As they reached a lonely stretch of sidewalk, the woman reached into her inner pocket and pulled out a long, slim object. Selina watched, realizing it was a piece of incense.
Her body recoiled slightly, thinking of the little one in her stomach. "Do you have to burn that now? The weather is getting a bit hot for it," she suggested gently.
The woman flashed a knowing smile. "I got this from the temple. It wards off evil eyes. My son just got a big job, and I was instructed to burn some meters before I reach him."
"Oh…" Selina's protest died in the face of the woman's explanation.
"Now you're with me, it could help you too." The woman's grin widened, her eyes gleaming in a way that made Selina's stomach twist.
Selina tore her gaze away, bracing herself to feel nauseous as the smoke began to coil around her. Instead, a strange sensation washed over her.
