Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Barrett lifted the curtain and stepped outside the room with Aurora. They moved so silently that their footsteps were almost inaudible, and the surroundings were eerily quiet.

After waiting for a moment, he opened the door and quickly hid behind it. Once he was certain there was no immediate danger, he cautiously peered outside.

The sight that met his eyes was chilling.

The lanterns in the corridor cast light on the stairs, where three bodies lay sprawled. These were the maids who had served Aurora. They had been killed with a single sword thrust to the throat, unable to even utter a cry. Blood trickled down the stone steps, staining them a deep crimson.

Barrett's mind instantly flashed to the Duke of Northwatch's family's massacre.

He gasped. "My parents...!"

He was about to rush out when Aurora grabbed his arm.

Aurora's face was ashen, her lips trembling slightly. "I think... I think they're after me."

Barrett quickly understood. It was possible that spies from Westhaven were seeking revenge.

in the right. But now, Barrett saw how hollow those justifications were. Aurora had been so confident in defending

figures silently entered the courtyard. They were dressed in black, and their faces

a sword each, and each blade emanated a chilling aura. The strong scent of blood and a murderous intent

her sword, and her

Barrett and Aurora quickly turned and ran into the room, shutting the door behind them. One person secured the door while the other blew out the lamp, plunging

regulated to the Capital Guard and had been doing his rotation as a regular guard on patrol. That exercise routine he was put through daily was proving to be good training now. Although nothing seemed out of place outside, he felt

Barrett had anticipated this happening, so he quickly swung his sword at the assassin. The assassin sensed the attack and leaped out of the way, barely avoiding Barrett's Strike to

assassins climbed in through the window. After rolling on the ground for a while, they quickly oriented themselves. The sounds of clashing swords and spears filled the room. But after exchanging a few blows, Aurora knew

their skill.

of the window, heading straight for the

so many people

did not linger with Barrett. The four

up one by one. The guards of the estate sprang into action, some running out to call for the

layout allowed her to dodge and weave through the buildings, eventually seeking