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.

momentary glint of light. As the radiance

stood frozen, staring at the sword that had impaled him, seemingly unable to grasp the reality of

questioning how an assassin had managed to breach the heavily fortified

absence, as if the assassin had orchestrated the plan with utmost

This is the consequence of opposing the

blood to spurt from Rufus’s chest wound. Rufus staggered backward, eventually collapsing

and the entire castle was promptly alerted. Guards converged from all directions, but the assassin skillfully leaped out the window and made a

warriors from the castle pursued the

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

speak, Your Highness! You’ll

urgently toward