Seven Natural Elements

Daphne didn't move until at least a few minutes after Atticus had left the room. She heard the telltale sign of the lock clicking in place, then his footsteps disappearing down the hallway. Only after did she finally allow herself to exhale the breath she had been holding for what felt like an eternity.

Her hands were trembling terribly, something she hadn't noticed until she looked down at her clasped fingers. They hadn't moved from her lap and whatever Atticus had given her was still encased within her grip. Slowly, Daphne turned her hand so that her palm faced up and cautiously unfurled her fingers.

She sucked in a deep breath of air through her teeth, her heart stopping for a moment at the sight of the object.