“If you leave your enemies behind alive, they will return to stab you in the back,” the guildmaster stated. His words were cold, but his voice carried a hint of sympathy. She glanced up to meet his crystal blue stare. Somehow the icy coldness had thawed, and the man who looked back at her seemed almost human. This invader had destroyed the hierarchy she depended on for safety and survival. The men he had killed and those who had died in this room had not exactly been friends, but they had been a family of sorts—members of the guild. He had turned her into a killer, as well. At least, that is what she told herself. Deep down she knew it had been her choice. But, he had also saved her life, and the way he looked at her showed no hint of potentially lecherous reasons for doing so.

“Why?” she asked in a choked whisper. The man cocked his head questioningly. She swallowed hard and said, “Why did you save me?”

“I gave you the chance to protect yourself, and you failed. I had to intercede, or he would have killed you,” the guildmaster stated with indifference.

“No, but why did you save me?” Attica said. “You did not save them,” she said nodding toward the two men who had fought on his side.

“You had already proven yourself. I protect those who are loyal to me and avenge those I cannot. But, make no mistake. This man’s death,”—he looked at Marson—“was a kindness compared to what I will do to those who betray me.” With that statement, the young man’s eyes turned cold and hard as stone leaving nothing of the slight softness she had seen moments ago.

“You are the new guildmaster, Attica,” the stranger announced suddenly as he continued to stare into her eyes.

Attica blinked a few times as her mind struggled to catch up. “W-what?”

“Rom will be your second, and this man …” he paused as he looked at the third man questioningly.

“K-Kendt,” the middle-aged man said uncertainly.

“Kendt will be third,” Rezkin said.

“But, I thought you were the new guildmaster!” Attica blurted in protest.

“I have no time to be guildmaster. I do not care for the position in any case. I only care that the guildmaster heed my wishes. If Martius had accepted my proposition, he would still be guildmaster. It was inevitable, though, that he would be killed. I could not depend on his loyalty. I think you, Attica, understand the consequences of betrayal and the benefits of loyalty. Am I wrong?” Rezkin asked.

“No, I mean, I understand what you’re saying. But, I’m no guildmaster. I don’t even know what to do. I’m only twenty-seven,” the young woman added.