Evelisse gripped the table.
'This shell is cursed. Or enchanted. Or enchanted *and* cursed. Either way—no thank you.'
But the shell pulsed again. Louder. A warm note that pressed into her palm without even touching her.
She shoved the plate away.
The hum didn't stop.
It thrummed through her bones now—calling. Beckoning.
And when she finally dared to lift it…
A flash of light burst from the inside.
And a new symbol appeared—one that hadn't been there before.
A **key**.
Etched in gold light.
'Nope. Nope nope—'
She stared at it like it had slapped her.
'You've got to be kidding me.'
Then whispered under her breath: "*What do you WANT from me now?*"
"Evelisse?" came Aldric's voice—firm but concerned.
She jumped. So did the shell. Not literally, but she could've sworn the hum flinched with her.
"Evelisse," Aldric repeated, this time standing up from his chair with a subtle but protective authority. "Is everything alright?"
She blinked up at him, eyes wide.
