He reached in and lifted a small pouch, sealed with twine. It was heavier than it had any right to be. The fabric bulged against his grip. He loosened it carefully, the contents shifting with a soft, clinking sound that made his stomach tighten.
When the light hit, the world changed. Dozens of stones—sapphire, ruby, and emerald—exploded in color, scattering reflections across his wet hands. For a moment, he forgot the rain, the cold, and the darkness. All he could think was: This isn’t furniture.