After I'd finished signing the contract with Vakrt, carefully scrawling my name on enough pages to rival the weight of the skeleton I was buying, I handed over the down payment with a heavy heart and heavier wallet. The Ancient-grade sword from my personal collection gleamed mockingly as I placed it into the hands of Vakrt's representative as collateral. It felt like a betrayal of sorts, like giving up a loyal companion to pay rent. But sacrifices had to be made, and this particular sacrifice was one step closer to the absurd goal of creating a Lich. A fair trade? Time would tell.
Rose, ever the gracious host, waited patiently by the exit, scrolling idly through her holo-watch. "You done selling your soul?" she asked with a smirk as I joined her.
"Just about," I replied. "Though I might need to sell a bit more if I ever want that sword back."
