“Someone gave this to me when I was your age,” she said, handing it to Skye. “It’s the symbol of the phoenix.” She watched as the girl studied the pendant’s gold face. “When her old life is over, she rises from the ashes into a new life, emerging even more powerful and made even more beautiful by her newfound strength. Eventually, with time, that’s what will happen to you. I see it in you, Skye, so I know it’s there. Someday, you’ll see it in yourself, too. And when you do, it’ll be time to pass this on to someone else.” She retrieved the necklace from Skye’s hands, draped it around the girl’s
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