Destroy target nonblack creature. It can't be regenerated. You lose life equal to that creature's toughness.
If the targeted creature is an illegal target by the time Vendetta resolves, the spell doesn’t resolve. You won’t lose life.
If the targeted creature isn’t destroyed due to totem armor’s effect, Vendetta continues to resolve. You lose life equal to the creature’s current toughness (after the Aura with totem armor has been destroyed).
The destroyed creature’s last existence on the battlefield is checked to determine its toughness.