There were only two ways that a trade skill core would turn out that colour.
One, was that, like Dominic, their past was soaked in blood. But if the vitality of their victims was used to fuel the advancement of the wearer, the gem would turn a deep red, and then slowly fade to black as the demonic magic corrupted the original trade skill core.
Completely normal for assassins, and far too common among ambitious mages.
But what it told Dominic was that young Amie, despite her flawless and fragile appearance, was not afraid to get her hands dirty.
Or, there was a second possibility.
She might not be human at all.
Many species of Demons could take a human form using innate disguise magic. If that was the case, then her history and personality wouldn't make a difference, as the only progression that she would ever make was an increase in Demonic Energy.
