The Proceeding

"I'm not changing my identity again."

"Kat—"

"No!" The rocks glass came down on the table with a loud thud, courtesy of my agitated state of mind. "I will not live in fear of that loser, even if it costs me my life."

"You're being ridiculous, Katarina. This isn't a game or some little adventure where you can respawn in your bed. Heads will roll because of this and yours is the first." He crossed his arms, glaring at me. It had been three days of steady arguing and the situation was beginning to wear his patience thin. "There's only so much I can do to protect you."