The sniper steadied his breathing, finger tightening on the trigger as I came into view through his scope. My pulse was calm, unaware of the danger poised above.
Then a sharp voice cut through the tension. “Hands up! Don’t move!”
The assassin jerked around. A man in full military uniform stood behind him, weapon raised, eyes cold and unyielding. “We received reports of an attempt on the Emperor’s life,” the officer said. “Every rooftop is under surveillance. And you—you’ve been caught.”
Panic shot through the sniper. He dropped his rifle immediately, but in desperation, he yanked a knife from his boot and hurled it. The officer sidestepped easily.
“You’re not escaping!” the soldier roared. The chase began instantly, boots pounding against metal and concrete as the officer pursued him d
