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“Sister jewels?”

“While you are a guest of Ever her Then, more sternly, she added the word: “Always”

Melody reached for the chain but Xiohtly

“You are never to take it off,” she added “And I do erously Deep brown irises Blue rie Melody saw an alence there Vast wisdom

“Do you understand?” the old wo

“Yes,” Melody nodded solemnly “Yes, I understand”

“When do you take it off?”

“Never”

“Okay then”

This time she allowed her to take the pendant, and Melody slipped it over her head It hung low and heavy, between her breasts

They spoke only about a few s — small details she needed to know about the plantation, the mansion, the mission itself While she listened, Melody made a promise to herself: no matter what happened, no matter what she needed to do, she would not fail She wouldn’t return to the Blackstone without the egg

When they were finished Xiomara leaned back and cocked an eyebrow “Are you sure you’re ready for this?” she asked warily “I et—”

“Yes,” said Melody quickly She still had questions Even s aside “I’m ready”

The Head of Order nodded slowly She looked her up and down one last tiently on the table When she finally rose, her eyes remained locked on Melody’s

“It took us years to get this invite, Ms Larson,” Xio years”