After Daniel left, Esme stayed in the living room a little while longer. The pearl, glowing atop its pedestal, was watching her like an unblinking eye. The painting still invoked an odd response in her. She took up the compendium and thumbed through it until she reached the relevant tale.
The Pearl of Esperance
Also known as the ‘Pearl of Promise’, this magnificent jewel was formed from the last essence of the enchanted water drop from which the isles and magic of Aeolia sprung. The Esperance Pearl is said to possess such inordinate beauty and power that all who set eyes on it are smitten. Why exactly is the pearl so coveted? Many theories abound, but the most common versions of the tale claim that the pearl will grant its possessor whatever he or she desires.
The true extent of its pow
