Metallic Taste

"How careless of me," Vyan interrupted, his tone smooth as he loosened his tie and revealed a silver locket dangling from his neck, his name carved delicately into the metal. "You see, the love of my life gave me this. She even had it enchanted with a rather potent protection spell. I am guessing that is the mana your artifact is picking up."

Easton's eyes narrowed, his fists tightening. "You have got to be kidding me."

"Not even a little," Vyan replied, slipping the locket off and placing it gently on the table. His smirk was infuriatingly casual. "Feel free to check again." He placed his hand on the mana detector, eyes gleaming with amusement.

Easton watched the artifact with silent anticipation, the seconds dragging by. "Why isn't it registering anything yet?" he muttered in frustration.

Then, with a soft hum, the detector glowed green. Easton froze, disbelief clouding his features.