Chapter 526
Barrett and Aurora silently slipped from the room. He opened the door a crack, peered out, and recoiled. Three maids lay sprawled on the stairs, each killed by a single, precise throat wound. Blood stained the stone steps crimson.
Barrett gasped. "My parents…!" He started to rush out, but Aurora grabbed his arm. Her face was ashen, her lips trembling. "I think… I think they're after me."
He understood instantly. Westhaven spies, seeking revenge. Aurora's earlier confidence felt hollow now, replaced by stark terror.
Four shadowy figures, cloaked in black and masked except for their piercing eyes, entered the courtyard. Each carried a sword, their presence heavy with the scent of blood and murderous intent.
Aurora clutched her sword, her hand trembling. Four swords flashed toward them. They spun, burst back into the room, and slammed the door shut. One secured the door while the other extinguished the lamp, plunging the room into darkness. Back to back, swords drawn, the glint of steel illuminated their vigilant eyes.
Barrett, recently assigned to the Capital Guard, found his daily training unexpectedly useful. Although the outside appeared normal, he sensed danger. He stood watch at the window. As he suspected, the window was kicked open, and an assassin leaped in. Barrett swung his sword, but the assassin dodged. Three more assassins followed. A fierce clash of steel ensued. But Aurora, overwhelmed, abandoned Barrett, leaping out the window and shouting, "Help! Assassins!"
Barrett was furious. Had she lost her mind? The estate teemed with people—why lead the assassins away? The assassins, however, pursued Aurora.
Her cries alerted the household. Lanterns flickered to life. Guards sprang into action, summoning reinforcements. Aurora, utilizing her knowledge of the estate, evaded her pursuers, finally seeking refuge in Grace Mansion.
Viola, hearing the commotion, saw Aurora enter, sword in hand. Mistaking her for an attacker, Viola screamed, "What do you want?" Julia and Yvonne bravely stepped forward, but Aurora pushed past them, slamming the door shut.
Grace Mansion's doors and windows, constructed from ironwood by Carissa's order, would be difficult to breach. Aurora took up a defensive position, her heart pounding. The Duke of Northwatch's massacre flashed before her eyes. These were Westhaven spies, avenging their former crown prince and the slain civilians. She feared they would slaughter everyone, mirroring the Duke's family's fate. She resolved to hide until the garrison arrived.