An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

Eloise executed a graceful bow and turned to depart when a sudden upheaval disrupted the calm.

A resounding crash echoed through the hall as the ceiling gave way, and a shadowy figure dressed in black descended dramatically. The assassin was wielding a sharp sword.

“Your Highness, look out!” Quick on her feet, she immediately raised her voice to warn Rufus of the imminent danger.

“Rufus! Your time has come! Die!” The assassin’s cry reverberated as he thrust the sword.

only a momentary glint of light. As the radiance

had impaled him, seemingly unable to grasp the

by the doorway, watched in disbelief, questioning how an assassin had managed to breach

absence, as if the assassin had

This is the consequence of opposing the

wound. Rufus staggered

promptly alerted. Guards converged from all directions, but the assassin skillfully leaped out the window

from the castle pursued

Highness! Your Highness!” Eloise rushed to Rufus, who was coughing up blood. Each cough

speak, Your Highness! You’ll be fine! You’ll be

against Rufus’s wound while shouting urgently toward the door, “Doctor! Where is