As Alyssalee unpacked the items, a low-pitched rumble caught her attention, much like the snarl that lions make when considering pouncing on their prey. What the f**k? Alyssalee fumbled with the new tools of her craft. She handed the gem-encrusted prayer wheel to the vicar first, as she figured this was what the girl needed most at this point—last rites, maybe. Next, she unfastened and gently lifted the Flame of the Emissary from the case. The flame was ignited by the Emissary of the One Unified God, and though UNUM would have people believe an unseen force perpetually kept it lit, she knew it was a technical feat.
She removed an ornately carved resin nugget from the velvet pouch next to the flame’s compartment with a clattering as if she were handling a bag of marbles. With the best reve
