VALERIA

"Then come, step closer to this table," he led me to a massive oval-shaped marble table with a gigantic map spread across it.

Some areas were drawn out, while others appeared opaque and concealed.

"Bring me the box!" he ordered, and they brought him a small wooden box.

It looked familiar, and when he opened it and showed me the contents, I recognized the stone I had once touched—pretending it was harmless—only to have it burn my hand.

"This stone is made from the Mother Altar, the very