It was difficult to remember the walk back to the guild hall. Rick didn't notice the crowds or the worried looks on the faces of people who passed by.
He couldn't stop thinking about Carmilla, who was alone and scared with that collar that stopped them from being together. Did she think he had left her? Did she know he was on his way?
When they got there, Guildmaster Roderick was already getting ready. City guards were being called in, search parties were being formed, and magical trackers were being sent out.
Rick knew it wouldn't matter, though. The kidnappers had done an impressive job of hiding their tracks, and they had already set the rules for how to deal with them.
"Give me the note," Roderick said, and he grabbed it right away.
His face got darker as he read. "Shadow Covenant."
"I know that name. People who hire mercenaries and killers."
"They are very costly and very professional." Someone with a lot of money hired them."
