Welcome to the family

Kim loved Frank, far more than she had ever thought capable.

The late 30s business woman had sealed herself off romantically for most of her adult life, embracing the whispered sneers of Ice Queen and Dragon Lady. If her peers wanted to throw stereotypes at her, she’d give them reason to fear and respect her, God damn it. Kim knew her stunning looks turned heads, and the Asian-American woman knew when to leverage her assets.

Then Frank came along. He was warm and patient and handsome. Sure, he was almost 15 years older, but he was fit and charming. A silver Fox through and through.

So here Kim was, likely only months away from a proposal, successful and happy. Everything was perfect.

Everything, except for Frank’s 18 year old daughter, Amy.

Kim knew how ridiculous it was to hate a kid, no matter how bratty and spoiled they were. Amy had been raised mostly by Frank’s ex, a high school sweetheart that had drifted so deep into white-trash that she’d lost custody after being busted for selling meth two years ago.

But Amy was unbearable. She’d hated Kim from the moment they’d met. She’d throw tantrums whenever Kim went out with Frank, crying and screaming to pull at her father’s heartstrings. And as much as Frank tried to be a stern parent, Amy’s behavior was too much for any reasonable human not to bend.

Kim dreaded the thought of living with Amy. She knew the brat would do anything to sabotage her potential step-mother.

Which is why Kim showed up mid-day to Frank’s house. It was shortly after 3, and Fank wouldn’t be home for another couple of hours. Amy answered the door, still in her school uniform. To the unknowing eye, she looked like a picturesque angel of adolescence; blonde, thin, with a face foretold a supermodel-like beauty.

Which made the first words out of her mouth all the more sour.

“Well, if it isn’t my dad’s Asian whore.”

Kim winced a little but ignored the insult. She’d grown used to Amy’s awful jabs flew whenever she father was out of earshot.

“Actually, I came to see you today, Amy.” Kim brushed past the diminutive hellion to the foyer, closing the front door behind her. “I have a gift for you, actually.”

Kim pulled necklace from her purse. A huge Jade stone sparkled in an ornate silver socket.

Before Kim could even offer it over, Amy snorted dismissively and snatched the jewel from her hand.

“Looks like a fucking fake piece of shit.”

Kim bit her tongue. The necklace was an heirloom, given to her by her great-grandmother. But she didn’t need Amy’s approval. No this gift was a trap, one she felt dirty setting, even for this brat.

While she was never a superstitious person, Kim had seen and believed the power of the gem Amy now held. Her great-grandmother had barely been able to articulate the myth behind the relic, but Kim understood enough; it was what some mystics referred to as a Siege Perilous.

Whenever the necklace was adorned, the wearer would become the truest version of themselves. For Kim, wearing it all these years had transformed her from a mousy klutz to a graceful woman.

If Kim had ever said it out loud in conversation, she admit how silly it all was. Probably just placebo effect and self confidence.

But deep down, Kim knew it was the necklace. It was true magic, and maybe just the push this immature little shit needed to grow the hell up.

Amy eyed the jewel, almost looking hypnotized in the sparkles dancing off her pretty face.

“You should try it on, I’m sure it would look wonderful with your complexion-” Kim started.