The transition back to my human skin had been exhaustive, a strange, stretching sensation that left my muscles aching but entirely re-energized. Now, the cool mud of the marsh was washed away, and I was sitting comfortably at the heavy wooden table in Eloise’s kitchen, wrapped in one of Demetrius's oversized shirts.
I cradled a large glass of cool water between both hands, taking a slow sip. Across the table, Eloise was organizing a few remaining jars of herbs, a look of quiet contemplation on her face.
"If I would have known you had a Sentinel's Crescent necklace," Eloise began, her melodic voice soft as she looked over at me, "I wouldn't have scared you by telling you that you would feel pain."
I set the glass down, the black diamonds resting heavy and comforting against my collarbone
