The Shard of Stronnos was a mystical artifact with the power to convert energy into matter and viceversa. It was in the power of the Watchers Council and under the care of Edna Giles and her son, even though they were actually unable to use it. Sophie and Lavinia have recently given the Shard to Angel after learning of his plan to resurrect Giles with the Tooth of Ammuk, reasoning that the Shard represents the last of Giles's childish innocence before he was forced to begin his training in magic.