Celeste opened a drawer to grab a pendant to match her gown, but her eyes immediately landed on a small wooden box tucked alongside her other jewelry.
Upon seeing that box, she couldn't help but freeze.
So many expressions warred across her face in that single second, but hesitation and longing burned the brightest.
After a long moment, she opened the box to reveal a velvet-lined cushion holding three small, translucent orbs, each no larger than a pearl. Looking down at them, she could already imagine herself crushing one against the polished tabletop, leaning down to inhale the fine powder, and letting the brief escape wash over her.
Unable to help herself, she reached in and picked one up.
"What is taking you so — ah, I see..."
Evelyn's voice came from right behind her as she walked up. Leaning over Celeste's shoulder, her eyes settled straight on the open box.
Celeste fumbled awkwardly to hide the thing, but failed completely, looking just like a thief caught in the act.
