Even though Kalandra was sightless, the look in her unseeing eyes conveyed agitation.
"I don't know what type of game you are playing Duke Thayer, but the girl is still…"
Sterling was swift to cut off Kalandra and correct the mage.
"You mean the Duchess."
"Yes," she gave a curt nod. "The Duchess—she is still wearing the talisman. I sense a protective aura over her."
Sterling furrowed his brows, realizing that the only thing Faye possessed which could cause such an effect was the necklace. Suddenly, he had an epiphany - it wasn't the necklace at all, but the bracelet he had given her in Easthaven.
He stood over Faye, holding out his hand, and kindly requested, "Give me your arm?"
Faye obediently raised her hand, and Sterling removed the trinket.
"I have removed the other charm. You may touch her now."
The Duke watched as Kalandra sat unmoved. He heard her mumble under her breath, "It is not a talisman or charm…It is you."
