"Neodymium Dreams," she warned. "Strong enough to pull a heart out of a chest from across a crowded room. Be careful what you attract with those. You might find yourself pinned to a destiny you aren't strong enough to carry."
Elias stepped out into the sunlight. For the first time in years, he didn't wait for a sign. He just started walking, and for a brief, flickering second, the compasses in the pockets of every passerby turned, just slightly, to follow him.
The shopkeeper smiled, revealing a silver tooth. She took his pebbles and traded them for a single, unadorned iron ring. It had no charge. It was silent.