***TRICIA***

I closed the door behind me softly, as though cutting off the world beyond. The space seemed darker and denser—only the candle placed on the table providing a faint light. Moving toward the little table by the side of the wall, I dropped into the seat, its cold body brushing my arm.

Slowly, I reached beneath my robe and pulled out the metal box Vera’s mother had given me—gleaming faintly with those strange etched symbols… pulsing like a quiet heartbeat.

I set it gently ...