Thug grabbed the bars and bent them as wide as he could. Kelik rushed over and grabbed the Alchemist’s Dream from its resting-place. This gem was about unification; taking two imperfect things and making them into something more. He held the purple gem in both hands, and he felt a surge of power. The will of the Living Jewel fought against the will of the user. He needed a few moments to master it.

“Ms. Adams!” he shouted. “Talk to Eliza! Keep her here with us!”

Veronica felt so helpless. She couldn’t see and she could barely move. Her strength was gone. They hadn’t fed her in days and ....