The crystal sphere rested heavy in Valeria's palm. It was the size of a large apple but it felt as dense as solid iron. The Fruit of Genesis did not reflect the ambient light of the courtyard. It generated its own illumination. A miniature galaxy of swirling gold and blinding white stars spun slowly beneath the flawless crystalline skin.
Valeria stood in the center of the silver grass. The night air was perfectly still. The fifty Bear beastmen manning the perimeter walls had gone completely silent. The White Lotus Paladins stopped their evening prayers. Everyone in Oakhaven felt the immense and terrifying gravity of the object she held.
"Valeria," Kael said softly.
He stepped off the wooden porch. The Golden Tiger walked slowly toward her. His bronze skin was taut with anxiety. He did not look at the glowing fruit. He looked directly into her violet eyes.
