A figure stepped out from behind one of the ancient stone pillars bordering the courtyard. He was dressed in dark clothing, his face partly hidden beneath a hood. Only his cold grey eyes were visible and they settled on Adriana. 

Not Erica who had come to stand beside her again. 

Only Adriana. 

Erica instinctively grabbed Adriana's arm. 

"W-Who is that?" 

The stranger didn't answer. Instead, he reached beneath his cloak and drew a curved dagger whose dark blade gleamed beneath the afternoon light. 

Adriana's heartbeat quickened. 

He wasn't a palace guard. 

He wasn't even trying to hide it. 

Without warning he lunged. 

"Erica!” Adriana shoved Erica aside again with all...