The pleasure house was already crowded despite the early evening.

Loud laughter mixed with the sound of clinking mugs as music drifted through the smoky hall.

Wealthy merchants, wandering mercenaries, and pack warriors filled the room, while beautifully

dressed women moved gracefully between the tables.

In a shadowed corner sat a broad-shouldered man with dark hair tied loosely behind his neck.

It was the assassin who had attacked Adriana in the slave quarters.

He barely touched the mug before him.

His sharp eyes remained fixed on the entrance.

A man hurried into the pleasure house, scanning the room before spotting him.

He approached quickly and lowered his voice.

"Alex."

The...