The crossbow bolt had been locked inside the Royal Evidence Chamber since the assassination attempt.
Only the Captain of the Guard possessed the key.
No one was allowed to touch it.
No one was allowed to study it without Kaelira’s permission.
Yet, three days later…
Someone knocked on the doors of the throne room carrying a velvet-covered wooden case.
The Captain knelt before Kaelira.
“My Queen…”
“I believe we’ve found what the assassin used.”
The room fell silent.
Kaelira slowly stepped down from the throne.
“Open it.”
The captain carefully lifted the lid.
Inside rested a dagger unlike any she had ever seen.
Its blade shimmered with silver veins running through black steel.
Elegant.
Deadly.
Ancient.
Lucien’s expression changed the instant he saw it.
“I know that weapon.”
