I kneel down beside Liana and study the three stones carefully. They all look the same shade of red, and each radiates a faint glow, but one is definitely brighter than the other two. When my hand hovers over the stone, I can feel a faint warmth emanating from it.
"That one," I point to the Fuegorra, and Liana nods in approval.
"Hmm. Yes," she says. "Now, what are the others called?"
I blink. "I don't know."
She harrumphs. "Just as I thought. This is red beryl—we use those for healing. This other one is red topaz. We sing to this one as a message of respect and loyalty during mating ceremonies. It symbolizes faithfulness, Estela."
Her words are pointed, but I don't know why. "I am barely a part of you people. How can you demand my loyalty to a man I barely know?"
Liana gives me a long, hard look but doesn't say anything for a moment. "I cannot answer that for you. Let me show you something else."
She reaches into her deep pockets and pulls out something that seems to make the other crystals dim. Her long blue fingers unfold to reveal a diamond, much like the one I was dazzled by on my first day here.
Though it still catches the light streaming in from the mushrooms outside, it seems dull and ugly in comparison to any of the other stones we've looked at.
But Liana's expression tells a different story. "This is a blood diamond. It was formed from the lava that ravaged the continent. It carries the blood of giants, elves, humans... Enduares. It's cursed and brings misfortune to any Enduar that possesses it."
Liana holds the diamond out toward me, and I tentatively reach out to take it. As soon as it touches my skin, a cold shiver runs down my spine. This stone feels wrong. It's not just that it doesn't glow like the others, but it is heavier somehow—like it's tugging downward on my hand.
I remember the nightmares, the betrayal, and the fear that have been my constant companions lately. It all faintly screeches in my head, making my temples pulse. I yank my hand back and let the stone fall to the ground.
She nods. "The magic is strong inside of you. Stronger than most Enduares. Most can sense the wrongness of this stone, but few would be hurt by it."
I rub my hand. "Do you sell these to the giants to curse them?" I think back to how much wealth these pretty gems have amassed for the giants.
She shakes her head. "If only it were that simple. It is cursed for us, and us alone. But it is the only way we can have contact with the outside world. Only certain miners can work with the diamond deposits, and they are stored in a room in King Teo's wing of the palace."
I pause, slightly upset by her words. "How does it curse you?"
She looks grim. "Irsh and Mele were one of our mated pairs. They had a son, Sama, and they were killed in an unusual collapse while mining the diamond for the giants. The stone cutter, Flova, who was shaping the diamonds, fell ill."
I suck in a breath. "Is he all right?"
She nods, bending to pick up the stone. "Yes, the herbs you brought us healed him in a few days."
As she tucks the diamond into her pocket, she continues, "But the diamond latches onto the psyche of those who possess it. It drives them mad with greed and desperation, just like Teo's father. Many say they are dead stones, but I believe each one carries a bit of Teo'Likh. We keep them locked away, but sometimes I fear it’s an unnecessary evil."
I wince as I consider the implications of the cursed stone. They seem like they don't truly understand why the giants were so enamored with the gems. "Do you not know why the giants ask for so many?"
Her eyebrows draw together in a frown. "No. They seem to value them for their beauty and rarity, but beyond that, we do not ask questions if they bring the herbs."
I weigh her words in my mind while I think of all the information I gleaned while a slave. The giants trade with other lands. I do not know how the people are called, but they have been amassing allies and wealth for quite some time.
The words to tell her are on the tip of my tongue, but Liana's smile returns, and she pulls out a small leather pouch from her pocket. "Let me give you something you will enjoy much more. It's called hematite. It's known for its grounding properties and is often used in meditation and connecting with the earth. Here, hold this one and close your eyes."
It takes me a few moments, but I keep the words inside and do as she says, feeling the cool weight of the stone in my palm. Immediately, a sense of calm washes over me, like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders. It's a welcome rest after the diamond.
We continue like that, with her handing me different stones and chirping notes to make them sing. When the mid-day whistle sounds, I leave the tunnel to help Ulla prepare a meal.
I'm heavy with thoughts of the giants and what they were doing with the diamonds.
As I enter the kitchen, my mind is still whirring with ideas. Ulla greets me warmly, and I smile back at her, trying to shake off the heavy thoughts.
"Is there anything I can help with?" I ask, looking around the warm, cozy kitchen that smells of mushrooms and meat.
She nods. "Yes, thank you. You can start chopping these for the soup." Then she hands me a basket filled with black fungi.