Inside a black velvet box was a unique ring, gleaming with a red gemstone as precious as any treasure and circled by 520 tiny diamonds glittering in the light. Each diamond was meticulously chosen to ensure a perfect fit within the setting. This red gem stood alone in its splendor, unmatched anywhere else in the world. Its worth was astronomical—over $3 billion in Venturian currency.

Madelyn finally drifted off to sleep. But suddenly, she felt the bed dipped beside her, and her hand was grasped