Both Adrian and Karl turn to me, expecting me to know.
“Like I said before, King Ruel didn’t give me a description. Apparently, the Magna Vis can change shape—at least, that was Castiel’s theory.”
Karl throws his hands in the air. “How did they expect you to locate it, then?”
“They believed I’d be able to sense the Magna Vis, or at least be drawn to its power.”
Adrian frowns, then walks to the window and stares into the distance. He remains silent for a bit.
“What’s on your mind?” Karl finally asks him.
Adrian releases a sigh, then looks over his shoulder. “It’s nothing.”
My gaze drops to his neck, and the medallion is gone. “What happened to your necklace?”
He blinks fast. “What necklace?”
“The one you were wearing a second ago. You clutched it.”
“I did?” He presses a hand against his sternum but finds only naked skin.
“Manu, are you sure you saw it?” Karl asks.
Taken aback, I glance at him. “I swear it. When Adrian stated that knowledge of the outside world wasn’t available to him, he grabbed the gold medallion.”
Karl keeps staring at me as if I’m talking nonsense.
“I know what I saw!”
He winces. “I’m sorry. My question came out wrong. This place messes with our heads. It’s not a matter of not believing you… but it could have been an illusion meant only for you.”
I lower my chin and stare at the floor. Could it be? But why would I see Adrian wearing a necklace? It makes no sense.
“What if the necklace you saw is the Magna Vis you seek?” Adrian asks.
I whip my face to him, bewildered that I didn’t come to that logical conclusion. “Of course. That must be it.”
Karl places a hand on my arm and watches me with renewed motivation. “Can you describe the necklace?”
“It was a gold medallion hanging from a thin gold chain. I think there was a pattern designed on it, but I only got a glimpse before Adrian covered it with his hand.”
“And did you sense any power coming from it?” Adrian moves closer, more animated than before.
“Not really.” The truth deflates me a bit. “What if it was only a memory from your past and unrelated to the Magna Vis?”
Karl pulls me into a side hug. “Don’t lose hope now, my love. Why would you see something from Adrian’s memory if it wasn’t linked to what you seek?”
I rest my head against his shoulder, basking in the comfort only Karl can provide. “I don’t know. But you’re right, I can’t lose hope now.”
“Where do you think we should start our search?” Karl asks Adrian.
He sits on the chair next to the window and looks outward again. He seems to like the view. “I’m not sure, but you can’t search for it now. We have to wait until the opening reappears.”
My chest tightens. “And how long will that take?”
“A few hours. Perhaps you should rest. You can use my bedroom.”
The last thing I want is rest. I’m not tired. But I could use more time alone with Karl.
