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“I'm so sorry, Tristan.”

“I've learned to live with Heartbreak.”

“So, you remember the reliquary, but not the silver piece. And it's the silver piece you were drawn to?”

“Yes, whoever put it into your hands, did so knowing it would draw me to you.”

“Is the writing on the back of the silver piece a spell?”

“No, though it may have been used in a spell.”

“Tristan, please. Just tell me what it says. I can help you.”

“I can't tell you.” Tristan's eyes begged me to understand. “It's not because I don't trust you. When you saw that vision of me, it was an exchange. I saw a piece of you. Not a vision exactly, but a glimpse into you, who you are. I know you're kind and loyal. You'd take that information to the grave if I asked it of you. But Heartbreak won't permit me to share it with you. It could hurt us both.”

I held his gaze and knew he was speaking the truth. “This is your kryptonite?”

He chuckled. “In a way, though I'm no hero.”

“Then I understand.”

“Thank you.” Tristan let out a long breath. “Destiny, I need your help.”

“Of course. What can I do?”

He glanced at the cabinet. “Does anyone know you found the silver piece?”

I blinked. “No, I wanted to talk to you about it first. After you told me what it was, I knew I couldn't show anyone, but I didn't know what to do with it.”

Tristan nodded. “Good. I would ask you to give it to me, but I think there might be a tracking spell on it. So, would you—” He bit his lip. “This is going to upset you. But would—”

“You want me to destroy it.”

“I could have taken it and destroyed it myself, but I respect you too much to steal from you.”

“It's not mine.” I looked at the silver piece. “It has your sigil on it. I think that makes it yours.”

His eyes widened. “Then you'll do it?”

“I'll try.” I stood up and went to the tools cabinet. The melting furnace was on the bottom shelf. I brought it back to the worktable.

About a foot high and eight inches across, the furnace consisted of a square base and a cylindrical top with a metal cage around it. I plugged it in and programmed it to 980 degrees, just a little above silver's melting point. Withe furnace heating, I went to the cabinet and removed the silver piece from the reliquary, being sure to keep it within my hand when I closed the cabinet door. I didn't want the security cameras to film me destroying museum property. Tristan watched me set everything up with a twitching expression, his gaze moving constantly to the silver piece in its foam case.

A part of me screamed in denial at the thought of destroying such an old piece. But this was to protect Tristan, and it was just a little etched disc, not some amazing piece of artwork.

I opened the furnace and took out the crucible using a pair of tongs. Holding it with one hand, I tipped it and carefully slid the silver piece inside. Crucibles can be cracked if handled poorly. I set the crucible back into the furnace, and closed the lid.

Next, I went to my work laptop and powered it on. I hadn't told anyone about the silver piece, but I had made some notes on it. After bringing up the file, I deleted it.

“Thank you, Destiny,” Tristan whispered.

“You're welcome.” I closed the laptop and set it aside, then I threw the foam I'd kept the silver piece in away.

“How long does it take?”

“Maybe half an hour.”

Tristan got up and drew me to my feet. I thought he might kiss me. I both hoped he would and that he wouldn't. I wanted to kiss him, but I didn't want him to kiss me just because he felt indebted to me.