My hands trembled as I reached for the brocade box. The entire ballroom held its breath, waiting to see what could possibly surpass eleven Soul Tempering Pills.
The box felt warm in my palms, almost alive. I traced the intricate golden patterns on its surface, delaying the moment of opening it. After the Nash family's humiliation and the incredible pills, I wasn't sure my heart could handle another shock.
"Go on," Aiden said softly, his dark eyes encouraging. "I promise it won't bite."
I laughed nervously and lifted the lid. The gasp that escaped my lips was involuntary, raw with emotion.
Inside, nestled on midnight-blue velvet, lay the most beautiful necklace I had ever seen. The centerpiece was a crystal pendant the size of a small egg, perfectly clear and multifaceted. It caught the ballroom lights and threw rainbows across the walls. But it wasn't just any crystal.
"The Tears of Stars," I whispered, my voice breaking.
