I opened the box.
Inside was a delicate silver pendant. A snowflake design that seemed to pulse with faint blue light. Cold radiated from the metal even without touching it.
"It's infused with my Aspect. A piece of me that you can carry." Her voice softened. "When you're far away and surrounded by women who want to take you from me, touch it. Remember who's waiting."
I lifted the pendant from the box. The cold bit my fingers in a familiar way. Natalia's cold. The cold that had become synonymous with home.
"Help me put it on."
She clasped it around my neck. The snowflake settled against my chest. Cool but not unpleasant. Like her presence wrapped in metal form.
"It suits you."
"Everything suits me. I'm incredibly attractive."
"Your ego is exhausting."
"You love my ego."
"I love despite your ego." She kissed my cheek. "Now go pack. The transport leaves at six tomorrow morning."
I spent the rest of the day in a haze of preparation and goodbye.
