Lucid

The room is cast in shadows, the silence of the dorm enveloping me. Kena and Piolo had been reluctant to leave me alone, their concern palpable, but I needed this solitude, this moment alone with my thoughts, and with Hannah’s pendant. Piolo’s sleight of hand with the pendant was masterful, and I’m grateful for it.

Gently, I unwrap the pendant from its handkerchief and place it on the bed before me. It’s a stark contrast to what one might expect from a precious stone. Its surface is devoid of shine or sparkle, appearing more like an ordinary rock than anything else.

With a steadying breath, I speak to it, my voice a mixture of hope and uncertainty. “Let me get to know you better, okay?” I watch it, half-expecting some response, a sign that it holds more than meets the eye.