The Crystal Prism of Salt
I mounted the cool granite slab, driven by an urgent need to uncover volatile reagents for my impending draughts. Looming before me was an imposing miniature colosseum: a rotating carousel of glass turrets sealed with perforated metal caps. Suspecting covert toxins, I cautiously leaned against the nearest cylinder until it tipped, scattering a cascade of stark, geometric white crystals across the polished counter. I touched the white grains, testing them against my fingertips. Pure, unyielding mineral salt—an essential binding component for my grand design. I claimed a jagged pinch and fortified my stance.

