Finally, I have it in my possession.

I stare at it, caressing its smooth surface, my dark eyes reflecting in its crimson surface. It’s mine, all mine… the Gem of Eternity.

Truth be told, I had my doubts. I wasn’t sure if I’d ever get my hands on it. I sent Norris, my goblin servant, to go speak with the Agency, see if they’d be willing to work with me… and they were. But that didn’t mean I fully trusted them. I had my suspicions. I thus had plenty of backup plans in place, just in case they tried to pull something.

But they never betrayed me. They helped me steal the Gem from the dragon’s lair, and all I had to do was offer them the promise that I’d join their little clique.

Ha! As if I’d like ever be caught dead working with the likes of them. But the Agency didn’t need to know that. All they needed to know was that I signed on the dotted line. Never mind what’s going to happen now that I actually have what I desired.

I press the Gem to my face, snuggling it against my cheek. I smile. It is cold and hard and beautiful. I still don’t know how the Agency managed to steal it, but quite frankly, I haven’t got the mind to care. Nothing else matters now that I have this. I’m going to live for all of eternity!

I hear some bustling, and I whirl around, annoyed. “What is it, Norris?”

“S-sir,” Norris says. He’s blubbering. I always hate how he blubbers. “Sir, it’s one of the knights from the Agency!”

“What? Where?” I growl.

“Outside of the cave, sir! She’s come to collect their debt.” He shuffles on his tiny goblin feet.

“Debt? What debt?”

“Well… you, sir. You did promise the Agency you’d join their ranks if they helped you, did you not?”

I grab him by the collar of his ratty tunic with one hand, dragging him towards me. He squeaks.

“Tell that foul knight,” I sneer in his ear, “That I don’t care what I promised the Agency. I don’t care if I owe them a debt. I don’t even care if they expose me as a liar to the entire kingdom! It doesn’t matter, and do you know why?”

Norris gulps. “Why?”

“Because I have THIS!” I shove the Gem into his face, and he stumbles backwards.

I cackle loudly with glee. Then I point to the door. “Now. Go deliver my message, you pathetic excuse for a servant.” I caress the Gem in my hands again. “Little Gemmy and I are going to have some alone time.”

Norris bows shakily, and then is gone.