The Blue Moon Vault

The safe door opens with a reluctant metallic groan, releasing the stale scent of cedar, old paper, and polishing oil. Velvet trays gleam in the darkness, their jewelry catching the lanternlight in scattered flashes of gold, silver, garnet, and blue stone. At the center rests the royal necklace, its diamonds framing a blue and silver moon crest. Beneath and around it are the less glamorous remnants of the proprietor's life: ledgers, keys, tools, letters, keepsakes, and the hidden evidence of someone who knew the necklace was dangerous to possess.