I shivered as I walked along the small path, the black satin of my shift not enough protection from the cool night air. Holding myself tightly, I stepped onto the dirt, walking around the back of the manor and finding my faded grey sedan tucked by the trees. I let out a shakey breath, pausing then forcing myself to thrust the rusty key in before I could change my mind. The trunk creaked open as I fumbled for my flashlight and illuminated its contents. Flashes of silk, skin, and gold colored my mind as I stared at my old costumes. I could still smell smoke on their fabric. Surprisingly, all was just how I remembered it. I shook my head, clearing the memories and shoved the costumes aside. I knew that locket had to be in here somewhere. I just thought I’d want to find it again. “Dammit, where are you when I need you?” I muttered. As I reached the far back corner of the trunk, I froze- my hand feeling a small box, smooth and eirly warm. I tugged it out reverently, squeezing my eyes shut then forcing them open as I pulled it to me. The light wood pulsed, the engraved sworls seemed to darken and deepen, as if it was engraved right into its hollow center. But it wasn’t hollow, and I wasn’t sure if I was ready to see what was inside. “Grow a pair,” I shakily murmured to myself but my hands wouldn’t cooperate.

A stick snapped a few yards away and I spun, shoving the box into my robes pocket.

“Playing with the past again?” He leaned against the tree by the edge of the manor, his eyes teasing but his mouth betrayed a hint of concern as one side tilted down a millimeter. My heart was his wild couterpart, beating wildly as he leaned lazily against the wood. My face didn’t betray my panic, staring back blankly, “I missed the gold.” He frowned, “You know… when you lie you have a tell. And even if you didn’t, do you think I wouldn’t know what you’re looking for after what happened this afternoon?”

“What’s my tell?” I smirked, trying to veer the conversation away from what I knew I shouldn’t have been doing. I couldn’t help it. He should get that. He sighed, pushing off the teee and stalked towards me. His hazel eyes demandng, holding my gaze until he was inches from my face. Alright, let’s see it then.” he said in a hushed whisper. I hesitated, but as I stared back into tthe depths of his eyes, I could see only devotion- and maybe a little fear. His hands ran down the sides of my body, his left carefully meeting where mine was clutching the box inside my pocket. He slid inside satin pocket and my fingers loosened. He was going to take it away.