, which represents inevitable worry that reminds us to remain present—as Rosa just read for Cleo. Arrows of transference for the Two of Pentacles, which represents flowing forward from balance achieved. A raised fist for the Four of Pentacles, which suggests that stability should inspire risks, not stasis.

Sherwin makes an argument to swap the four and the two, but he is overruled by Chase and Rosa—rightfully so, in my opinion. The initial interpretation just seems to click. These symbols capture the different seasons of the King of Pentacles’ nature too perfectly.

Click here

“So who’s going to do the honors?” Rowe asks.

“You children have been invaluable,” Rosa answers first. “There’s no way I could have figured all this out on my own. But if you don’t mind, I’ve been waiting for a long time to take my place in Perillian history. If we’re wrong, I’ll bear the burden of destroying this priceless artifact. However, if we’re right, I’d like to be the Queen who unearthed Perilli’s final King of Pentacles.”

As expected, no one challenges Rosa. So she approaches the pentacle lockbox, her eyes beginning to sparkle with anxious anticipation.

For once, I’m actually happy to let someone else take the lead. Instead, I find myself in a new position, lurking like some renewed hunter, every muscle in my body primed for action. I watch as Rosa sits on the pentacle platform, placing the deck down beside the lockbox. I glance over at Cleo and they also note this, their own fists clenched in anticipation.

After one last deep breath, Rosa begins scrolling through each combination to lock in the chosen sequence: 3 5 2 4. Once the numbers are set, Rosa looks around at each of us…

Then she presses the button set above the King’s 14.

For a moment, nothing happens. For a moment, we collectively hold our breath—because we obviously got it wrong. The liquid is about to discharge from the lockbox canister, I just know it…

Until the lockbox lid clicks and separates, popping right open. Inside, the King of Pentacles is revealed, nestled into a plastic slot. Above it, a clear tube is suspended, but no liquid dispenses.

We did it.

Rosa gasps, clapping her hands together like a giddy child. I can’t make out the details of the unearthed King of Pentacles from this angle, but it doesn’t matter. My body swirls, fully charged. It’s time to do this.

My eyes find Cleo’s and we both nod.