Chapter 53. Unveiling the Truth

The Mages gasped as echoes ricocheted all around. They fell into stunned silence as they watched Mistress Toussard hold up her scarred hands as she slowly strolled across the glass-littered floor.

Toussard's shadow crossed Lady Lucia as the vampire-mage looked up at her. She extended her hand to help her rise to her feet but Lady Lucia looked at her hand wondering if it was a trick. 

Mistress Toussard shrugged and kept her unwavering gaze on Lady Lucia. "It is no trick, Lucia, I capitulate and you win, so, go on, take my hand, let me help you up, and then... we can talk."

Lady Lucia blinked before nodding. The use of her name by Toussard had melted her defenses, but only by a fraction. It would not do to be blindsided by her. She placed her injured hand inside Toussard's one and marveled at the strength with which she was hefted up. She staggered as she stood staring at Toussard. She needed blood, and fast too.

When they were almost eye-level, Toussard s