"Moonstone?" Kel echoed as she gazed at the hazy blue stone.
"It comes from a lake in the mountains of the far north," the man explained. "According to ancient legend, this stone is a crystalized ray of moonlight."
Kel yelped as he slid the moonstone into her hand. An intense stinging pricked at her skin everywhere the rock made contact. It was so cold it felt like it was burning.
The stone clattered to the floor as Kel jerked her hand back, shaking off the painful sensation. When had he gotten so close? And when had she extended her own hand toward him?
"Interesting…" the man murmured, bending to retrieve the stone.
"I-I don't accept your gift, so please take me to my friend," Kel stammered, rubbing her palm.
The man chuckled and gestured to the door, which the assistant from earlier had already swung open and stood waiting patiently.
