Arwin studied Raen for a second before reaching out to the proffered hand and accepting it. He had no idea who the Dawnseekers were, but there was no point being a hardass before he figured out what the man wanted. “I fear I’m still at the disadvantage,” Arwin said as they let each other go. He took a step back and nodded for Raen to follow him. If things went wrong, it was better that they were inside the Devil’s Den, where Lillia’s powers were at their peak. “I may just be a little sheltered, but I don’t recognize your guild’s name. Have we had dealings of any sort before?” “Our paths have not crossed. Not directly,” Raen said. He followed Arwin inside. His gaze lingered on Lillia for a moment as he took her in. His head tilted to the side. “I did not think the rumors were actually true. You are very dedicated. Dressing up like a demon even when your inn is closed for renovation.” “You don’t see me saying anything about you dressing up like a twelve-year-old squire boy who couldn’t make the cut for his favorite knight and got landed with one that decided baby-blue was supposed to be intimidating,” Lillia said without missing a beat. Raen arched an eyebrow. His head tilted to the side, but he didn’t look particularly offended. “A sharp tongue. Another confirmed rumor. How exactly is it that you’ve gotten those horns attached? I’ve never seen a design quite so realistic.” “You don’t want to know,” Lillia replied with a flat smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “It takes a lot of dedication.” “Did you come here just to make comments about my partner, or did you have something actually important to get across?” Arwin asked, trying and failing to keep the tension from his words. He really didn’t need someone starting to dig into Lillia’s backstory now of all times. “My apologies,” Raen said, coughing into his fist and stepping away from Lillia. “I am fascinated with monsters. I admit, I had been wanting to pay the Devil’s Den a visit ever since I heard word of it. It is unfortunate that I chose the one day it was closed. Perhaps I will return at a later date — but to business. You have come into some… trouble, as of late. Trouble with the Ardent guild.” “Trouble would imply we’re having difficulties. We’ve had a few run ins, but that’s it,” Arwin allowed with a small shrug. He pulled out a chair beside a wooden table and sat down in it. Raen mirrored him, but Lillia remained standing and made no moves to rectify the situation. And… even if we actually get a second Dungeon Heart, would I even want to give it to Twelve? He knew about Jessen’s Dungeon Heart, which means they are somehow connected — and I doubt they were enemies. I don’t know if I can live with myself if I arm Jessen’s ally… but I can’t dismiss the possibility when my guild’s lives are at stake. Raen’s smile slipped away and his features grew serious. “No. You’re the first we’ve asked, and that would be entirely my fault. I’m in charge of dealing with this problem for the Dawnseekers, and I sought you out first entirely for personal reasons.” “Which are?” Arwin asked, tilting his head to the side, even though he suspected he already knew the answer. “If I get you access to this dungeon, I want to skip the line and place a commission with you,” Raen said, a hungry glint in his eyes. “I want you to make me a magical item. A powerful one.”