Lily glided through the grand ballroom in the capital’s castle of the Arcadia royal family with practised elegance, her midnight-blue gown trailing behind her like a whisper. The red flower pinned in her hair caught the light of the grand chandeliers above that dripped with crystals. The air was thick with the scent of perfumes and the gentle rustle of silk, an intoxicating blend that masked the undercurrents of the political plots that were being discussed.

Nobles, adorned in extravagant attire, filled the lavish space, their gowns and suits shimmering in a display of wealth and status. Lily’s keen eyes, however, cut through the façade of pleasantries. She observed the subtle exchanges, the guarded glances, and the whispers that slipped through the layers of sophistication. Each person she watched was far from innocent in the world of under-table deals.

The guards stationed at each of the doors that led to the ballroom wore uniforms embellished with the insignia of the city guard, their eyes watchful and stern. Maids flitted about, their hurried steps barely audible over the symphony of the ball. Casting a striking figure amidst the sea of finery, Lily moved with purpose, her mind racing with the task assigned by Mr. Drakon.

As she accepted a glass of sparkling wine from a passing servant, Lily’s gaze subtly surveyed the room. Lord Marcus De Clare, The duke, her intended target, stood surrounded by a retinue of fawning admirers, his every move was calculated and measured as he downed a glass of amber liquid. A man who was well trained in fighting both political opponents and the physical kind.

Lily sipped the wine, letting its effervescence momentarily distract her from the mission. Mr. Drakon’s instructions echoed in her mind, constantly repeating her mission, the whole reason for her being at the ball. She had worked hard to slip in unnoticed.

The duke’s dark secrets, one of which was that he was a member of the Nightweaver order, marked him as a person who needed to be removed. Lily’s fingers traced the hilt of a concealed dagger beneath her gown as she considered her approach. With a sigh, she downed the last of the wine before moving towards her target.

The ballroom pulsed with the rhythm of a waltz, as the music swirled around her, Lily prepared to pull the duke away.

Running through her plan one last time. “I’ll pretend to bump into him if I offer him a service that he would enjoy.” She thought. “I only need seconds alone with him to end his life.”

Lily shook her head, a nagging sense of identity loss haunting her thoughts. “I almost don’t even recognize who I am anymore,” she mused with an internal chuckle.

As the waltz continued its enchanting melody, Lily timed her approach, deliberately stumbling into the Duke. A subtle smile played on her lips as she engaged him in conversation.

“Oh, I am so sorry, your lordship,” stammered Lily. “Please let me take care of this for you.”

“Stupid girl. Do you know who I am?” Shouted the Duke.

Lily began to shake. “Please, I am so sorry. If you would come with me. I will take care of this, and repay you for the embarrassment.”

“Oh, I will make you pay,” sneered the Duke loudly before leaning in close to Lily. “You will be screaming for mercy when I am finished with you. I will ruin you.”

“Please… I will submit, my lord. I… I will do as you ask,” Lily apologized once again.

“Hmm. Yes, I think I will enjoy this. Come. I will take you to my room,” commanded the Duke as he grabbed Lily’s arm, forcing her to walk with him.

The duke pulled Lily through a set of double doors closest to where he had been standing. The guards nodded as he passed, their eyes not meeting Lily. The hallway beyond the doors was lavish with large paintings and gold trimming along the walls.

“I wonder how much money was spent on the castle. The gold trim in this hallway alone could feed a village for an entire year.” Mused Lily.

“In here.” Grunted the duke as he pushed Lily through a doorway halfway down the hall. Inside the dimly lit room, Lily glanced around, taking in the layout as she spun around. Wasting no time, Lily grabbed his shirt, pulling herself close to the duke’s face. Pushing her lips into his. she grabbed the back of his head, holding him to her as she continued the kiss.

“Mm.” Groaned the Duke as he forced his tongue into Lily’s mouth. His hands running down her back as he grabbed her ass.

The glint of her concealed dagger caught the ambient light as Lily swiftly struck, the blade sinking into his neck, as she continued to kiss him before she ripped it out, severing any chance of the duke yelling for help. The room fell into an eerie silence as Duke clutched at his throat, wordlessly opening his mouth. Fear was written across his face as he stared at her. Lily watched as he fell to his knees before crumpling to the floor, his eyes lifeless.

“The shadows claim their due,” Lily whispered to the Duke as she stepped over his dead body. “A life extinguished, a debt settled. I hope the goddess judges you harshly Duke.” Lily pushed the blade of her dagger through the duke’s right eye. Twisting it around, before repeating the same action on his left eye. Lily mused to herself, “Narissa’s bad habits must be rubbing off on me. Pity it wasn’t Korvax. I would love to repay him for his… Oh goddess, what am I thinking… Dammit Narissa… ”

Lily stepped away from the duke’s lifeless body, hastily wiping the dagger’s blade on a cloth. The moment lingered in the air, a mixture of triumph and melancholy settling upon her. A subtle noise reached her ears, setting her instincts on high alert. Spinning around, she found herself face to face with an Elven woman, her eyes ablaze with fury.

“What have you done?” Said the Elven woman softly.

Lily stepped back as she brought the dagger up in front of her. The Aura of killing intent pouring off the woman gave Lily a cold chill.

“What have you done!” Screamed the Elven woman. “He was not yours to kill. You have robbed me of my hunt.”

“Who are you?” Asked Lily as she took another step back. Her eyes darted around the room.

The Elven woman pointed at Lily, her hand shaking as the other reached behind her. With a swift motion, she drew a straight, double-edged dirk and ran her tongue along its length before reversing her grip. A grin spread across her face as she locked eyes with Lily.

Lily braced herself as adrenaline surged through her veins, her hand tightened around the hilt of her dagger as the Elven woman, eyes ablaze with fury, lunged at Lily with uncanny speed.

Lily deftly sidestepped, their blades clashing in a shower of sparks. The force of their impact sent them both careening towards a bookshelf, its contents scattering as they collided.

Lily regained her footing, flipping backward as the Elven woman spun, delivering a powerful kick that sent a side table crashing to the floor. Lily countered, slashing her dagger in a swift arc, narrowly missing the Elven woman’s face. The razor-sharp edge of the blade cut through the air, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

They danced around each other, their movements a blur as Lily somersaulted over a fallen chair, the Elven woman gracefully leaping onto the large wooden desk. Lily aimed a series of quick strikes, the clang of metal resonating through the room. The Elven woman parried with elegance, the tip of her dirk tracing intricate patterns in the air.

As they exchanged blows, Lily seized the momentum, vaulting off a wall to deliver a spinning kick. The Elven woman countered with a sweeping motion of her dirk, sending papers and inkwells flying. Lily landed gracefully, only to be met with a ferocious barrage of strikes. The room echoed with the sounds of their battle, furniture splintering and ornaments shattering.

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Cornered near a grand tapestry, Lily channelled her magical abilities, a burst of energy emanating from her. The Elven woman staggered backward, momentarily disoriented. Seizing the opportunity, Lily lunged forward, their blades clashing once more. With a powerful kick, they crashed through a partially open window, tumbling onto the balcony.

The night air whispered around them as they continued their airborne duel. Lily rolled to her feet, narrowly evading a thrust from the Elven woman. Their fight took them across the balcony, leaving destruction in their wake. Lily used the environment to her advantage, kicking off pillars and railings to dodge the women’s strikes.

The Elven woman, undeterred, performed a gravity-defying leap, closing the distance between them. Lily parried a flurry of strikes, each movement calculated and precise. The balcony railing splintered beneath the force of their clash, threatening to give way.

With a final, explosive burst of energy, Lily unleashed a wave of magic, creating a temporary barrier between them. The Elven woman’s eyes widened as she collided with the magical force, and momentarily halted. Lily seized the moment, disarming her opponent with a swift maneuver.

Their blades clattered to the ground, and for a breathless moment, the balcony hung in suspense. The Elven woman, defeated but unbroken, met Lily’s gaze. The room behind them lay in ruins, as the chandelier collapsed to the floor with a loud bang.

Smiling, Lily chanted quickly. “Tenere constrictum” Dark ropes wrapped around the woman’s limbs, immobilizing her.

As the Elven woman struggled against the magical restraints, Lily hesitated for a fraction of a second. At that moment, their eyes locked, and Lily glimpsed the fierce determination that fueled the Elven woman’s attacks. Just as Lily opened her mouth to speak, a loud pounding echoed through the ruined room.

“My Lord. What was that noise? Open the door.” shouted a deep voice. “Open the door or we will break it down.”

Sensing the impending danger, Lily made a swift decision. With a regretful glance, she walked over to the edge of the balcony and jumped, leaving the Elven woman bound and incapacitated. The guards burst into the room just as Lily’s silhouette disappeared.

Lily navigated through the labyrinthine passageways of the castle grounds. The cool night air whispered through the ancient stone arches, carrying with it the earthy scent of damp moss. Moonlight spilled from behind the clouds in the night sky, casting shadows on the cobblestone paths. The distant murmur of a hidden fountain provided a soothing backdrop to the symphony of rustling leaves.

As Lily padded silently along, she couldn’t help but notice the subtle play of shadows, dancing in harmony with the flickering torches that lined the path. Overgrown rose bushes released a fragrant sigh as she brushed past. Each step seemed to resonate with the crunch of gravel, even though she made no noise as she walked.

The echoes of the grand ball still reverberated in her mind, the haunting melody of the waltz fading into the night. The castle’s opulence now a distant memory, Lily ventured further into the shadows, her senses keenly attuned to the changing atmosphere. The transition from the grandeur of the ballroom to the mysterious, dimly lit paths of the castle grounds felt like a journey from one world to another.

As Lily approached the designated spot where she had stashed her bag earlier, the quiet symphony of the night intensified. She glanced upwards, noting the constellations peering through the broken cloudy night as she secured her bag, the soft jingle of tools a stark contrast to the hushed noises of the castle grounds.

Embracing the night, Lily threw the grappling hook, its metallic twang echoing briefly before she pulled herself up the rope, disappearing into the shadows like a ghost in the moonlit night.“I wish they didn’t have magic detectors within the castle grounds.” Thought Lily. “It makes trying to escape so much harder than it should be.”

As she reached the top of the wall, a guard called out. In a swift motion, Lily threw her dagger at him. The guard gurgled, his hands clutching at his throat. Another guard behind him shouted. An alarm bell began to ring as Lily cursed.

“Well, nothing for it now.” She cursed as she ran and jumped off the wall. She landed hard, rolling away to slow her momentum. An arrow hit the ground beside her, sparks flying from the tip.

Launching forward, Lily raced through the labyrinthine back streets of Arcadia, her breath syncing with the rhythm of her footsteps. The crisp night air clung to her skin, infused with the invigorating scent of damp cobblestones. The distant strains of the grand ball reached her ears, a haunting melody that mingled with the hurried echoes of her escape.

Her nimble form weaved through narrow alleyways, the cool breeze whispering through the alleys as the uneven cobblestones beneath her boots echoed with whispers. She darted between buildings, and the distant melodies of the waltz became a haunting soundtrack to her escape.

Lily’s heart pounded in harmony with the distant beat as the city’s aroma, a mix of distant flowers and smells that would make one’s stomach heave, surrounded her. Lily twisted and turned randomly, the adrenaline-fueled pace matching the sounds of armoured boots growing distant and then returning with alarming proximity.

“The guards must have a few magic enhancing amongst their number.” Muttered Lily to herself as she ran. Her breath, now a steady rhythm, formed wisps of vapour in the chilly night air, as she scaled a series of crates to reach a rooftop sanctuary, the night air embraced her.

From her new vantage point, the city sprawled below, a tapestry of shadows and distant lights. Lily knew that her escape had come at a cost, and the repercussions of the botched mission would undoubtedly get back to Mr Drakon. Perched on the rooftop, Lily weighed her options. The city guards continued their futile search below, and she knew she needed to disappear completely.

“They won’t find you here. But we know everywhere you go.” Came a chilling voice behind Lily.

Trying to keep her nerves under control Lily answered slowly. “It seems you have me at a disadvantage. How did you find me?”

“Ha. You might have been trained in our ways. But you lack the experience needed to become one with the night little bird.” Replied the voice.

Lily slowly stood, Her palm began to crackle with magic. “If you found me so easily, then you know what I am capable of.” Replied Lily.

“Oh yes. Don’t worry little bird. We just have a message for your master. His time is almost at an end.” Said the voice as it faded away.

Lily turned, her hand raised. She found nothing. Looking around, the roof was empty. “Where did they go… Shit.” Swore Lily. “How did they even get behind me?”

Just as Lily began to relax, a voice shouted. “Up there. Quickly, to the roofs.”

“Goddess take it.” Moaned Lily. Can’t I catch a break?”

Lily looked around before leaping into the narrow alley below, landing soundlessly against the cobblestones. As the guards glanced in confusion at the empty rooftop, Lily swiftly moved towards the entrance of the city’s sewers, concealed beneath a dishevelled grate.

The descent into the sewers was met with the stench of decay and the echoing drip of water. Lily navigated the labyrinthine tunnels with practised ease, her agility allowing her to traverse the damp, winding passages with minimal sound. The pursuit intensified in the darkness below, the distant shouts of the guards reverberating through the sewer chambers.

Amidst the shadows, Lily stumbled upon symbols and markings adorning the walls of one of the sewer passageways. As she explored further, Lily stood in front of a doorway. Looking around, she pushed the door open, stepping through.

Lily stood in the dimly lit room, surrounded by cryptic symbols and eerie writings. The atmosphere was charged with an unsettling energy, and the air seemed heavy with the residue of magical incantations. The flickering candlelight cast dancing shadows on the walls as the circle in the centre of the room drew Lily’s attention.

It was meticulously drawn, its lines intersecting with precision. The remnants of burnt candles were strategically placed around the circumference, and dried blood adorned the space. The tomes scattered on the floor hinted at the nature of the activities that had taken place.

As Lily examined the symbols, her instincts warned her of the potential danger lurking within the room. She traced her fingers along the markings, trying to decipher their meaning. The knowledge imparted by Mr. Drakon echoed in her mind, reminding her of the importance of understanding the mystical forces at play.

A sudden realization struck Lily, and her eyes widened. “This summoning circle… it’s linked to the Nightweaver order,” she murmured to herself. “It is the same one as the circle in the ruins…”

The distant echoes of the pursuing guards’ shouts reached Lily’s ears, she hesitated for a moment, torn between the urgency of her situation and the curiosity that gnawed at her. In the end, the pressing need for survival prevailed. She turned away from the summoning circle, determined to unravel its secrets later.

With cautious steps, Lily moved further into the depths of the sewers, leaving the cryptic room behind. As she navigated the dark, damp tunnels, Lily’s thoughts raced. The encounter with the Elven woman and the summoning circle hinted at a larger, more intricate plot. The shadows seemed to cling to her, and the feeling of being watched lingered.

The sewer passages twisted and turned, leading Lily through a maze of tunnels beneath the city. The echoes of her pursuers gradually faded, replaced by the solitary drip of water and the occasional scurrying of unseen creatures. Lily’s instincts guided her through the darkness, a silent ghost in the underground realm.

As Lily moved deeper into the sewers, the air became thicker with the scent of decay. The journey through the sewer felt like an eternity, with each step carrying her farther from the opulence of the royal ball and deeper into the hidden underbelly of Arcadia.

Eventually, Lily reached a junction in the tunnels, presented with multiple paths leading in different directions. The decision weighed heavily on her shoulders, as she knew the choices she made in the sewers could determine her fate. With a deep breath, she chose a path that seemed to lead away from the castle and the pursuing guards, disappearing into the shadows once again.