An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

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Eloise executed a graceful bow and turned to depart when a sudden upheaval disrupted the calm.

A resounding crash echoed through the hall as the ceiling gave way, and a shadowy figure dressed in black

descended dramatically. The assassin was wielding a sharp sword.

“Your Highness, look out!” Quick on her feet, she immediately raised her voice to warn Rufus of the imminent

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danger.

“Rufus! Your time has come! Die!” The assassin’s cry reverberated as he thrust the sword.

The motion was so swift, leaving only a momentary glint of light. As the radiance faded, the assassin’s sword had

already punctured Rufus’s chest.

Rufus stood frozen, staring at the sword that had impaled him, seemingly unable to grasp the reality of the

situation.

Eloise, positioned by the doorway, watched in disbelief, questioning how an assassin had managed to breach the

heavily fortified castle.

The assault was meticulously timed, occurring during Albert and Jaxon’s absence, as if the assassin had

orchestrated the plan with utmost precision.

“Rufus! This is the consequence of opposing the Dragon Guard!”

The assassin withdrew the sword, causing blood to spurt from Rufus’s chest wound. Rufus staggered backward,

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eventually collapsing to the ground, his complexion drained of color.

“Help! There’s an assassin!” Eloise screamed, and the entire castle was promptly alerted. Guards converged from

all directions, but the assassin skillfully leaped out the window and made a swift escape.

Accomplished warriors from the castle pursued the assailant.

“Your Highness! Your Highness!” Eloise rushed to Rufus, who was coughing up blood. Each cough expelled more

blood.

“Don’t speak, Your Highness! You’ll be fine! You’ll be okay!”

Eloise pressed her hand against Rufus’s wound while shouting urgently toward the door, “Doctor! Where is the

doctor? Hurry, we need help!”