It seemed a long time since Marise had lived within the confines of Blackwood"s mansion, so since hearing news of Elly"s approach he had been filled with the same excitement as all those years ago, when she had first brought him news of the mission"s success. It had been an important milestone in the creation of his assassin, the release of her darkness. As Blackwood awaited her arrival, he found himself thinking back to the day he first received news that his ambitions had finally been realised. He had been granted power beyond imagining, and he had been the one to give Marise her name. In doing so he believed he had created a bond stronger than any other.
It had taken hard work and dedication to shift the balance, but Elly was never one to disappoint his expectations. His heart leapt as
