Page 23 of Savage Crown

The same man who helped orchestrate my family's downfall.

A slow, simmering heat spreads through my veins, laced with something sharp and ice-cold.

I press my fingers against the assassin’s throat, forcing his head up again. His breathing is shallow now, sweat beading along his brow.

"Where is he?" My voice is barely a whisper.

He pauses, eyeing me. "Close."

I narrow my eyes. "How close?"

His lips curve, weak but mocking. "Close enough to finish what he started."

A sharp, cold laugh drags from my throat. "He should have sent someone better."

His smirk falters. Just slightly.

I hold his gaze, let him see the violence coiling beneath my body.

Nhilian isn’t coming for me.

He’s already here.

That changes everything.

I release the assassin, letting him slump forward again. He’s barely conscious now, his body trembling from blood loss, pain, and the inevitable pull of death.

But I’m not done with him yet.

"One more question," I say, rising to my feet. "Did Nhilian know about her?"

The assassin’s breath hitches.

My fingers twitch. I knew it.

I crouch again, my voice turning low, deadly. "Did Nhilian know about Seraphina?"

The assassin says nothing, but his silence speaks volumes.

I smile, slow and cold.

"I hope your gods are kind," I murmur. "I won’t be."

With one smooth movement, I drive my dagger into his throat.

A wet, gurgling sound escapes his lips. Blood spills in thick, pulsing waves, coating my hands in heat and crimson.

I watch as his body slumps, twitching once, then going still.

Silence falls over the chamber.

For a long moment, I just stand there.

Nhilian.

Alive. Here. Moving pieces I hadn’t seen until now.

And Seraphina…

---