C14 Checking the Pieces

(POV: Mateo Castillo)

I felt a cold, sharp satisfaction as I watched Isabela Montoya tremble slightly when I traced the black diamonds on her throat. Her skin felt surprisingly soft under the heavy gold choker. Beneath my finger, her pulse leaped erratically – a frantic flutter like a trapped moth, completely betraying her outward attempt at stillness. Good. Terrified, just as I thought