"She didn't mention her grandmother was rotting in a keyhole," Jack noted dryly.
"Ouch. Do I look that old to you? In human years, I'm only thirty-five."
Valeria's grin widened, revealing sharp, predatory canines. "Ah, well. Anyway, I'm not surprised she didn't. Tell me, boy... how is the little viper doing out there? Still causing problems for everyone who crosses her path?"
"She doesn't have her memories anymore," Jack stated, keeping his tone flat as he watched her face. "She doesn't remember where she came from. She certainly doesn't remember you."
Valeria blinked, her smirk faltering. Her amber eyes narrowed sharply.
"Her memories are gone?" Valeria crossed her arms tighter, clicking her tongue against her teeth. "That doesn't just happen. The girl's soul was stubborn as granite. The only way you strip the mind clean out of a viper like her is if someone bound her after death."
She locked her burning gaze onto Jack, leaning forward with sudden, keen intensity.
