CHAPTER FIFTY•FIVE - TURNCOAT TEIRA

VALENTINA

PACK OF LORE

I trailed my fingers up and down the hilt of the dagger T'mara had given me earlier today. For the fourth time, I admired it, especially the sharpness of the blade. I had already accidentally pierced the skin of my fingertip after Teira had handed it over, and could see a small cut on my forefinger when I glanced at it.

I carefully lifted the dagger up from where it'd been resting on the desk, bringing it close to the fireplace as I continued to look it over; It was beautiful.

The red color that decorated the black hilt shone bright under the glow of the flames from the fireplace and I could see that T'mara had put much effort into making it. I felt comforted with it in my hands, and knew it could serve well in protecting me.

Walking across the room, I decided to place it carefully into an empty drawer for the time being. Oddly enough, I felt almost vulnerable with it not on my being, and my fingers itched to take it up once more.

Evening came fast and the sound