I made my way toward Rachel's group first, noting how the crowd seemed to naturally part before me as I approached. The advantages of being Guild Grandmaster were never more apparent than at events like this—even in a room filled with the world's most powerful people, my status commanded immediate respect and recognition.
'Thank god for status,' I thought as I reached the small gathering that represented one of the most politically complex situations of the evening.
Isolde, Kathyln, and Rachel stood together in what appeared to be a family group, but the tension radiating from all three women was palpable to anyone with the experience to recognize such dynamics. The crowd around them maintained a respectful distance, though I could see several dignitaries clearly hoping for an opportunity to approach the legendary Creighton family.
