"She was too stunned to object as her mother slipped the chain over her head and arranged the amulet down her front. It hung almost to her navel, a warm, heavy weight. "Never take it off. Never lose it." Her mother kissed her brow. "Wear it, and know that you are loved, Fireheart--that you are safe, and it is the strength of this"--she placed a hand on her heart--"that matters. Wherever you go, Aelin," she whispered, "no matter how far, this will lead you home."