Crystal
I watched in silence as Miriam continued mixing herbs and powders in the clay bowl. The smell made my stomach turn, a bitter, acrid scent that burned my nose.
"Come here," Miriam commanded, not looking up from her work.
My feet felt like they were made of stone as I approached the table. Gem was whimpering inside me, urging me to run, to fight, to do anything but obey—but where could I go? The Elders controlled everything in the Moon Palace.
"Your hand," Miriam said, finally looking up at me. Her eyes were cold, emotionless.
I hesitated, and she grabbed my wrist, her fingers digging painfully into my skin. With her other hand, she picked up the silver dagger.
"This will hurt," she said matter-of-factly, and before I could react, she sliced the blade across my palm.
Pain shot
