“Fu- who?!”

A pair of blazing eyes flung up over the counter ledge in search of their aggressor. Ky, no taller than Tomb’s waist, locked gazes with Yuri. A gray and blue utility jacket practically wore her, the shoulders cascading over her own. Underneath, her uncomfortably thin limbs were wrapped in a complex pattern of cloth. Only the fingertips and the area above her neck were exposed, pale skin like the white of someone’s eyes peeking through.

As she opened her mouth to speak, Ky froze, and her angular head whipped in Tomb’s direction. Large, teardrop-shaped eyes bore into him, the narrow ends traveling toward short, pointed ears. The sight sent a shiver down Tomb’s spine. A cosmic soup of reds, greens, and blues filled their unnatural gaze. Before he could process the sight, Ky’s hand shot out and grabbed his wrist, pulling it directly under her nose. Her sharp, lime-green pupils were a flurry, scouring the surface of his wrist’s underside. It was then that Tomb noticed her hair. Blue and white locks of tangled keratin fell now unimpeded by her hood. Ky let go of his hand and muttered under her breath.

“Blood arts.”

Tomb was already pulling his hand away as she released it. Her words brought the feeling of ice to his veins. Distant lectures echoed from past memories. Colorful hair. Too colorful, rich and saturated with ether. Awelitch. Cursed ones. Tomb’s hand slowly reached toward the bag across his back. He had left that life behind. Tomb was no longer obligated to the Great War.

Feet balanced, eyes forward. Enemy of light. Born from madness, for the propagation of madness. Lords of all unholy. Old training had taken over. Deep breath, observe the situation…

Ky had completely disregarded Tomb, and was now in a heated argument with Yuri.

Am I in immediate danger? No. Hide movements, acquire advantageous position. His hand was now fully in his bag, calloused fingers wrapping around a carved length of antler. Be quick, prepare for retaliation after the initial impact. His vision tunneled around the guild client. All sounds vanished except the monotonous beat of Tomb’s heart. A bead of sweat formed and died on his forehead. One movement and they would be past the point of no return. Prep. Brace. And…

Something deep from within Tomb’s subconscious gave pause. I left that life behind. Slowly, he removed his empty hand from the bag. All of Tomb’s instincts screamed that he was in danger. What was this feeling? What had stayed his hand? Logic? Empathy? No, Tomb knew what emotion held him. Spite.

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

He turned around and checked on Greg. The man was still acting oblivious to the world. Tomb returned his attention to the front and carefully observed the scene unfolding there. Yuri was retorting Ky with the voice one would use to talk to a child. A warm smile splayed on her lips.

“Dear, you know the other guild members won’t acknowledge you if you don't want them to.”

Ky stared daggers at Yuri, her form practically vibrating with anger. Despite that, it didn’t appear as if the guildmaster felt threatened. Actually, it was hard to see the client as a threat at all.

Her sharp voice peaked at odd accents and carried a strange, discordant, sing-song intonation.

“If you think having proper hierarchy is such a big deal, why haven’t you provided an examp-”

Yuri cut her off with a dismissive wave.

“Speaking of providing, did you prepare anything for our next excursion?”

“-le. Perhaps your understanding of the situation requires an improved…”

Ky’s face went blank. All emotion left and she tilted her head slightly.

“What do you mean?”

Yuri’s smile gained a predatory glint.

“You must be itching to go out again. One such as yourself most certainly prepares for her next big discovery the first chance she gets. Of course, you weren’t waiting, I imagine.”

Ky’s gave Yuri an alien look. She reached out and twisted her fingers in some unknown gesture towards the guildmaster.

“All necessary parts have been prepared and are on schedule, as is their development.”

Her monotone voice didn’t retain any memory of her earlier emotions.

“Good! I expect nothing less from our best client. Now, you must be very busy prepping everything. I wouldn’t want to hold you back! So, excuse my rude interruption and I wish you the best in your efforts.”

Ky stared blankly at Yuri for a few moments. The client’s eyes had dark bags under them, and small cuts and scars could be found all over her exposed skin. One such scar was an old healed incision traveling over her left eye.

“Indeed. Do you know if Lylo is currently resting in her pod?”

Yuri’s mask faltered slightly at the unexpected question.

“...I don’t believe that’s relevant to your intent-”

“Actually, you're right, it doesn’t matter whether she is.”

Ky briskly turned and disappeared through an entrance on the other side of the counter.

“Ky, you are not sleeping in her crawlspace agai- Ky!”

Yuri turned and gave Tomb an apologetic look.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t intend for you to see that. Despite how it looks she pays very well. When the time comes for any of her requests you’ll see that she’s worth putting up with. Speaking of which, it appears our itinerary has changed. Would you like a tour of the sleeping quarters? I’ll even show you how I remove a certain, invasive pest.”

Tomb needed a moment to readjust as he fumbled for an answer.

“...Certainly?”

what the hell…