Lydia's heart did a small, joyful dance as she sat up straight and saw him near the mirror.
"You do?" Her voice came out more brightly than she'd anticipated.
"Come here," he said, his expression neutral. She sweetly obeyed, stepping closer.
Standing in front of the mirror, she watched him as he faced it. He whispered, "Turn around."
He held out a small jewel wrapped in a delicate rope. It was a beautiful, almost bluish-white gem, nearly transparent, with light reflecting softly off its surface. The rope crisscrossed over it gracefully, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Lydia instantly recognized it as the magical jewel he had bought the day they met at the fair. But this one looked different—more elegant, almost like an imitation rather than the original.
Lydia frowned slightly but shook her head and waited.
