Marissa lifted the lid. The hinges moved silently.
Inside, resting on a cushion of black velvet, was a ring.
It was a substantial piece of jewelry. It was made of thick, polished silver, cool and solid. In the center sat a large, flat onyx stone, black as midnight. It didn't sparkle like a diamond; it absorbed the light, dark and mysterious.
Marissa reached out and took the ring from the box. It felt heavier than it looked.
Derek reached out. He took the ring from her fingers. He held it up to the firelight, turning it slowly so she could see the craftsmanship.
"This is not just jewelry," Derek explained, his voice serious. "This is protection."
He brought the ring closer to her.
"This ring contains a special medicinal powder," Derek said. "It is stored in a hollow chamber beneath the stone."
He demonstrated. He held the band of the ring with one hand and touched the onyx stone with his thumb.
"Rotate the surface to activate the mechanism," Derek instructed.
