I struck out just in time to fend out the slice meant for my eye. I pushed back against his sword. He snarled at me as he pushed harder, intending to do more than just leave me blind.

I grimaced as I put all my strength to pushing him back while swiping my leg against his. He went with a tumble, his sword clattering out of his hand. I took the opportunity to bring mine down upon his neck. His vocal chord and bone presenting a challenge for a clean cut, but his head severed bone the less. I stomped my foot down on the bastards head. I hope he rotted in hell.

I turned from his body and wiped my sword on my pants. The black hiding the large blood stains soaking the fabric.

I sauntered out of the reeking alley way while seething my sword. I wanted nothing more than to get away from the bastard and the piss smell from the drunks who stumbled by.

I heard a screech as I turned the corner, one of the drunks must’ve gotten a good scare while releasing his bladder.

I slowed my pace to blend in with the crowd on the side walk, non of them paying my any mind. I adjusted my jacket and continued to walk until I reached a bar where a companion awaited for me which is the original reason I was out in the first place.

Opening the door released a cacophony of sounds. The bar full of boisterous people yelling and laughing. None paid me any mind as I walked up to the bar and sat in an empty stool. I ordered a glass of brandy and relaxed a bit, waiting.

“Well don’t you look like shit.” A man’s voice boomed as he clapped a large hand on my shoulder.

“Not very polite to say to a lady, Erickson.“ I responded with a grin.

“ A lady doesn’t butcher, but alas who am I to decide what you are.” He say in the stool beside me ordering a drink of his own.

“Well ya bastard, what’s the deal?” I turned to him and raised my glass as we drank.

“What deal?” He raised an eyebrow at me with a smirk. He downed the rest of his glass motioning for me to do the same as he stood and walked to the back wall of the bar.

Erickson wasn’t a massive man but he was quite large. Broad shoulders standing at around 6’2. He had sandy hair, green eyes, and a crooked grin that told you he was about to take you for all you own if you tried anything.

We reached a doorway in the wall covered by red draping fabric. He pushed it aside as he plowed on , intending to be in a more private place I assume.

This back area had small alcoves covered by more drapery, meant for either private business deals, or paid business with special women of the bar. Either way they wanted it kept secret.

We walked back to an alcove that was open and sat in the booth. Erickson closed the drapes and turned to me as he nestled in.

“So again what’s the deal prick?” I said with no hesitation.

“I guess we may have another job to take care of.”

“Well that’s good I could use a new dress.” I smiled as he chuckled, knowing damn well I had no dresses and probably never would want one.

“It needs to be done by end of week. Here’s half the payment upfront as per usual, and you’ll receive the rest at your residence when the job is proven to be done.” He slid an envelope to me, I quickly slipped it into my pockets.

“Not even going to question who it’ll be before agreeing?” He raised a brow. The dim lights of the alcove casting a dramatic effect to his face.

“It doesn’t change anything, I frankly don’t care but pray tell, who might this target be?”

“We’ll sweetheart, it’s you’re lovely sister.” He grinned widely, a new spark taking place in his eye.

“Consider it done.” I stood emotionless and walked out of the alcove leaving Erickson sitting by himself. He thought he’d get a reaction but he’d be left sorely disappointed because I didn’t give a fuck who the target was as long as I was paid accordingly. Considering she was in charge of the damned district, she would be worth a pretty penny and that’s what mattered.