Her Graceful War Song (Carissa Sinclair)

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.

Just moments ago, Aurora had insisted she was in the right. But now, Barrett saw how hollow those justifications were. Aurora had been so confident in defending herself, but now, she was clearly terrified.

Four shadowy figures silently entered the courtyard. They were dressed in black, and their faces were concealed. Only their cold, piercing eyes were visible.

The four of them held a sword each, and each blade emanated a chilling aura. The strong scent of blood and a murderous intent filled the air.

Aurora clutched her sword, and her hand trembled slightly.

Suddenly, four swords came at them at once. Barrett and Aurora quickly turned and ran into the room, 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, the blades' glint illuminating their sharp, vigilant eyes.

After returning to the capital, Barrett had been regulated to the Capital Guard and had been doing his rotation as a 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 of danger from the window.

He held his sword ready at the window. Just as he suspected, it was suddenly kicked open and a dark figure leaped in. Barrett had anticipated this happening, so he quickly swung his sword at the assassin. The assassin sensed the attack and leaped out of the way, barely avoiding Barrett's Strike to his legs.

The remaining three assassins climbed in through the window. After rolling on the ground for a while, they quickly oriented themselves. The sounds of clashing swords and spears filled the room. But after exchanging a few blows, Aurora knew she couldn't match

their skill.

In her panic, she abandoned Barrett and jumped out of the window, heading straight for the outer courtyard while shouting, "Help! There are assassins!" Barrett was furious.

Had she lost her mind? There were so many people in the estate-how could she lead the assassins out?!

The assassins did not linger with Barrett. The four quickly pursued Aurora.

Aurora's cries alerted the household, and lanterns began to light up one by one. The guards of the estate sprang into action, some running out to call for the garrison unit and the local authorities.

The assassins pursued Aurora, but her familiarity with the estate's layout allowed her to dodge and weave through the buildings, eventually seeking refuge in Grace Mansion.

Viola had heard the commotion and rushed outside, only to see Aurora entering with a sword. Assuming Aurora intended to kill her, Viola recoiled in fear and screamed, "What do you want?"

Julia and Yvonne trembled with fright, but they stepped in front of Viola. Aurora pushed them aside and rushed into the room, quickly shutting the door behind her.

The doors and windows of Grace Mansion were constructed from the strongest ironwood on Carissa's orders. It would be difficult for the assassins to break through in the same manner as before. Once the door was secured, Aurora immediately took up a position at the table. She gripped her sword and nervously faced the outside.

Though breaking the door wouldn't be easy, it would eventually be breached if it couldn't withstand the assassins' attacks.

At this moment, her heart raced

uncontrollably. The brutal massacre of the Duke of Northwatch's family flashed in her mind. She was certain these were Westhaven spies seeking revenge for the Westhaven's previous crown prince and those civilians.

They would likely slaughter everyone in Valor Estate, just as they had with the Duke of Nortwatch's family. Aurora hoped to remain hidden until the garrison unit arrived, then she would be safe.