Episode 27
464 Words
The Assassin in the Shadows
The Hidden Village never truly slept.
Since the alliance was formed, warriors have patrolled the narrow paths day and night. Archers stood atop the wooden watchtowers, while scouts disappeared into the surrounding forest before dawn, searching for any sign of the Shadow Army.
Yet danger found another way in.
As evening settled over the village, Lyria sat outside the healer's cottage. The breeze carried the scent of pine and wildflowers, offering a rare moment of peace.
She rested a hand over the crescent mark on her wrist.
It had remained quiet since morning.
Kael walked toward her, carrying two cups of herbal tea.
He handed one to her before sitting beside her.
For a while, neither of them spoke.
They simply watched the sun disappear behind the mountains.
Kael reached for her hand.
You've been carrying the weight of this kingdom alone for too long.
Lyria smiled faintly.
I'm not alone anymore.
She leaned her head against his shoulder.
As long as you're beside me, I can face anything.
Kael kissed her forehead.
And I'll never leave your side.
Neither of them noticed the pair of golden eyes watching from the roof of a nearby cottage.
The figure remained perfectly still, hidden beneath a dark cloak.
A small smile appeared beneath the hood.
So this is the Moon Queen.
The assassin quietly disappeared into the darkness.
Later that night, the village gathered for a simple meal inside the central hall.
Laughter slowly returned as warriors shared stories from past battles.
For the first time in days, fear loosened its grip on the village.
The village healer prepared a special herbal drink for Lyria, hoping it would calm the unstable Luna energy within her.
She placed the steaming cup on the table.
Drink this before you rest, Your Majesty.
It should ease the pain.
Lyria thanked her with a warm smile.
Just as she reached for the cup, the Shadow Dragon, resting outside the hall, released a deafening roar.
Everyone froze.
The dragon had never reacted without reason.
Its silver eyes locked onto the doorway.
A cold wind swept through the room.
The candles flickered violently.
Kael rose to his feet.
Something's wrong.
Before anyone could react, every candle suddenly went out.
Darkness swallowed the hall.
Screams erupted from every direction.
Steel rang against steel.
Someone had entered.
Kael's wolf instincts took over.
He caught the faint sound of footsteps moving toward Lyria.
He lunged through the darkness.
His shoulder slammed into a cloaked figure just as a poisoned dagger sliced through the air.
The blade missed Lyria by only a few inches.
The assassin flipped backward with impossible speed before landing silently on a wooden beam above them.
Moonlight poured through the windows, revealing a slender figure dressed entirely
- Writer
