"We're here today to mourn an incredible individual. He was a leader, a mentor, and, above all else, someone we could always rely on."
The Section Chief's voice echoed throughout the auditorium, which was filled to the brim with members of the press, representatives from other Guilds, and members of the Severed Stars Guild.
On the outside, it looked like everyone was paying their respects to an individual who had achieved much throughout his career, but those with keen eyes could tell it was anything but that. Beneath all the silence and mourning, there was something else.
Something a lot more sinister.
"He carried this Guild through its darkest days and stood at the front whenever danger came knocking. He never asked us to do anything he wouldn't do himself. His loss leaves behind a silence that will be difficult to fill."
None of the words registered in my mind.
My back was straight.
My arms were on my lap.
And my gaze was directed towards the front.
