Page 22 of The Slug Crystal

Dr. Rossi collects his papers, tucking them back into his messenger bag with practiced efficiency. "Thank you, Officer. Your diligence is commendable. The scientific community appreciates the important work of customs officials in protecting our ecosystems."

Maria's lips twitch in what might almost be a smile. She waves us through with a final warning glance at the terrarium. "Enjoy your stay in Venice. And keep that snail contained."

We move past her booth in a daze, none of us speaking until we're safely beyond the customs area. My legs feel wobbly with relief, my heart still racing like I've just run a marathon. Dr. Rossi walks alongside us, his stride leisurely and confident.

Once we're clear of the customs hall, Jake turns to Dr. Rossi, his expression a mix of gratitude and suspicion. "That was... impressive. Thank you."

Dr. Rossi shrugs modestly. "Academic credentials can be quite useful in navigating bureaucracy. Fortunately, Officer Maria seems to have a respect for scientific research."

I clutch the terrarium closer, staring at this strange man who appeared out of nowhere to save us. "Those papers—what were they actually for?"

Dr. Rossi's eyes crinkle with amusement behind his glasses. "My university department's research permits for various mollusk studies. Nothing specifically about your blue friend there, but similar enough to pass a cursory inspection. "

I swallow hard, not sure whether to be relieved or worried that we've attracted the attention of an actual snail expert.

"Well," Luca says, clapping Dr. Rossi on the shoulder, "we owe you a drink, at minimum. But first, let's get out of this airport before Officer Maria changes her mind."

As we head toward the exit, I feel a weight lift from my shoulders. We made it through customs. We're in Venice. And somehow, against all odds, Alex is still with us.

The automatic doors slide open, and the air outside Marco Polo Airport hits me like a wet towel to the face.

It’s dense with moisture, and carrying the unmistakable tang of saltwater.

I inhale deeply, still clutching Alex's terrarium to my chest as if Maria might burst through the terminal doors and confiscate him.

Venice sprawls beyond the transport plaza, a mirage of domes and spires rising from the lagoon.

We made it. We actually made it. The group of us linger outside, needing to decide next steps.

I turn to Dr. Rossi, who's adjusting the strap of his messenger bag with the casual air of someone who hasn't just rescued four strangers and a snail from an international incident.

"You literally saved us back there," I say, my voice still shaky with residual adrenaline. "I don't know how to thank you."

Dr. Rossi waves away my gratitude with an elegant flick of his wrist. "It was nothing. Academic credentials can open many doors, or in this case, borders." His eyes crinkle at his own joke, then drift down to the terrarium in my arms. "May I?"

I hesitate, then nod, tilting the terrarium slightly so he can get a better look. Alex has emerged from his shell, his antennae extended as if he is curious about his surroundings. Dr. Rossi leans closer, his breath fogging the glass.

"This is actually a fascinating specimen," he remarks, his fingers hovering just above the terrarium. "The cerulean pigmentation is most unusual. I've studied Mediterranean land snails for twenty years and never encountered this particular phenotype."

Jake shifts his weight, subtly positioning himself between me and Dr. Rossi. "We should get moving," he says, his voice tight. "Find transportation into the city."

Dr. Rossi straightens up, seemingly unperturbed by Jake's protective stance. "You're heading into Venice proper? The water taxi is your best option this time of day. The bus will be crowded with tourists."

Ben studies Dr. Rossi with narrowed eyes, his usual easy charm replaced with something sharper. "So, you're really a snail expert? That wasn't just a line for customs?"

"Gastropod researcher," Dr. Rossi corrects mildly. "Though 'snail expert' is certainly more concise at cocktail parties." He extends a hand to Ben. "Dr. Marco Rossi, professor of malacology at Ca' Foscari University. My specialty is endemic terrestrial mollusks of the Mediterranean basin."

Ben shakes his hand, his skepticism not entirely erased. "Convenient that you happened to be right behind us."

Dr. Rossi laughs, the sound warm and genuine. "The universe works in mysterious ways, doesn't it? Though in this case, I was simply returning from a conference in London. Pure coincidence, I assure you."

Luca watches this exchange with barely concealed amusement, leaning against a column with his arms folded. "Well, coincidence or not, you saved us from a night in Italian customs detention, which I've experienced before and do not recommend."

I can't take my eyes off Dr. Rossi as he continues to examine Alex through the glass. Something is soothing about his scholarly interest, as if Alex's blue shell is just a scientific curiosity rather than the result of my drunken revenge spell.

"What brings you to Venice?" Dr. Rossi asks, glancing up at me. "Besides this remarkable specimen, of course. "

I exchange looks with Jake, Ben, and Luca, unsure how much to share. "We're looking for someone," I say finally. "A woman named Sarah DeMarco. She might be able to help with... a problem we have."

Dr. Rossi's eyebrows lift slightly. "Sarah DeMarco," he repeats, rolling the name on his tongue. "The name sounds familiar, though I can't place it immediately."

"She deals in... alternative remedies," I say carefully. "Crystals, potions, that sort of thing."

"Ah." Dr. Rossi's expression shifts, not to dismissal as I'd expected, but to thoughtful consideration. "The esoteric community in Venice is quite close-knit. If she's established herself here, I might be able to help you locate her."

My pulse quickens. "You know people in that... community?"

He smiles enigmatically. "Venice has a long history of alchemists, mystics, and seekers of unusual knowledge. The university maintains cordial relationships with various practitioners—for historical and cultural research purposes, naturally."

The words tumble out before I can stop them. "Would you help us find her?"

Jake makes a small, strangled sound beside me. Ben's eyebrows shoot up to his hairline. Luca's grin widens to Cheshire cat proportions.

"Emma," Jake says quietly, a warning in his voice.

I rush on, unable to stop myself. "It's just, you seem to know Venice, and you obviously know about snails, and we're kind of flying blind here. Only one of us speaks Italian, and we have no idea how to find Sarah."

Dr. Rossi considers me for a long moment, his head tilted slightly. "You're collecting quite the entourage for your quest," he observes, glancing at the three men. "May I ask why this Sarah is so important?"

I swallow hard, not ready to explain the whole spell situation to a stranger, even one who just saved us. "It's complicated. But it's important, life-changing important. For Alex."

"Alex?" Dr. Rossi repeats, confused.

I point to the terrarium. "The snail. His name is Alex."

Understanding dawns in Dr. Rossi's eyes, followed by something that might be amusement or might be concern. "I see. Well, a named specimen suggests quite a personal attachment."

Ben lets out a short laugh. "You have no idea."

Dr. Rossi strokes his chin thoughtfully.

"I was planning to attend a department meeting tomorrow, but I suppose my colleagues can manage without me.

" His eyes light up with sudden enthusiasm.

"A search through Venice's esoteric circles could yield fascinating ethnographic observations.

The intersection of modern mysticism with historical practices is an underexplored area of research. "

"So, you'll help us?" I ask, hope bubbling in my chest.

"I would be delighted," Dr. Rossi says, adjusting his glasses with scholarly precision. "Though I should warn you, Venice's secrets don't reveal themselves easily, even to locals."

"Great," Jake mutters under his breath. "Another one."

Dr. Rossi either doesn't hear or chooses to ignore Jake's comment. "We should start in Dorsoduro," he says, already shifting into planning mode. "There's a small shop near the Accademia that caters to the more... mystically inclined. The owner is well-connected in those circles."

I catch Jake's eye, trying to convey a silent apology for adding yet another stranger to our bizarre quest. His expression softens slightly, but the tension doesn't leave his shoulders.

Ben steps forward, clapping Dr. Rossi on the back with forced camaraderie. "Welcome to the chaos, Doc. Hope you don't regret it."

"I rarely regret pursuing knowledge," Dr. Rossi replies serenely. "And this promises to be an educational experience, at minimum."

Luca pushes off from his column, gesturing toward the water taxi stand. "Then it's settled. Five tickets to Venice, one blue snail, and a search for a missing witch. Sounds like the beginning of a bad joke or a great adventure."

As we make our way toward the taxi stand, I feel a strange mix of hope and trepidation. Our group keeps growing, the dynamics shifting with each new addition, all circling around me and my snail ex-boyfriend like planets around a very confused sun.

The water of the lagoon stretches before us, Venice rising from its surface like a dream. Somewhere in that maze of canals and ancient buildings is Sarah DeMarco. Somewhere is the answer to undoing what I've done.

And now we have a fifth companion on our increasingly complicated journey.

While Luca and Marco work together to find us a taxi, I pull out my cell phone and type up a quick text to Alina.

I let her know Jake and I are in Venice and add the pasta emoji.

I press the send button, but the message doesn't move to show delivered.

Groaning, I notice my signal bars show SOS with no service.

Sighing, I turn my phone to airplane mode and return it to my pocket.

I adjust my grip on the terrarium, watching as Alex presses himself against the glass, his blue shell catching the Italian sunlight. "Almost there," I whisper to him, not sure if he can hear me, not sure if he understands. "We're going to fix this. I promise."

As we board the water taxi, Venice sprawls before us, beautiful, mysterious, and hopefully holding the key to Alex's transformation. If we can just find Sarah before our fragile alliance falls apart.