Hilith’s jaw clamped shut, and the flicker of smug satisfaction disappeared along with the false tears. The woman was nothing if not consistent. Once a fraud …

Hilith scowled deeply with burning hatred. “What do you know of it? How did you get your information?” she said. The man next to her took a step back, a plethora of emotions flashing across his face. Rezkin was satisfied he had gotten under the façade to reveal the serpent beneath.

“I am claiming this guild, Hilith, but I am afraid there simply is no place for you. Unfortunately, you are the enemy that cannot be permitted to linger at my back. Tomorrow morning, the city post will report that a robbery occurred this night. Lady Hilith Gadderand, widow to the late Lord Gadderand, was killed during the home invasion. Having no heirs, Gadderand was survived only by his brother, who will inherit the property and all its wealth.

“You can’t do this!” Hilith screeched. “I am master of this guild! My people will fight you!”

“Maybe, but it will not matter to you. You will be dead,” Rezkin nonchalantly replied as he stepped back behind the desk.

“Do something, Breck! Kill the bloody gutterrat!” Hilith ordered, her accent degenerating to that of a common street urchin.

Breck’s attention was not focused on the intruder, though. He was looking at her in horror. “You said you had a miscarriage.”

“What?” the woman gasped in consternation. “That’s not important! Get rid of him!” she shouted as she jerked her head toward the intruder.

Breck shook his head, his complete focus on the woman, as though Rezkin did not exist. “If you lied about that one, what about ours? Did you kill our child, too?” Breck asked, his voice choked but filling with anger.

“Don’t be absurd. We’re not talking about this right now! Priorities, Breck!” Hilith scolded as she attempted to redirect Breck’s attention to the present threat.

Breck balled his fists as his face flushed in anger. “No, we are talking about this now! What about our baby, Hilith?” he shouted as he stomped toward the woman. “You killed him, didn’t you? You killed my son!”

Hilith’s face flooded with fear as she stumbled back from her furious second. “No!” she shouted. “Stop, Breck! It wasn’t like that!”

Breck raised a heavy fist as he reached for the woman. “You did! Don’t deny it!”

“No, Breck! You don’t understand!” Hilith shouted as she cowered away. “I couldn’t have …” she started, but Breck grabbed her arm and yanked her roughly toward him. Just as he was about to strike the crying woman she shouted, “There was no baby!”

Breck’s hand froze midair. All was still and silent save for their heavy breathing. “What?” the man finally said on a breathy exhale.

“I-I lied.” Hilith sobbed. “I wanted your support. I needed you on my side.”