Karla projected back forgiveness and understanding, calling in another necklace to give to Val to play with instead. Diamonds, yes, that caught the light and sparkled, and as far as Karla was concerned, pretty but almost worthless. "Here," she said, handing it over. "You can play with this one, if you like."

Either she'd break it and Karla would have it repaired, or she wouldn't and she'd have a pretty necklace when she was older.

"I'm still trying to figure out if Kayla's fascination with my Jewel comes from how shiny it is or because she can feel the power in it. Or both, most likely."