She held the box in her hands, turning it over, feeling the smooth surface against her skin. It felt heavy despite its small size, somehow denser and more real than anything she’d ever touched. The dully gleaming material was neither metal nor wood, just something in between, and a dark jewel the size of a robin’s egg was inset on one side.

Jewel facing up, she placed the box down on the table and leaned against the table’s edge. Taking a deep breath, she reached out one hand, resting her fingers gently upon the faceted jewel. Still, she wasn’t ready.

She pressed down firmly.