Evren’s POV:

Jake and I stayed in silence for a while in the office until the necklace suddenly became warm on my skin. I took the necklace off my neck and held it in my right hand. 

It’s getting warmer to the touch…

“What’s wrong?” Jake asked, his eyes on the necklace in my hand.

“It’s warm…” I said.

“Warm? Isn’t it because of your body temperature?” Jake asked, confused.

“No, here. Let’s leave it on the table for a little bit and touch it again.” I said, placing the necklace on the coffee table between us. 

“Hey, so I know that this necklace is a cherished memory of our friend, but-” Jake stopped mid-sentence, and his blue-grayish eyes widened in realization.

“Wait a minute, she definitely was a mage back then and healed you. So does that mean…” Jake's words trailed off.

“That it has a protection spell on it.” I finished his sentence. 

“You were wearing it that night, weren’t you?” Jake asked.

“Yes…” I replied.

Jake’s expression changed. “And somehow you managed to find the cabin that neither of us could find afterward.”

My gaze shifted to the necklace on the table, then I grabbed it once more. It is still warm to the touch!

Neither of us said another word. 

‘It’ll protect you from danger.’ Once more, her words came to mind, but her face was still unrecognizable.

“Evren!” Jake yelled as he saw how pale I became. I clutched my head from the sudden headache I got. 

“Do you want me to call you the royal physician?” Jake asked as he got closer to inspect me.

“No,” I shook my head. “I’m fine. I don’t want any attention on me or this matter.” I finally said.

Jake nodded, then looked at the necklace again. “So does that mean that you were guided to Elara’s house? Could it be because magic recognizes magic?”

“It could be,” I said as I leaned back on the couch. 

“Should we ask Elara about this?” Jake asked.

“No, let’s wait for a bit and see how it’ll react again.”

“But how come it reacted like this, just now?” Jake asked.

I am not sure of the answer myself either. The only difference was that I had been thinking about her when it happened.

“Jake, make sure you don’t mention the necklace to Elara or anything about our friend from before. Keep your eyes on her. If you notice anything unusual, report it to me.” 

Jake nodded.

“Also, keep your eyes on her surroundings. If my uncle sends anyone after her, I want to know immediately,” I added.

Before Jake could answer, we heard a knock on my office door. I quickly hid the necklace in my chest pocket, then cleared my throat to speak.

“You may enter!” 

The Chief Royal Physician appeared behind that door then Elara walked beside him.

Jake and I exchanged looks, understanding the meaning: either she failed the exam and Adrian was here to oppose her, or she made some sort of mistake.

“Your Highness, I am pleased to tell you that she passed the herbs knowledge exam.” Adrian smiled as he said that. Elara stood awkwardly next to him, playing with the hem of her dress.

“What?” I am not sure whether I should be excited that Adrian accepted her, or concerned that she earned her stay and that people will envy her and become her enemies out of jealousy.

“Yes, Your Highness! Though she is still young and just a beginner, she passed the basics of herbs, so you were, in fact, correct about her having talents in that field.” Adrian smiled.

“Well, congrats, Elara!” Jake said with a smile. 

Meanwhile, the necklace is getting hotter on my chest through my pocket.