{Okay, that was... genuine. He didn't even hesitate. Either he's the world's best actor or he actually means this. I'm leaning toward him meaning it because WHO cuts themselves that deep just to fake loyalty?}
Jack studied the kneeling general for a moment longer, then gestured for him to stand. "How did you know?"
Loryn rose smoothly, his wounded hand still dripping blood but apparently forgotten.
A smile crossed his stitched features, his eyes lighting up with something that looked almost like pride.
"The papers," he replied. "At the generals' meeting. The documents that burned away after being signed. I recognized blood contracts immediately. I've studied soul magic extensively in my work. The way the parchment consumed itself, leaving no trace... only blood contracts bound with essence behave that way."
He gestured at himself with his bleeding hand, leaving dark droplets in the air.
