Anastasia ran into the heart of the garden, stopping at the fountain. As always, Diana stood with one palm up, the other offering water to the sunken city. Panting, she carefully pulled the crystal from underneath her heavy sweater. It seemed to grow heavier in her hand, as if it knew what she was about to do. Wanted her to do it.
"Mother, I hope this works," she whispered, placing the ball in Diana's hand. Slowly, Anastasia released the stone, pulled her hand back and held her breath.
Nothing happened.
Anastasia sighed and muttered a curse. She was about to reach for the crystal when a soft hiss, like air escaping a balloon, whispered through the garden. Anastasia froze, watching wide-eyed as the statue began sinking into the earth. The fountain turned off until only small droplets of
