Chapter 3
“That doesn’t seem fair. I mean, that hardly gives me enough time to do anything.”
“You have until tomorrow night. Then you either keep the gift and complete the ritual, or use it to buy yourself out of the obligation.”
Jag wasn’t sure if his legs would support him. Hope and shock, and even fear, made him weak. He took a few stumbling steps back and slumped against the wall. “Why didn’t anybody tell me this?”
“I wasn’t supposed to.”
Jag looked up with questioning eyes to the man who had always been so patient with him. “What?”
“It’s a test, Jag. It’s meant to prove your fidelity, though it’s becoming more and more of a gesture, rather than an actual rite. Traditionally…the temptation is not quite so extreme. This ring won’t just settle your family’s debts, it could very well make you the wealthiest person in the area. If you find the right dealer.”