My hands trembled as I knocked on the door of Helene's shop for the second time that day. The silver hairpin burned against my palm—a strange payment for a potion that I no longer trusted. In my other pocket lay the two vials from the mysterious woman, their contents my real hope for Regina's survival.
"Back so soon?" Helene's raspy voice called out before she yanked open the door, her yellowed eyes narrowing at the sight of me.
I stood straighter, refusing to show fear. "I have your payment."
She eyed me suspiciously. "Where did you get the coin? Steal it, did you?"
"Not coin." I extended my palm, revealing the silver raven hairpin with its gleaming onyx eyes.
Her entire demeanor changed in an instant. The witch's gnarled fingers snatched it from me with surprising speed, her eyes widening as she examined it with an almost reverent expression.
"Where did you get this?" she demanded, a strange note in her voice. For a moment, I thought I detected fear mixed with awe.
