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.

Aurora had insisted she was in the right. But now, Barrett saw how hollow those justifications were.

silently entered the courtyard. They were dressed in black, and their faces were concealed. Only their cold,

them held a sword each, and each blade emanated a chilling aura.

and her

shutting the door behind them. One person secured the door while the other blew out the lamp, plunging the room into darkness. They stood back to back with their swords drawn,

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 a sense

suddenly kicked open and a dark figure leaped in. Barrett had anticipated this happening, so he quickly

for a while, they quickly oriented themselves. The sounds of clashing swords and spears filled the room.

their skill.

out of the window, heading straight for the outer courtyard while

mind? There were so many people in the estate-how could she lead

assassins did not linger with Barrett. The four quickly

The guards of the estate sprang into action, some running out to call for

familiarity with the estate's layout allowed her to dodge and weave through the buildings, eventually seeking refuge in Grace