Camilla stopped reading. She dropped her book onto the mattress. Her eyes went wide with surprise.
She got off the bed. Her bare feet touched the floorboards. She walked over to the edge of the bed and squatted down on her knees to open the chest.
She reached out her small hand. She turned the brass latch and lifted the wooden lid.
Instantly, a brilliant, warm, golden light shone from the inside of the chest.
Dozens of perfectly minted, highly polished gold coins greeted her. They were stacked in neat, beautiful rows. The chest was completely filled to the very top with gold. The bright yellow light reflected from the oil lamp, shimmering beautifully in Camilla's eyes.
Camilla stood frozen on her knees, staring down at the fortune.
She slowly turned her head. She looked across the quiet room toward the chair where Damon was sitting.
"Did he send me this?" Camilla thought to herself, her internal voice filled with sudden, deep shock.
