~Samantha~
"You think I need you?" Lila laughed but it wasn't friendly. "I survived ten years without your help! I found the vault without you! I decoded the scrolls without you! The only reason I'm here is because your mate's mother asked mine to protect her daughter! That's the only reason!"
"How convenient that you can't prove any of that because everyone involved is dead!"
"You want proof?!" Lila yanked her shirt up. Turned around. Showed her back.
The Silver Claw markings covered her skin. But now I could see something else. Words. Carved into her skin beneath the markings. Scarred over. Old.
Protect Elena's daughter. At any cost. - Sworn by blood.
"My father carved this into my back when I was fifteen." Lila's voice shook. "Right before he went to help your mother fight Black Moon. Right before he died. This is my proof. This is my oath. Written in my own flesh."
Dominic stared at her back. His expression suddenly lacking any emotions.
