The jewelry spread across the stand looked nothing like the noble pieces commonly worn in Bergheim.
These designs felt mysterious.
Older somehow.
Heavy gold chains draped across dark velvet cloth while delicate gemstones shimmered in the colors of the sinking sun.
Thin bracelets layered with tiny chains and dangling coins chimed softly whenever touched.
Elegant ear cuffs curved like flames around carved crystal pieces while necklaces of polished amber, opal, and glowing orange stones reflected warm sunlight like trapped fire.
Some pieces resembled sacred relics more than decoration.
Others looked almost sinful.
Enthralled, Mirabelle picked up one piece after another.
She held earrings beside her face, tested bracelets around her wrist and lifted necklaces against herself while examining the reflections in polished bronze mirrors nearby.
Yet somehow her attention kept returning to one particular bracelet.
