HAZY - PART 1

The corners of Friar Tillis' mouth lifted into a grin as he looked at the young woman standing before him.

"I have something to give you. The dragon left it with me today."

Faye's curiosity was piqued by his repeated reference to Sterling as "the dragon." She wondered how he knew about their argument. Before she could voice her questions, he took her hand and turned it over, placing her mother's locket in her palm.

The cool metal of the locket felt heavy against her skin. She could hear the gentle tinkle of the chain as it settled into her hand. For a brief moment, she thought she smelled the scent of perfume coming off the metal, reminding her of her mother. Faye's heart beat loudly in her ears as she looked up at the Friar, searching for answers.

Her expression was perplexed as she asked, "How did…I mean—where did you get this?"