The Guild: Page 2

Lucas Valentine's POV

I looked up, seeing a red skinned man with horns and long black hair. A tiefling. His eyes lingered on me just a moment more than I'd like. His gaze felt searching, like he was seeing right through me. Analysing. I shivered slightly. When he spoke, his voice was smooth and sharp, like obsidian. His smile didn't reach his eyes.

"Hello applicants. If you'd follow me, we can begin the evaluation process."

Victoria, Lexi, and I stood up, joining the crowd that followed him into and through the winding halls. In my mind, Vedra yawned, smacking her non-existent lips.

So what's going on, boss man?

I mentally explained our situation, though I was pretty sure she stopped paying attention halfway through.

Yeah that's cool.

I rolled my eyes at her, which got me a raised eyebrow from Lexi. I mouthed "later" and gestured to the tiefling who was explaining something. She nodded understandingly. The tiefling led us into a hall with a bunch of doors on each side, probably over a dozen on each side.

"If you would each find your way into a room, an interviewer will be with all of you shortly."

Vicky gave us both a supportive nod and thumbs up before she quickly made her way into one of the closer rooms. Lexi and I ended up walking further down the hall. When we reached the last 2 doors, she pulled me into a quick kiss, which startled me. I recovered quickly, returning the kiss, unfazed by the eye rolling of the people around us.

"What was that for?"

She smiled warmly.

"Because I love you."

"I love you more."

"Ha!"

she did that cute little laugh of hers.

"Keep dreaming, Lucas."

By some miracle, we let go of each other, going into our individual rooms. It was a plain office, with a bland tan walls and wood floors. There's a desk in the center, and a chair on one side of it.

Why is there only one chair?

"Uh, because there's only one person in here right now?"

Shouldn't there be a chair for the interviewer?

"Yeah, I guess."

Hm...

I didn't have any more time to question it as a thin elvish woman with a clip board walked in.

"Hi, Lucas, right? I'm Tiffany, and I'll be doing your interview."

"Cool, I'm Luca, but you already knew that."

I extended a hand, which she shook. She set her clip board down, and looked around.

"Drats, I've forgotten your papers. I'll be right back. Oh, do drink the tea, it helps to calm the nerves."

She pointed to the desk, at a glass of murky black liquid with ice cubes. I did a double take. I hadn't seen that when I walked in.

Tiffany left just then, leaving me to wonder how exactly I hadn't noticed the only thing on the table. Vedra was still silent, so I just shrugged and sipped the tea. It didn't taste like anything just special, just normal ice tea.

That woman is definitely being v-

"Being what?"

Vedra was suddenly very silent. I tried getting her attention, but all I got was silence. I summoned her into my hand and spun her in my fingers, but she was just silent. I threw my hands up in exasperation. Just what I needed, a sassy sword giving me attitude.

I waited impatiently, trying occasionally to get Vedra to finish her damn sentence. She did not. Thankfully, a few minutes later, the woman from before walked in.

"So sorry about that, but I've got your papers and I gotta say, you seem like a shoe-in f-"

Her sentence was cut off half way by a sudden gasp. I noticed a line of blood trickle from her mouth. Looking down, I saw a clawed red hand emerging from her chest. The owner of said hand pulled it back, letting the poor elf fall to the ground.

Standing there, left arm covered in red blood, was Samara, grinning wickedly.

"Heya, Lucas."