Guild of Thieves (Book 1) ✓

𝓒𝓱.30 ~ 𝓔𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓮𝓮𝓷𝓽𝓱 𝓑𝓲𝓻𝓽𝓱𝓭𝓪𝔂

After receiving her Guild Mark - a white inked tattoo on the back of her neck so it didn't stand out - Jezamine was treated like Royalty amongst the other thieves. Caine paid her well and he treated her with a little more respect as the weeks went by.

Although she was the best thief, there was another who gained the title as well. Kaleb...Caine announced him as his second in command which made Jezamine jealous and burn with envy. She was Caine's daughter by blood, she deserved to be his second more than Kaleb. Why did the orphan boy always have to one up her all of the time?

He said they should have each other backs, look out for one another, but realistically he was secretly plotting a way to one up her and take her place as heir of the Guild. She couldn't let him beat her. She was the best, not him.

She no longer dreamed of far away places or leaving Arondale, Jezamine now had her heart set on making her father proud. Working hard everyday, making lots of gold, gaining a reputation and most of all, missing her mother.

The woman in the painting looked like she could handle anything that the universe threw at her. Jezamine shared her mother's heart shaped face and slim physique, as well as her dark blonde hair. Jezamine also shared Caine's features - a button like nose, olive skin and his grey eyes. Compared to Arianna, Jez wasn't as beautiful or as captivating to look at...

She sat at the end of the dining table staring up at the portrait of the woman, admiring her beauty when dark hair and blue eyes blocked her view. Kaleb stood in front of her with his arms extended holding a gift for her.

"What is this?" She asked with a smile, not expecting any presents today.

"It's your birthday present duh! Open it!" Kal said eagerly watching her open the box.

Inside was a hooded cloak that all the thieves wore to represent the Guild, except this one has been modified with her Guild Mark on the front pocket and on the back. It would have cost a fortune to have the hooded cloak handmade by the town tailor, appreciating Kaleb's thoughtfulness.

"Thank you Kaleb...I love it!" She said admiring the handy work of the stitching.

"Don't just stare at it! Try it on!" He laughed.

"Alright, alright!"

She wrapped the cloak around her body, tying it at the front. Kaleb applauded her while she twirled in a circle to show it off.

"So how do I look?" She asked the boy for his opinion.

"Like a true Prodigy!" Kaleb stated.

Caine didn't believe in celebrating birthdays with presents, just like he didn't approve of candy...what the man did approve of was drinking liquor until he was passed out cold. Jezamine wasn't exactly fond of the foul tasting liquid, mainly sticking to honey wine or water.  The others on the other hand loved drinking just as much as Caine did, so today, on her birthday, the day has mostly spent drinking. There was a feast as well as music, singing and dancing.

Kaleb's gift meant more to her than the boy would ever know, Jezamine wanted to return the favour by getting him a present on his birthday. She was sure he would appreciate the gesture as much as she did just now.

Jez couldn't believe she was eighteen now. Her missions would be more advanced now she was an adult. But that didn't stop her from accepting any job her father offered her. Her payments were always good and with each job she completed Jez knew she was impressing Caine by continuing to be the best thief in his Guild.

"C'mon! Let's go celebrate with the others, birthday girl!" Kaleb said as he grabbed her hand and dragged her towards the others but they were gathered around the fireplace telling stories.