Chapter 25

The box was wrapped like a gift, but it filled her with a profound sense of dread. She stared at it in silence. Unable to ignore its looming presence, she walked reluctantly to the desk. The ribbon was a familiar shade of blue. Her pale fingers fumbled with the knot. The turquoise satin ribbon slid away with a soft whisper. With a trembling heart, Merdi lifted the lid. Inside lay a scarf. It was delicately and luxuriously knitted, a work of clear craftsmanship. But the sight of it made her stomach heave.