The council chamber doors exploded inward.
Xin hit the floor. Glass and wood fragments cut his face. He rolled behind a stone pillar.
Four assassins entered through the smoke. Black masks. Fifth Gate each. Swords drawn.
"Council members down!" Ren shouted from the corner.
Xin counted. Three delegates on the floor. Bleeding. Not dead.
The assassins spread out. Two went for the delegates. Two came for Xin.
---
Xin pushed white fire from his chest. Hit the first assassin directly. The man flew back into the wall. His sword clattered on the stone.
The second assassin swung at Xin's head.
Xin ducked. The sword hit the pillar behind him. Stuck in the stone for one second.
One second was enough.
Xin grabbed the man's wrist. Twisted. Bone cracked. The assassin screamed. Xin pushed white
