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Mara, “but then live with the knowledge that I preferred a halfling to…”
    Cassius bellowed in fury, dropping his skull mask back into place, and Mara saw her death in the movement. The shadows stirred within her, rising in response to her fear and rage, and she knew that if she removed her jade bracelet and called to the darkness, she would transform. She would become invincible and immortal, and could slaughter Cassius and the others with ease. 
    But in her rage, she would likely kill Jager. And anyone else she could find.
    And then the Matriarch would exert her will and make Mara her slave forever. 
    No. Better to die as herself. That had always been the best fate Mara could hope for. 
    Though she wished she could have spent more time with Jager…
    She raised her chin and set herself as Cassius strode forward.
    In one smooth motion Jager plucked a massive crossbow from the wardrobe, raised the weapon, and pulled the trigger. 
    The quarrel blurred past Cassius and sank into the chest of the assassin behind him. The assassin fell with a gurgling scream of pain, blood leaking from his skull mask. For a moment Cassius froze, stunned by the sudden death, and Mara sprang into action, driving her dagger for his chest. At the last moment Cassius twisted aside, and Mara’s blade sliced his left shoulder, drawing blood. The Red Brother bellowed in fury and attacked, and Mara retreated as Jager charged into the fray, his sword and dagger flying. Both Cassius and the surviving Red Brother were bigger and stronger than Jager, and were both hardened killers. Yet Jager was faster and considerably more nimble, dodging their attacks with ease. Yet he did not manage to land any blows, all his efforts devoted to staying ahead of his foes’ attacks. It would only take one solid hit to wound him critically, maybe even to kill him. 
    Mara reached for the shadows within her blood. Cassius knew about her ability, and would have taken precautions against it. If she simply disappeared, he would be ready for a surprise attack. 
    So she covered the entire room in darkness. 
    The effort made her light-headed, but shadows blanketed the bedroom, drowning the light from the fireplace. Both Cassius and the Red Brother bellowed in fury, but Jager made no sound at all. Mara darted to the right, jumping upon the bed, and tensed.
    The shadows dissipated, and she spotted Cassius a few feet away. The second Red Brother screamed as Jager’s short sword and dagger entered his back. Jager ripped the weapons free and stabbed again with grim efficiency. The Red Brother collapsed, and Cassius bore down on him. Jager whirled, trying to block, but Cassius had the momentum. Cassius hammered down with all his strength, and though Jager managed to parry, the sheer power of the blow threw him from his feet. 
    Cassius loomed over him for the kill. 
    Mara sprang from the bed and slammed into Cassius, her left arm wrapping around his chest, her right driving her dagger into his back. Yet she did not have the strength to drive the weapon in deeply, and it only sank an inch or two past his leather armor. Cassius bellowed in rage, and his left fist hit her face. Mara lost her grip and fell backwards, landing hard upon the floor. 
    “You stabbed me!” spat Cassius, thrusting his sword toward her. Mara rolled, and the blade missed her by less than an inch. It pierced her skirt and sank into the floor, pinning her in place. 
    Mara ripped her skirt free, trying to scramble backward, but it was too late. Cassius reversed his grip on his dagger and prepared the killing blow.
    Then he, too, went rigid, a gurgling scream coming from his mouth.
    “I stabbed you, too,” said Jager. He climbed up Cassius’s back, ripped free the skull mask, and opened the assassin’s throat. “More than once.”
    Cassius toppled to the floor and did not rise again. 
    Mara scrambled to her feet, breathing hard. 
    “You’re not hurt?” said Jager.
    Mara shook her head. “No.