NoGift

AURUM slept like a log. She thought that she wouldn't be able to sleep after her call with her brother. But surprisingly, the moment she laid down on her bed, she quickly fell asleep. 

She wondered if it was because she was too tired yesterday. She, her mother, as well as Black and Clay did go around the buzzling area of the town yesterday. They hadn't started their search yet. They hadn't even gone to the former location of Clay's childhood home. They just went around the business area to get a feel of the whole town. And she must say, from that short tour, she could tell that this small town was thriving. 

Despite the cold weather all year round, the people were very lively. There were a lot of shops and the trade was obviously very alive. Almost all the residence they met were hospitable, with a kind smile on their faces. One could see that the people who lived in this small town of Sylvan were content and happy. It was truly a huge contrast to the bleak weather.

Aurum was truly thankful for that. At least with this, it wouldn't be too hard to go around and talk to the locals about the legend of the Elven Queen and how she gave her favorite treasure to that simple farmer. 

She stood up and stretched her body. She looked at the wall clock and saw that it was still a bit early. She wondered if her mother and the others were already awake. Well, Black was definitely awake. She still remembered that her brother's gift was in the hands of that kid. 

She walked to the bathroom. The bathtub was already filled with hot water. Last night, after dinner, she asked people working in the inn they were staying to bring her hot water. Of course, he asked first if the bathtubs in the inn were inlaid with magic stone that could maintain the temperature of the water. And, as it happened, it did. 

Now, she could take a bath without disturbing the others. 

After taking a bath and dressing up warmly – white shirt, black trousers, knee-high boots, and white fur jacket – she walked out of her room and planned to go to the inn's dining area. 

She just reached the ground floor when a female employee approached her. 

"Good morning, miss," the other greeted. "Your companions are waiting for you in one of the restaurant's private box."

Aurum raised one of her brows. She was a bit surprised that her mother and Clay were already awake. She wondered why they had to have breakfast at a private box when they could just do that at the inn's common dining area. Then she remembered that today was her and her brother's birthday. With that, she already had an answer to her question.

"Please, lead the way." 

The employee respectfully nodded and Aurum followed behind her.

Soon, they arrived at the said private box. The employee knocked on the door and told people inside about her arrival. Then she bowed at Aurum before leaving. 

Aurum opened the door. The moment she walked inside, colorful confetti suddenly appeared in front of her sight. 

"Happy birthday, Aurum!" greeted by three different voices.

She looked forward and saw her mother holding a cake while both Clay and Black were on the side of the door holding containers full of confetti. 

Her mother walked forward with the cake and presented it to her. "Go on, blow the candle and make a wish."

Aurum gazed down. The cake her mother was holding was a white frosted cake with pink icings that was decorated like roses. At the middle, a small candle was erected. She automatically closed his eyes and made her wish.

[I wish before our next birthday comes, my brother and I would be able to find the rest of the ancient artifacts. That we would be able to safely entered the Mythos continent and get a fruit from the Tree of Life. Oh, and to meet our father if ever he's still alive.]

After saying those things in her mind, she blew on the candle, properly extinguishing its flame. She then opened her eyes.

She saw her mother putting the cake on the table which she now only noticed was filled with different dishes. 

Anthea then turned to her and took out a small rectangular velvet box from her space ring, a golden ribbon was tied around it. She gave it to Aurum. "Happy 15th birthday, my dear."

Aurum quickly took it. "Thank you, Mother." She looked down at the box and guessed that it must be some kind of accessory. "Can I open it now?"

"Of course," Anthea happily answered.

Aurum untied the ribbon and then opened the box. Just like she thought, it was indeed an accessory. But she still couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of it. 

It was a necklace that was rose-gold in color. The pendant was a golden lotus and at its very center was an amber jewel. She immediately felt something special from the amber jewel. It's definitely not just an ordinary gem. 

"This is something that can amplify your Gift," Anthea explained, seeing her daughter staring at the amber jewel. "Even if you're not using the full power of your Gift, it would automatically be a level higher with this necklace with you. Of course, you don't have to worry that your Gift would be out of control because of it. You would still be able to control the output of Mana. The necklace would just amplify it."

She knew how Aurum still couldn't use her Gift at full power. Right now, she could only do it comfortably at A level at most. That's why she thought of personalizing a necklace like this. 

She found the jewel during one of her travels while searching for clues about the whereabouts of Dorian. Once she knew of its effect, she searched for a jewel the same color as Aurum's eyes. Of course, she also had another gift prepared for Argent.