Breck’s hand dropped, and he took several steps back. His face was pale and drawn as he stared uncomprehendingly at the woman. “I … I have been mourning the loss of a child that never existed? How could you?” He huffed breathlessly, his voice ending on a choked sob.

Rezkin had returned to the chair behind the desk to watch the unexpected exchange. This behavior amongst outworlders was strange and foreign. Hilith held the higher station within the guild and apparently dominated the relationship she had with her second, but he was obviously the superior fighter. As soon as he felt the bite of betrayal, he reared up to chomp at the weaker woman.

Aside from the lie, Rezkin did not understand Breck’s disquiet. The man seemed truly upset that the woman had not borne him an heir, which made no sense. The two had obviously not entered into a marriage contract, especially since Hilith was married to the late Lord Gadderand, and their lifestyle was hardly conducive to rearing young.

The Raven’s smooth, deep voice cut through the thick air when he spoke. “You two obviously have much to discuss, but I have no time for it. Breck, do you care to dispose of her or shall I?” Without looking at him, Breck slumped down into a high backed chair. Staring into the lively, dancing flames of the hearth, he waved a dismissive hand.

“Breck!” Hilith shouted. “You can’t be serious! You’re just going to sit there while he threatens me? I mean, honestly Breck, it’s not like we can’t still have a baby. I-I could even be pregnant now! If you let him do this, he would be killing me and our baby!” Hilith desperately pleaded, but her words seemed to sound hollow and crude even to her own ears.

Rezkin was amazed at his luck. These outworlders were overrun with emotions to the point that they would turn on one another even without his assistance. Adsden and the Serpent Guild had been angry and resentful of the blackmailing Urek, while Hilith had used her womanly wiles to wrap Breck around her finger. It was only a matter of time before the second realized what a monster she truly was. She mostly likely expected to have a much stronger hold over the guild before that day occurred, probably even to have another susceptible man at her beck and call by then, someone who would take care of Breck for her.

Moving around the desk, the Raven approached with smooth, calculated steps. Hilith backed away until her back struck the closed door. In a panic, she reached to the side and grabbed at the knife lodged in the frame, but it had sunk deep, and her shaking hand could not get the necessary leverage. She whimpered and cowered.