MARIE

I took a steadying breath, my heart performing a nervous, rhythmic dance against my ribs.

Slowly, I withdrew my left hand from my pocket and held it out, letting the sunlight stream through the windows and catch the facets of the stone.

"Well," I said, my voice barely whispering, "it came as a surprise to me, too."

Yelena’s reaction was instantaneous. She let out a half-strangled gasp, her hands flying to her mouth. Realizing she had to keep her excitement contained for the sake of ...