The pendant containing Violet's ashes swung gently from Julian's fingers, catching the sterile hospital light. My heart leaped into my throat at the sight of it. The only physical remnant I had of my daughter, the child Julian had ignored in life and now used as a weapon against me in death.
"Where did you get that?" My voice came out as a hoarse whisper, my ribs protesting with each breath.
Julian's amber eyes gleamed with calculated satisfaction. "From the man who attacked you. I found him."
I couldn't tear my eyes away from the pendant. The small silver moon on its surface seemed to pulse with my daughter's spirit. My fingers twitched with the desperate need to hold it, to press it against my heart where it belonged.
"Give it to me," I pleaded, momentarily forgetting my pride. "Please, Julian."
His lips curved into a cold smile. "Of course, Luna. But first—" He gestured toward Tristan, who stood protectively at my bedside. "Your guard dog needs to leave."
