Chapter 528
Gregory and his sons fought desperately but were quickly overwhelmed, blood splattering everywhere. The assassins showed no desire to prolong the battle. One engaged Gregory and his sons, while the remaining three attacked Aurora, aiming for her chest.
Panicked, Aurora dropped her sword and shoved Barrett in front of her, using him as a shield.
"No!" Rebecca and Viola screamed in shock.
Barrett could never have imagined Aurora would do such a thing. Injured and held tightly by Aurora, he couldn't defend himself. He watched helplessly as the three assassins advanced, their swords poised to strike his heart.
Everyone's blood ran cold, but no one could intervene. Rebecca, terrified of witnessing her son's death, couldn't even watch.
Just in time, a red spear flew through the air, expertly deflecting the three swords. The impact sent the assassins reeling back in pain.
A figure landed gracefully, retrieved the spear, and immediately engaged the assassins. With swift, precise movements, she forced them back relentlessly.
The assassins were forced into a continuous retreat. Their formidable sword techniques proved ineffective against her spear.
Within ten moves, their swords lay on the ground. Within twenty, all the assassins were defeated, their tendons severed, their internal energy depleted. They collapsed, unable to even lift their weapons.
The summer night breeze ruffled her slightly disheveled hair. In the corridor light, she slowly raised her face, and everyone recognized her.
Viola, trembling with fear, whispered, "Carissa?"
Carissa wore a white dress and embroidered cloth shoes. Her wide sleeves and long dress accentuated her slender figure. However, the murderous intent in her eyes remained. Her clothes were stained with the assassins' blood, the spots forming delicate patterns like camellias on the white satin.
Stunned, Gregory quickly stepped forward. "Tie them up and take them to the Royal Citadel!" he ordered.
Rebecca rushed to Barrett's side. "Fetch a physician! Now!" she cried, supporting the pale young man. "Where are you hurt?"
Barrett's eyes were bloodshot as he looked at Carissa. He was covered in wounds, mostly superficial, but the pain felt profound. He had thought he would die when Aurora used him as a shield. But just as death seemed imminent, Carissa arrived.
Overwhelmed by a mix of relief and pain after his near-death experience, Barrett, dragging his bleeding leg, asked Carissa, "You came to save me? How did you get here? You still care about my family's safety about me, right?"
Carissa's gaze was cold as she watched Gregory's family bind the assassins. Frowning at Barrett's words, she turned to him. "I am the deputy commander of the Mystic Army. Isn't my presence logical?"
"No!" Barrett insisted, his eyes reddening. "You care about me! You're just angry I took a concubine!"
Carissa rolled her eyes and addressed Gregory respectfully. "Mr. Gregory, I've severed these assassins' tendons. After they're bound, send them directly to the Royal Citadel for interrogation."
"Yes, Your Grace!" Gregory boomed, emphasizing her title to subtly remind Barrett of her status as princess consort.
Barrett's face paled, his eyes filling with sorrow.
Carissa watched as the assassins were bound. Then, she heard approaching footsteps and knew the garrison and Capital Guards had arrived.
Leaving the aftermath to them, Carissa turned to leave Grace Mansion. She didn't want to remain a moment longer.
As she was about to leave, she heard Gregory's shocked exclamation, "Aurora, what are you doing?"
Carissa whirled around to see Aurora slashing at the assassins' necks. After finishing the last one, blood splattered onto her face, giving her a sinister, cold appearance.
"Those who kill must die," Aurora declared coldly.