Chapter 708 (+25 Bonus)

Barrett noticed the crowded space and the presence of the high priests. The consequences of any mishap would be dire. He stepped forward to address Zane. "Sir," he said, "it's best if you retreat to a safe place. You can continue your prayers once the assassins are captured."

Zane shook his head. "There's no need. Attend to your duties. The altar is open, and I will not leave until my prayers are complete."

"There are assassins! It's dangerous!" Barrett insisted.

With hands clasped in prayer, Zane replied, "The assassins are not here for me. If they harm me by mistake, it is simply my fate."

Seeing he couldn't persuade the Spirit Elder, Barrett turned to the few remaining guards. "Stay with him and ensure his safety." He then drew his sword and rushed into the chaos.

Eleanor arrived at the western courtyard. Before her stood over thirty guards. This was the most crucial of the four dungeon entrances. Eleanor was certain Carissa aimed to rescue Carmen's mother. If the wretched woman succeeded—and Melanie Lester was already teetering on the edge of death—it mattered little; escape might not save her life. However, the western courtyard absolutely could not fall.

Michael and his men arrived, finding no assassins. He stepped forward and said respectfully, "Grand Princess Eleanor, please return indoors and stay safe. Leave the assassins to us."

Eleanor's anger flared. "There's no need! You must leave immediately! My residence has household soldiers; we don't require your intervention."

"The assassins are highly skilled, Your Highness. The household soldiers are no match for them."

"Nonsense! How could my soldiers be overpowered by a handful of assassins? Leave now, or I will have you charged with trespassing!"

Inside the western cell block, Rafael heard the battle outside and realized the assassins had breached Harmony Palace. He swung open the cell block door, dashed up the stairs, and threw open the dungeon entrance.

"The assassins are here!" he cried.

Michael, who had been speaking to Eleanor, froze. "Your Highness," he said, "I can't ignore the safety of the noble ladies!" He then led his men toward the shout.

Rafael had opened three of the four entrances, leaving only the one in the western courtyard leading to the eastern cell block. As he flew toward it, he saw Eleanor, her face ashen. He knew this place was critical. What lay within? Since he was already there, he might as well enter. He planned to stir things up, draw the assassins and capital guards, then slip away.

He descended, snatched a sword from a guard, and jumped into the fray. To Rafael, these thirty guards possessed only flashy, useless moves. He quickly knocked several aside. Pushing Eleanor out of his way, he stormed into the western courtyard.

"Rafael! It's you!" Eleanor cried, collapsing to the ground and calling after him, panic rising in her voice. "Rafael!"

Without hesitation, Rafael kicked open the dungeon entrance and strode down the steps.

"Get down there and kill him! Don't let him escape the dungeon!" Eleanor shouted frantically.

The guards stumbled into the dungeon, and Barrett and a few others rushed to the scene. After hearing of the assassin, they hurried inside.

Eleanor dashed forward to block them. "You're not allowed in! If anyone from the Capital Guard and Garrison Unit dares step inside, I will have you killed!"

However, Barrett and the others didn't hear her hoarse cries. They assumed she was merely angry at the assassins and followed Rafael into the darkness.

Rafael was the first to breach the dungeon. It was pitch black, but he quickly produced a fire starter and ignited it with a flick. Spotting a wall lamp, he lit it. The dim lamp flickered to life, casting a weak glow that illuminated the expansive dungeon. Weapons and armor were neatly arranged.