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...