Chapter 4

The matron's strength was overwhelming. My frail body couldn't resist.

She pried open my fingers, snapping them one by one, tore the pendant from me, and handed it to Violet.

Violet pinched the pendant between her fingers and waved it right in front of my face. I lunged instinctively, but grasped only air.

She broke into ringing laughter, her eyes bright with mockery, as though she were toying with a cornered animal.

My panic rose like a tide. My eyes burned. I lunged again, shouting, "Give it back!"

She slipped aside, swinging the pendant again, admiring how desperate I looked.