The ruby glinted in the dimness. Somehow it reminded me of the jewel around the unicorn's neck. Dad didn't seem to think it was dangerous. And yet… somehow, it made me uneasy. As sleep stole upon me, I set it on the table beside the bed and shut my eyes. I would try to find out more about it in the morning. I slept. Sometime later, I felt a sharp pain on my finger and came awake. It was the ring, I realized. It had tightened painfully for a second, then released me. How had it gotten on my finger? It tightened again. A warning - I kept my breathing low and even, but strained every sense. A rustle near the door made the hair on the back of my neck bristle. Someone had entered my room. Slowly I eased my hand under my pillow, careful to make no sound, and curled my fingers around the hilt of a long-bladed knife. Then, in one quick movement, I sat up and threw it.
