“Is this some kind of trick?” Durante stared at the pendant on the ground by his feet. After all this time being drawn to it, having it within his reach did nothing for him. He bent to touch it and found the stone cool. Its heat was gone. He could take it – it was his now. Standing, he continued to stare at the stone as he changed back to his human form.
“No trick. Now no one can ever use it against you again.”
“I could kill you now.” He looked up at Mara. Tears ran down her face, but she stood tall before him.
“You could.”
“You don"t think I will?”
“I don"t know. That will be up to you. I guess you have to decide if my crimes are severe enough to warrant it.”
His heart beat faster, he’d never anticipated this reaction. “Do you acknowledge the evil in those you protected, that you we
