"I don't understand. How did you know about the necklace? And this book? How did you get here?"
"Ah, yes." Mrs. Elkins sighs, reaching over to pat my hand in a familiar gesture. "Do you believe in prophetic dreaming?"
Vanessa steps forward now, her voice pitched high with incredulity. "Are you a clairvoyant, ma'am?"
"No, dear." Mrs. Elkins gives Vanessa one of her warm smiles. "But some dreams mean something. Do you believe in your Moon Goddess, child?"
The guards' growls fill the air, a group offense at being questioned on their faith.
Vanessa's stern look silences them. She turns to Mrs. Elkins, her voice soft yet resolute. "I do believe in the Moon Goddess, yes."
Mrs. Elkins reaches for Vanessa's hand, and though bewilderment flickers across Vanessa's face, she allows the contact. The old lady's eyes crinkle with warmth as she clasps Vanessa's hand in her arthritic fingers. "I'm so grateful Ava has found a friend. She was far too lonely in Cedarwood."
