~Samantha~
"No. Relic first. Sister second. Those are the terms."
"Then we have a problem. Because I don't trust you."
"And I don't trust you. Which is why we're at an impasse." Black Moon's hand moved. Claws extended. Pressed against the girl's throat. "Give me the relic or I kill her. Right here. Right now. Your choice."
"Don't!" Lila held up the pendant. "Don't hurt her! I'll give it to you!"
"Then throw it here. Now."
Lila drew her arm back. Prepared to throw.
"Now!" Dominic's voice roared from the ravine.
We all moved at once. Burst from cover. Charged toward the mill.
Black Moon reacted fast. Shoved the girl backward into the mill. Turned to face us.
"You brought friends. How predictable." He raised his hands. Shadow erupted from the ground. Formed a wall between us and the mill. "Did you really think I wouldn't prepare for this?"
Dominic hit the shadow wall first. Bounced off like he'd hit concrete. "It's solid!"
