The Crescent Hour ✓

Chapter 11. Lost Legacy

No one spoke. Silence took reign in the office. Clara could imagine their eyes boring over the necklace snuggled to her chest, studying it, captivated by its beauty and putting the pieces together.

“Damn,” Rai said. “Is that what I think it is?”

Eryx shot up from his chair. “Impossible.”

Clara looked at them. Rai had the most ridiculous expression. His mouth kept opening and closing like that of a fish out of water and his fists were trembling as if it took him every ounce of restraint to prevent himself from grabbing her necklace. Eryx’s face was lined with scepticism. Tamer was calm, watching her with those golden eyes.

Amberforte’s thin lips twitched into a faint smile. “Give it to me.”

Clara shook her head and clutched the locket. It was an impulsive reaction. She had to protect what was hers, what was her mother’s. “No. It’s mine!”

The Great Scribe watched her with the air of an impatient man. He brought his right hand forward, palm facing up. “I know it is yours. Let me see it.”

Tamer nodded at her, a signal that she should do as told. She didn’t want to part with the necklace but she knew refusing the sage’s request would raise suspicion. Taking it off from her neck, Clara gave it to him. The old Zamari took it and examined the locket. His fingers stroked the marking on the back.

“Arcane sigils from the old civilizations.” he said.

It has to be a coincidence, Clara thought. The idea of Vanguard Naaji’s necklace being in her possession was preposterous but even as she thought so, the evidence was uncanny. It can’t be. It’s not possible.

“It has returned to us,” the Great Scribe confirmed. He loosened his grip on the chain so that the locket swung back and forth. Ruby petals caught the shafts of light from the nearest lamp and splashed their reflection on the table in varying tones of red. “Where did you get this from, young one?”

“It was my mother’s necklace. It now belongs to me.”

“Was?” Rai asked.

She pursed her lips. “My mother passed away many years ago.”

Tension stiffened the air when everyone became quiet, contemplating on the connection between Naaji’s necklace and Clara.

“Who are you?” Rai asked, folding his hands across his massive chest.

Clara’s jaw clenched. “What do you mean? Do you doubt me?”

 “Why is it that you have Naaji’s necklace?”

“Rai…” Tamer said.

“I think it was long established by Lady Alora and I that Clara is of no threat,” Eryx interjected.

“I’m not saying she is. I only want to kn-”

Amberforte smacked his cane against the ground, silencing them. He returned the necklace to Clara and she took it in haste, wanting to keep it away from the others. She held out her breath and then gave a sharp exhale of air.

“This is not Naaji’s necklace,” she said. “You’re all mistaken.”

“But it is,” Amberforte replied.  “If that necklace has been passed on from generation to generation then I think it’s quite logical to assume you are his descendant.”

“That's not true. You don’t understand. I’m not from aro-”

He ignored her. “There was blood in the markings. Was that your blood?”