Nico stood there, mad and confused. He lifted his sword close to Rosa. "Are you ready to die for her?"

"No matter how you swing that blade, it will never meet her skin."

He studied her eyes, even in the face of his confusion and anger, Rosa never wavered. She still stood in front of her sister, refusing to budge. And so Nico yielded. He stepped away, sheathing his sword as tried to hide his anger, "I'm tying her up. Then we can just... talk."

An hour passed as Nico finished helping the guards clean up the camp, burying the dead guard, and trying to calm himself. He returned to the campfire where Rosa and Mary were standing, neither one talking to each other. Nico grabbed the ropes tied around Mary and double checked all the knots. He sighed as he was finished and asked Rosa, his voice tense with suspicion. "You know she tried to kill me twice now?"

"I know," Rosa replied, her gaze never leaving Mary's face. "I know what she did, and I know why she did it. She was trying to protect me."

"By almost killing me?" Nico scoffed, shaking his head. "That's a funny way of showing protection."

"Untie me and I'll show you how fast my knife pierces a human skull." Mary snapped back.

"Enough!" Rosa snapped, turning her attention to her sister. "Mary, please. Tell him you won't hurt him. That we can work together."

Mary hesitated, her eyes flicking between her sister and Nico. Finally, she sighed, "Fine. I won't hurt you, Nico Cornaro. I... promise."

Rosa and Nico slowly sat down on the ground, side by side with only a few feet between them. A moment of silence passed before Mary spoke first, her voice gruff with a hint of annoyance. “You know why I'm here Rosa."

Rosa held Mary's gaze for a long moment before finally responding in the same low tone. “I do."

"Then what are you doing here? And with Venetian jesters?"

Mary's hand covered Nico's mouth before he could argue back. "I was offered something better than waiting for you. Nico here has offered me a chance at a real life, a chance to follow my dream."

"We don't need some Knight in shiny armor coming to our rescue." Mary's voice softened. "I can do it sis, I'm almost there."

Rosa wiped away a tear that had escaped and rolled down her cheek. "I know you can but aren't you tired? I haven't heard from you for months at a time. Plus every time you get close, Cerberus pushes our debt back even farther. We can never escape the Hounds if we keep following this path of yours. Nico can help us."

Mary turns her face away, but Nico could tell why. She was hiding her tears, sniffling as she tried to calm down.

"I -I don't know what your story is, but you have some explaining to do before I decide your fate." Nico crossed his arms, waiting for some answers.

Mary slowly turned back and met Nico's stare. "Fine. What do you want to know?"

"Well let's start at the beginning. The Doge Palace, who hired you to kill the Councilman?"

"Cerberus."

"Cerberus? The three heads of the Hounds?"

Mary nodded softly, but Nico could see anger behind her eyes. It didn't feel like it was towards him though, maybe she was angry with Cerberus?

"Why Councilmen Antonio?"

"Convenience. Any Councilman's death would have completed the contract, he was the only one who separated himself from the party. Figured I could kill him before you could react, I didn't know you were a Crest Knight. Any normal Knight wouldn't see me before it was too late."

"You know that stopping you caused the Councilman to believe I was attacking him. Because of you, I lost my rank as Knight."

He was expecting her to not really care, offer up a poor excuse or even tease him with some fake tears. To his surprise, she didn't say anything at all. The silence made Nico feel uneasy. Mary just sat there, staring at him with an intensity that sent chills down his spine. As he looked back at her, he couldn't help but imagine that little gears were turning in her head, plotting something sinister against him. The air only grew thicker as every second past, the weight beginning to suffocate Nico until he could barely breathe.

She took a deep breath and finally responded. "So, are you going to kill me?"

"No. You're coming with me to Venice."

"What?" Both girls responded in unison.

Nico crossed his arms. "Yep. I'm going to turn you in and prove to the Council that I didn't do anything wrong."

Mary jumped up in a panic, standing between Mary and him once again. "You can't do that!"

Nico looked up at her with frustration. "WHY NOT? SHE IS THE REASON WHY I'M IN THIS MESS. SHE OWES ME!" He immediately got up and stormed off. "Keep an eye on her," He said as he passed Bino. "and kill her if she tries anything."

Bino nodded and walked over to the campfire.

Nico stomped away from the camp, his feet pounding into the ground like thunder. He marched along the edge of the forest until he abruptly stopped at the sight of a small stream. His narrowed eyes peered into the swiftly moving current, watching as the moonlight danced atop the glossy surface. His breath caught in his throat as minutes dragged by, and his silent gaze betrayed the chaotic storm raging within his mind.

Why spare her? Because of her I've been disgraced, betrayed, and sentenced to a long road of redemption. How am I supposed to keep my promise if everyone only sees me as a disgraced Knight? Don't worry sister, I will figure out a way.

The sun slowly began to rise as Nico approached the camp. When he arrived, Mary was still bound and seated on the ground by the embers of the campfire. Two guards looming above her threateningly, swords raised and pointed in her direction. Rosa spoon-fed her some stew she had made. As soon as Nico stepped into the campfire circle, all eyes were on him, and a deadly silence descended over the camp until he sat back down.

Stolen novel; please report.

"So, tell me your story."

Mary looked confused for a second but nodded.

"Rosa and I grew up as property of the Hounds," She began, her tone cold and detached. "Our parents were killed when we were young, and we were taken in by Cerberus himself."

"Your dad is Cerberus?" Nico felt a cold sweat on his forehead, having almost choked on the words.

"In his eyes," Mary muttered, her face darkening with pent-up anger. "He was cruel and heartless, and said we owed him a large debt for him saving us. All I've ever wanted was to protect Rosa from him, and from the life we were dragged into."

"By becoming an assassin?" Nico couldn't help but ask, struggling to understand her motivations.

"By doing whatever it took to not be killed," she snapped, glaring at him. "You have no idea what it's like, living in constant fear, knowing that any mistake could cost you or your sister your life."

"Maybe not, But I do know what it's like to make a mistake that did cost a life." Nico admitted, thinking of his own family. " All Knights know what it's like to fight for the people you care about. And I know that there has to be a better way than this life you're living."

"Easy for you to say," Mary retorted, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Your Crestmark, you're part of the Cornaro family aren't you? You've never struggled for anything your entire life."

"Maybe not like you, but struggled non the less." Nico put on a fake smile. "But if there's one thing I've learned recently, there is always a way for redemption. And I'm willing to help you and Rosa find a better path if you'll let me."

Mary gave him a curious look. "What do you have in mind?"

"Well, what is your goal in life?"

"Revenge," Mary replied, as if it should be obvious. "We have been slaves to the Hounds ever since our parents were killed. The Hounds needed an assassin under their thumb. I joined the Reapers to get revenge for what they did to our family. Every job and contract I completed for them got us one step closer to paying our debt."

"So revenge, huh?" Nico mused, scratching his head. "I'm all about getting justice, but vendettas can be dangerous, especially when they involve powerful organizations like the Hounds or the Reapers."

"Perhaps," Mary conceded, her eyes downcast. "But what choice did I have? I couldn't just let them get away with what they did to us. My sister will never be free of them if I do nothing."

Nico sighed, recognizing the pain in her voice.

"Alright," he said at last, meeting Mary's eyes. "I'll make you a deal. Help me with my labors, and I will help you get revenge on Cerberus.

"Really?" Mary looked at him skeptically, clearly not expecting such an offer. "You'd trust me, after everything?"

"Trust is a strong word," Nico admitted, smirking. "Let's say I'm willing to give you a chance to prove yourself."

Mary hesitated for a second. "What are labors? I don't do farm work of any kind."

"No, not farm work, you could say I'm in the same boat as you two. After Mary's little "stunt" at the Doge's Palace, I was framed for attempting to kill the Councilman." He leaned over towards Mary. "Thank you for that."

Mary just closed her eyes and shrugged her shoulders.

He continued. "So now I have to clear my name or they'll execute me. To save my neck, I need to complete ten labors of service."

Nico closed his eyes as his chest felt heavy and took a breath, so much had happened in the past week. Life changing week. Normally He wouldn't trust a single word an assassin would say. Assassins were liars with no moral compass. But something was telling him that Mary was different. She seemed almost too honest. Plus this is Rosa's sister, hopefully this wouldn't bite him in the butt later.

He looked back at Mary and Rosa. "Normally I would never ask for help. But if all my labors are gonna be similar to the last, I need someone who can possibly help with the Hounds. Luckily for me, your skills as an assassin could prove valuable."

"And how will you help me kill Cerberus?"

"My first labor ended with me literally blowing up an island that the Hounds were using to create and smuggle red jelly." Nico laughed. "I'm sure the other nine labors will lead me into similar trouble."

"Very well," Mary said, nodding once. "Untie me before more trouble finds us."

Nico nodded, satisfied, and sliced through the ropes binding Mary with one swift motion of his elementium sword. "Welcome aboard, I guess."

"Thanks," She rubbed her wrists as she stood, eyeing him warily. "Let's just hope we don't end up killing each other before this is all over."

“Agreed.” Nico said with a chuckle, his grin widening and the corners of his eyes crinkling. Rosa let out an ecstatic squeal and ran towards her sister. Nico watched as they embraced each other tightly – Rosa's head buried in her sister's shoulder while she muffled sobs and sniffles.

"Let's not get all mushy now," Nico interjected, attempting to fight off a smile. "We've got work to do."

"So what now?" Mary asked. "I doubt your friends here will react well when they see me walking free."

He locked eyes with her for a moment, he wasn't worried about her well-being. It was everyone else who made a fatal mistake by getting too close to her. "Nobody will lay a finger on you," he said firmly. "Now, if you will excuse me, it's been a long night and we need to pack.” He immediately turned away and headed to the guards, informing everyone to pack up.

The next hour was a frenzied blur. Nico had consulted with the guards, trying to justify Mary's actions from the previous night. Despite the accusations that she had killed one of their own last night, Nico convinced them that he had contacted the Council and justice had been served-she was sentenced to labors of service. Though still seething with anger, the guards reluctantly accepted his explanation.

The camp was packed and on the move before the sun could climb over the mountains. Hours passed as the landscape around them gradually transformed from rough, rocky terrain and heavy forested areas to lush green fields dotted with wildflowers.

"What a beautiful day to sightsee when we get to Venice, not a single puff in the sky." Nico remarked, nudging Rosa out of her reverie.

"Let's hope it stays that way," Mary replied, bringing her horse close to their wagon. She still looked somewhat tense, her eyes constantly scanning the horizon.

"Relax a little, will you?" Nico laughed. "We're not being chased by gangs or assassins right now. Enjoy the scenery."

"Easy for you to say," Mary grumbled, but she did seem to take his words to heart as her shoulders relaxed slightly.

"Tell me about Venice," Rosa piped up. "I've never been there before."

"Ah, Venice," Nico sighed wistfully, images starting to flood his mind. "Imagine a place where the streets are made of water, and beautiful buildings rise from the waves like ancient guardians. It's a city of art, history, and power."

"Not how I remember it." Mary mumbled.

"Haha, I wouldn't expect an assassin to stop and smell the roses when you're working. But luckily you're getting a second chance!"

He stood up, gesturing towards the horizon. As they rode closer towards it, the gentle hills undulated into waves, and the salty air lingered on their tongues. There in the distance, piercing out of the waters was a city, a testament of the former genius of the Romans. Towers the size of castle spires pierced out of the water, beautiful homes along each canal and enough boats for every citizen.

"What is that?" Rosa asked as she pointed over to a massive marble pavilion sitting next to the shore line.

Nico looks over and replies. "That is one of the Ports of Aeolus. Have you never been through a Venti Gate?"

"Oh no way! I've never seen one. I've heard the usual stories of course- Any Port of Aeolus houses these beautiful and large circular gates that will turn anyone who crosses into the wind and take them far away to another gate, often hundreds of miles away."

Nico shook his hand in approval, he was impressed she knew that much for being someone who never been through one.

"Correct, this port happens to have four gates. Each one named after the winds themselves. These gates are one of the reasons the Romans were so successful during their military campaigns."

Mary jumped in. "Imagine an army that can cross any sea or mountain almost instantly. No wonder they conquered the world."

Nico and his companions sat in heavy silence, each lost in their thoughts as they approached the Grand Bridge. As he sat back down in his seat, Nico's heart raced as he realized that they were close to their destination. Helping villages and stopping criminals? Just another day. But now he was to report to the Council, who would surely question his every move and decision. Would they approve of his actions? Since Sir Deo had to save him, would the Council see it as an act of incompetence? He was soon about to find out.