_Lyla's POV_
The seer’s hands moved smoothly as she rifled through a carved wooden box beside her spellbook. Her fingers stopped on a delicate silver chain. She pulled free an amulet that shimmered faintly in the candlelight. It looked old, ancient even, but powerful. Etched into its surface was the image of a crescent moon surrounded by intricate runes.
She turned to me slowly. “This,” she said, “will protect you from Adeline’s magic.”
My breath caught. “How?”
“The runes were carved during a blood moon,” she explained, stepping closer and gently placing the chain around my neck. “They carry the blessing of the Moon Goddess. So long as you wear this, her black magic will struggle to touch you. It won’t make you invincible, but it will make you harder to harm.”
The cool metal kissed my
