"Now," Elena said, her voice taking on a ceremonial quality, "for the traditional gifts." She opened the first of the jewellery boxes, revealing a pair of earrings that caught the light in prismatic bursts. "Something new."
The earrings were exquisite; teardrop sapphires surrounded by tiny diamonds that seemed to capture all the light in the room. "Elena," I breathed, "they're stunning."
"They're from both Elijah and me," she said, helping me put them on. "Blue to match the sapphires in your crown, and to remind you that you'll always have a family who loves you."
The weight of them against my skin felt significant, a tangible reminder of the bonds that sustained me.
"Something old," Elena continued, opening a worn velvet box to reveal a delicate silver bracelet. The filigree work was
