Tanya’s POV

Something uncomfortable writhes in my gut after hearing the news of Lily’s escape. It dawns on me that I have felt uncertain about the whole ordeal, like I knew she’d somehow find a way to escape her prison cell. No matter what victory I had earned, Lily always found a way to come out on top. Even now, even though she is seen as a criminal on the run, she still has escaped her fate once more.

With such thoughts in mind, my hand goes to take out the ruby necklace that I have been keeping in my pocket, studying the glossy crimson stones with intense concentration. When Freya and I snapped Lily’s diamond necklace I saw bits and pieces of dark matter floating within the crystals. And now, I can’t help but wonder if it was black magic that I had seen.

By tilting the necklace back and forth, and letting it catch the light, I try to see if it too has the same black swirl. But I see nothing, letting out a huff as I put