SPELLBOUND

The both of them were silent for a moment as they looked at the necklace. After a couple of seconds, both Gavriel and Evie looked up and their eyes met with similar questions reflected in each other's gaze. What was the meaning of this? Why did this black gem suddenly resonate with Evie as soon as it touched her skin?

Gavriel had his brows creased at the strange occurrence. Wealthy vampires and even few humans had worn this same gem and they remained black. Never had this event ever occurred before in the long history of the vampires. The only known change of color of the gem was only when if it was reflected against the moonlight. Gavriel had never known anyone else who could make the gem change its colour into something else aside from black and silver before. If something like this happened before, everyone would definitely know, and most especially him.

"Oh my god!" Evie finally exclaimed, wide-eyed, as her gaze darted back and forth between her necklace and Gavriel. "This is so cool! It'll change color once worn too! Is this some high-class kind of mood necklace?"

"Actually… I don't think this had actually happened before. I've seen many others who have worn this same stone and it has always remained black on them. The only time it changes its colour is when reflected under the moonlight as I have shown it to you earlier."

Evie blinked and then her delicate brows knotted. "Then… how come, it changed just now? Are you certain this necklace doesn't possess some sort of magic?"

Gavriel narrowed his eyes and stared hard at the necklace. The next moment, he lifted his hands to take the necklace off from her neck. The necklace immediately lost its colour the instant the gem lost contact with her skin.

"Let me check for a moment," he said as he put the necklace around his own neck. Gavriel thought that perhaps something is different with this particular necklace and that it reacts differently when worn. However, the stone remained black the whole time it was on Gavriel. "Does this mean this stone only works on you?" Gavriel asked, his expression filled with interest and at the same time wariness. Why would a gem from the forbidden land react differently on his wife alone? There was something definitely amiss here.

"Wife," Gavriel did not put the necklace back on Evie, "I think this matter needs to be further investigated. There might be something special with this necklace." He explained though his voice sounded uncertain. "I'll have this checked out and cleared first before you put it on again, is that alright with you?" Though it was certain he would do it no matter what, Gavriel still run it through with his wife as a show of respect on her opinion.

Evie blinked and for some obscure reason she felt as though she did not want him to take it away from her. Though Evie was confused on why she would even feel like she was already so attached to the necklace. Gavriel immediately noticed the reluctance on her face. And it made him feel even more puzzled.

He smiled gently at her and caressed her cheek. "Don't worry, I'm not going to have it thrown away," he said mischievously, "It's just for precaution, love."

"I… I'm not worried." She said but without knowing why, she felt her heart disagree to the gem being taken away from her.

"Alright, then don't look so sulky." Gavriel teased her as he gave a gentle flick on the tip of her nose.

"I'm not. Why would I? It's not like it's a very important heirloom or something… and you have said it, you'll just have it checked right?"

Gavriel was silent for a moment, staring at her and then he gently pinched her cheek. "Yes. I will give it back to you once I'm certain it wouldn't cause any harm on you."

After that Gavriel and Evie went to the walls and met up with Gavriel's men there. He gave the necklace to Zolan and told him to immediately investigate it after putting it on Evie one more time and showing them the strange reaction the gem had when touching her skin.

Everyone, as expected, were surprised since they too have never seen anything like it.

"As soon as you find some information about it, come report it to me in the castle," Gavriel said and Zolan nodded, intrigue and interest were also brimming in Zolan's intelligent eyes.

"Got it, Your Highness. I'll go work on this now." Zolan said immediately and when the man turned to leave, Evie found herself stopping him.

Even Gavriel looked at Evie when she suddenly said 'wait'.

"Yes, princess?" Zolan asked, still eager to leave to finally work on this interesting find.

"Err…" Evie didn't know what to say, "t-take good care of it…" she said lamely and forced a smile.

Everyone fell silent for a moment before Zolan smiled back at her and spoke. "Rest assured, My Lady. I will definitely take the utmost care with this necklace."

After giving her a small bow Zolan was gone.

Gavriel had a serious look on his face as he continued watching Evie's expression, with her not aware of his observation of her. Her sudden strange attachment to the necklace they had only recently bought made him feel suspicious. But it was no use thinking about it right now. He will have to wait for Zolan's report before considering more on the matter.

And thus, with a smile, Gavriel gathered Evie in his arms, surprising her.

"Alright, shall we continue on with our adventure tonight, my wife?" he whispered.

Evie nodded as she smiled back, now a little distracted. "Where are you bringing me this time?" she asked, raising a brow.

"Hmm…" Gavriel seemed to think about it and then he glanced at his men. "I still have something to show you." He said and he nodded at her men.

The men immediately left in a blur while Gavriel positioned Evie in his arms and making sure she was properly wrapped with her furry cloak well.

"Hold on tight love, I'll show you something magical."