The sniper steadied his breathing, his finger slowly tightening on the trigger as Alexander came clearly into his scope. Just as he was about to fire, a sharp voice barked from behind him.
“Hands up! Don’t move!”
Startled, the assassin jerked around. A man in full military uniform stood there, weapon raised, eyes cold and steady. The officer spoke with clear authority. “We received reports of an attempt on the Emperor’s life. Every rooftop is under surveillance. And you — you’ve been exposed.”
Fear shot through the assassin’s body. He dropped the sniper rifle at once. In desperation, he yanked a knife from his boot and threw it at the soldier. The military officer dodged it with a quick sidestep.
“You’re not getting away!” the soldier roared as the assassin bolted off the rooftop. The
