Chapter 3

My next prenatal check-up wasn't good.

"The baby's heart rate is a little erratic, Sarah," Dr. Ramirez said, her brow furrowed. "It was perfect last time."

Panic seized me. "What does that mean?"

"It could be nothing. Stress, maybe. We'll monitor it closely. I want you to take it easy."

Take it easy.

How could I?

Blackwood's words echoed in my head. "One life falters..."

I thought about the locket, sitting in my jewelry box.

I hadn't worn it since the market.

Coincidence?

Chloe called that afternoon.

Her voice was different. Bubbling.

"Guess what, Sarah? I think... I think I might have some positive signs!"

My blood ran cold.

"Really, Chloe? That's... fast."

"I know! This new holistic approach, maybe it's working! And you know, since you've been wearing that locket I gave you, I've just felt... luckier."

I hadn't been wearing it. Not for days.

"Chloe," I started, then stopped.

What could I say?

After the call, I stared at the locket.

It seemed to gleam in the dim light of my bedroom.

I had to know more.

I found Mr. Blackwood's antique shop.

It was dark, crammed with strange objects.

He emerged from the shadows like a spider.

"Ah, Mrs. Miller. I wondered if I might see you again."

He knew my married name. Michael's name.

"The locket," I said, my voice trembling. "You said it could be cleansed."

He shook his head slowly. "You've worn it. The attunement has begun."

"Attunement?"

"Its energies are linked to you now. To your... child."

My heart hammered.

"What can I do?"

"Discarding it now would invite disaster," he warned. "A sudden break in the connection can be catastrophic."

"Then what?" I pleaded.

His eyes narrowed. "There is one way. You must transfer its burden. To another pregnant creature. Before the upcoming new moon."

"The new moon?"

"Three days," he said. "It is a time of potent energies. The transfer must be complete by then."

Another pregnant creature.

My mind raced.

Max. My Golden Retriever.

She was pregnant. Due any day.

No. I couldn't.

I left the shop, my mind reeling.

This was a nightmare.

Blackwood was manipulating me. It had to be.

But the doctor's words... Chloe's news...

It all felt too real.