Edward stood, chest heaving, breath coming in ragged bursts that turned to mist in the cold night air.
Around him, three bodies lay strewn across the cobbled alley, their crimson-stained armour torn open at the chest. Pact marks carved into their flesh glistened in the moonlight, symbols that no longer held meaning now that their owners were dead.
Beside him, two shadows shifted—his summons, silent and loyal.
The Shadow Assassin still dripped with fresh blood, blade fading into the dark as if drinking the kill. The Shadow Warrior stood with its broad shoulders hunched, armoured frame blending seamlessly into the gloom. They lingered only for a moment, their hollow visages turned toward him like predators awaiting their master's next command.
Ten days.
It had been ten long, relentless days since Aeris and Seraphine left for the capital. Nine days since Edward had found the two severed heads laid neatly on his dining table—a clear and merciless message.
