"Even our most celebrated champions bear the indelible stains of their disreputable former existences scored into their very souls." Emilia's voice held no preamble as she swirled the glass, breathing deep of the rich bouquet.
"So why treat Mara's disclosed past as some grand betrayal simply for omitting one...regrettable prior entanglement?"
A cruel smirk split her full lips as she locked eyes with Vixen, undisguised scorn glittering in that heavy-lidded stare. "Unless this self-righteous outrage of yours stems from something far more...petty. More base in nature, piccola."
The insidious implication hung like the blade of a guillotine. Several Matriarchs shifted uncomfortably, clearly sensing the resentful undercurrent fueling Emilia's derision.
