About Thalia laughing when Victoria offered herself as payment. About how the corruption made Victoria worthless. About how Lilith was now the most valuable supernatural being on the continent.
About the Veil's core essence woven into Lilith's soul. About how she was more powerful than any witch in existence. About how other covens would hunt her for that power.
About Thalia's "VIP access" through the binding deal. About how she would come to collect when Lilith was "ready." About how the magic would compel Lilith to comply when Thalia invoked the debt.
When Victoria finished, Elena was silent.
She stood at the window staring out at nothing for so long Victoria started to worry.
"Say something," Victoria pleaded. "Tell me there's a way out of this. Tell me I didn't just trade Nicholas's life only to bind Lilith to something worse than death."
Elena turned slowly to face her.
And she was smiling.
