The conversation continued, but Linus had heard enough. He needed to return and process this vital information. However, just as he prepared to slip away, something caught his attention—a figure lurking in the shadows, watching Eliza intently.

Linus’s eyes narrowed as he focused on the figure’s movements. There was a deliberate calmness to the man, but beneath it, Linus could sense the impending violence. The stranger’s hand moved subtly toward his belt, his fingers brushing the hilt of a concealed dagger. His stance shifted a predatory readiness taking over as he balanced on the balls of his feet, prepared to strike at any moment.

The man's gaze locked onto Eliza, his expression hardening with deadly intent. There was a slight twitch at the corner of his lips, a grim acknowledgment of the task ahead. Linus recognized the signs immediately. The figure’s movements spoke of a practiced assassin, and Eliza was his target.

Linus knew he had only moments to act. The assassin's grip tightened on the knife as he prepared for a deadly, well-placed throw that would end Eliza’s life with one silent, lethal move. The political stakes were already precarious, and Linus couldn't allow this assassination to complicate matters further, but he still didn't want to reveal his magic skills. He silently commanded his shadow snake to slither closer, positioning it to strike at the assassin before the attack could be carried out.

Simultaneously, Linus picked up a loose cobblestone from the ground and hurled it forcefully against the nearby wall. The sharp clatter echoed loudly through the alley, breaking the tense silence.

The noise hit Eliza like a slap, her eyes searching for the source of the sound while her face paling in shock. The assassin faltered, his grip on the dagger loosening for a fraction of a second, eyes darting toward the clamor. It was all Linus needed.

The dark, twisted form of his shadow snake lunged from the shadows. It struck fast, jaws snapping open as it sank its fangs deep into the assassin’s leg. The man jerked, a sharp intake of breath betraying the sudden, searing pain. His body tensed, momentarily paralyzed.

"Eliza, get back!" Linus shouted, his voice cutting through the confusion.

Eliza froze, her eyes widening with confusion, but the dawning realization of danger kicked in, and she spun around to run back toward the theater. The assassin, wincing from the snake’s bite, managed to throw his knife, but his aim was off. The blade flew past Eliza, missing her by mere inches before embedding itself into the wall with a dull thud.

The assassin’s eyes narrowed, a flicker of frustration betraying his calm demeanor. He knew he had lost the element of surprise. He made a quick, almost imperceptible signal — a gesture meant only for those lurking unseen in the darkness.

Linus’s stomach twisted with dread as he caught the subtle motion. He strained his ears, and then he heard it: the faint but unmistakable scuff of boots against stone. It wasn’t just one or two — the sound came from multiple directions.

“Damn it,” Linus breathed, his pulse pounding in his ears. He glanced back just in time to see a shadow detach itself from the darkness, swift and silent as a blade. The figure moved like a wraith, gliding toward the panicking informant who had been speaking with Eliza moments before.

“Watch out!” Linus shouted, but it was too late.

The assassin struck with ruthless efficiency, a dagger flashing in the dim light as it drove deep into the informant’s side. The spy’s gasp was sharp, his eyes widening in shock. Blood bloomed across his shirt, dark and spreading, as his legs gave out beneath him. He crumpled to the ground, his mouth opening in a silent plea that never came.

Linus felt a rush of cold rage wash over him, but there was no time to grieve. The alley was now filled with the echoes of advancing footsteps. The assassins were closing in.

“We need to run!” Linus’s voice was sharp and urgent as he grabbed Eliza’s arm, yanking her forward as they broke into a sprint. Linus moved with ease, but Eliza struggled to keep pace. Her elegant dress flared around her legs, and the click of her heeled shoes faltered on the rough street. She stumbled, nearly falling, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she fought to stay upright.

“Eliza, keep moving!” Linus barked, glancing back to see her fumbling with her shoes. She kicked at them desperately, trying to free herself, but the effort only tangled her further. Her face was flushed with panic as she looked over her shoulder, eyes wide.

“Eliza, hurry!” he shouted, but he could see it in her eyes: she was losing ground.

Without a second thought, Linus made his decision. He pivoted sharply, momentum carrying him back to her side. In one smooth motion, he slipped an arm beneath her knees and swept her into his arms. Eliza gasped, surprised, and instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck.

“Hold on,” he growled, his voice low and breathless.

Eliza’s heart hammered against his chest, her cheek pressed against his shoulder as he surged forward. The narrow alley blurred past, the dim light flickering across their faces. She clung to him, her fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt, feeling the raw strength in every stride.

Behind them, the assassins closed in, their footsteps pounding like a drumbeat in the dark. Linus didn’t slow. He drove forward with relentless speed, his breath harsh in his throat, the sharp air biting at his face. He could feel Eliza’s trembling form in his arms, the way she pressed against him, seeking safety in his grip.

“Don’t look back,” he whispered fiercely, his eyes focused ahead, looking for any chance of escape. He tightened his hold on her, powering through the uneven streets, refusing to let the shadows swallow them whole.

Linus navigated the winding alleyways with precision, his mind racing as fast as his feet. The assassins' footsteps echoed menacingly behind them, growing louder with each second. Eliza clung to him, her breath quick and uneven, her once-graceful demeanor now overtaken by fear.

Linus’s eyes darted wildly, scanning their surroundings as he searched for any way out as he moved. Then he saw it — a narrow gap between two crumbling buildings, just wide enough to slip through. He didn’t hesitate.

“Hold on tight,” he whispered into Eliza’s ear, his breath warm against her skin. He veered sharply, barreling toward the crevice with all the force of a cornered animal. The space loomed before them, dark and narrow, barely more than a sliver of shadow in the dim alley.

Linus twisted his body, turning sideways to fit through the gap. He felt the rough brick scrape against his shoulders as he pushed inside, pressing Eliza tightly to his chest. She stifled a gasp, her hands clutching at his shirt, her face buried in his neck. The scent of dust and damp earth filled their noses, the claustrophobic air thick and stale.

“Shhh,” Linus breathed, barely a whisper, as he flattened himself against the cold stone wall. He could feel Eliza’s heartbeat racing against him, the rapid thud mirroring the frantic pulse in his own veins. He forced himself to hold still, every muscle tensed, ready to move.

Just as they wedged themselves into the shadowy crevice, the assassins rounded the corner. Linus held his breath, his entire body freezing in place. The echo of footsteps filled the alley, accompanied by the low murmur of voices. The sound was terrifyingly close as if the pursuers were right on top of them.

If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.

Linus, feeling Eliza’s trembling breath against his neck, pressed her tighter against him, their bodies melding together in the cramped space. He could feel every rise and fall of her chest, every shiver of fear that coursed through her.

The assassins slowed, their steps turning hesitant, the sound reverberating off the alley walls. Linus stayed attentive, drowning out everything else. He dared not move or even breathe as one of the assassins paused just inches from their hiding place. He braced himself, ready to fight if they were discovered.

But then the footsteps resumed, heavy boots pounding away into the distance, the sounds growing fainter. Linus didn’t move. He kept them pinned against the wall, listening, straining his ears for any sign that the danger had passed. Seconds felt like hours.

Finally, when he was sure they were alone, he let out a shaky breath. He pulled back slightly, just enough to meet Eliza’s eyes. Her face flushed, her lips parted as she took a deep, shuddering breath. They were so close he could see every fleck of color in her eyes, every faint line of fear etched on her brow.

“You okay?” he whispered, his voice raw and ragged.

Eliza nodded, the tiniest of movements still pressed tightly against him. Linus exhaled slowly, feeling the tightness in his chest ease just a fraction. He allowed himself to move at last, carefully setting her down, their bodies still close in the narrow confines of the alley. He pressed a finger to his lips, his eyes locking with hers, a silent command: Stay quiet.

She held his gaze, trusting him without question, even as the dark reality of their situation settled between them. Linus’s mind raced — they couldn’t run fast enough, not with the dress tangling her legs. He made a split-second decision.

Without warning, he dropped to a crouch, hands moving with a determined, almost ruthless precision. He grasped the delicate fabric of her gown and tore at it, the sound of ripping silk sharp and raw in the silent alley.

Eliza gasped, a soft, startled sound escaping her lips as the material gave way. Linus tore a long strip away, exposing her legs to the cool night air. The once-innocent dress, pristine and elegant, now hung in shreds around her thighs.

For a heartbeat, Eliza stood frozen, her wide eyes dropping to the ruined fabric, her cheeks flushing. But then, understanding flickered across her face. She lifted her gaze back to Linus, her expression hardening with resolve. No words were needed — she knew this wasn’t about modesty or propriety. This was survival, brutal, and necessary.

Linus’s breath hitched as his eyes lingered on the exposed skin and the smooth, creamy expanse of her thighs.

A strange, fleeting thought struck him—how he had envied the dress for how it clung to Eliza, and now, in an odd twist, he had destroyed it with his own hands.

But he forced the feeling down, shoving it into the dark corners of his mind. This wasn’t the time. He clenched his jaw, dragging his eyes away from her legs and back up to her face. She was watching him, chest heaving, her expression unreadable — somewhere between shock and acceptance.

Linus straightened, his hand briefly brushing her hip as he rose. He gave a sharp nod, a silent acknowledgment of their unspoken understanding. She was ready now, no longer hampered by the gown.

“We need to find a way out of here without being seen,” Linus whispered, his voice a low, urgent rumble. He kept his gaze locked on the shadowy corners of the alley, searching for any sign of movement.

Eliza gave a quick, tense nod, her eyes darting around as she scanned their surroundings. Her breath was still quick, the remnants of adrenaline coursing through her, but she was focused, sharp.

Linus took her hand, fingers curling around hers in a firm grip, and led her deeper into the maze of alleys. They moved quickly, their steps light and soundless on the uneven cobblestones. The narrow passages twisted and turned, the walls closing in around them like a labyrinth.

“Keep close,” Linus murmured, squeezing her hand as they slipped through a narrow gap, barely wide enough for them to pass. He could feel the tension in her body, the way she pressed against his back, trusting him to lead.

Finally, the alley opened up into a bustling street, alive with the noise of vendors shouting and customers haggling over goods. The shift was jarring — from the quiet, deadly tension of the alley to the chaotic energy of the marketplace. Linus didn’t hesitate; he pulled Eliza into the throng of people, weaving them expertly into the crowd. The vibrant sea of bodies swallowed them up, offering a brief but precious cover.

“We need a change of clothes,” he muttered, scanning the shops lining the street. His eyes landed on a small, cluttered storefront, its wooden sign creaking in the breeze. The shop was old, the wares piled haphazardly outside — exactly the kind of place where no one asked questions.

“There,” he said, steering her toward the entrance. The shopkeeper barely glanced up as they slipped inside, too busy arguing with a customer over the price of a leather belt.

Linus wasted no time. He moved quickly, grabbing a plain, worn cloak for himself and an oversized, billowy blouse that looked like it might fit Eliza. He pressed the blouse into her hands, his fingers brushing hers in a fleeting moment of contact.

“Put this on. Quickly,” he urged, his voice rough but quiet.

Eliza didn’t argue. She nodded once, ducking into a dark corner behind a rack of clothes. Linus kept his back turned, standing guard, his eyes scanning the street outside for any sign of their pursuers. He tugged the cloak over his shoulders, pulling the hood low to hide his distinctive features.

When Eliza stepped back into view, she was almost unrecognizable. The fine fabric of her gown was gone, replaced by the loose, rough-spun blouse that hung off her shoulders. She had tied it at the waist, tucking the extra fabric in to give it shape. Her hair, once neatly styled, was now pulled back into a messy bun. She looked like a commoner, the elegance replaced by a practical, understated appearance.

Linus’s eyes flicked over her, assessing, and once convinced that she looked the part, he whispered, “Let’s go.”

Together, they stepped back out into the street, melting seamlessly into the crowd. The noise and bustle became their shield, hiding them in plain sight as they moved swiftly away from danger.

As they turned down a side street, Linus’s sharp eyes spotted a group of mercenaries scanning the area, their eyes sweeping dangerously close to where he and Eliza stood. Without missing a beat, he pulled Eliza close, pressing his lips to hers in a sudden, intimate gesture that hid their faces from view.

Eliza froze for a moment, a rush of adrenaline surging through her body as surprise overtook her. Her mind raced, trying to process the abruptness of the situation. But as her eyes met Linus's, she saw the urgency in his gaze—the unspoken need to blend in, to hide in plain sight.

Linus felt a jolt of satisfaction as their lips met. He sensed Eliza's initial surprise, tasting the mix of adrenaline and confusion on her lips. But there was also something else—a thrill that heightened the moment. Her lips, soft and warm, were like a forbidden pleasure, and for a brief second, Linus allowed himself to indulge in the unexpected closeness.

He knew it was a necessary distraction, yet as the kiss lingered, he couldn't help but savor the sensation. The feel of her against him, the warmth of her breath, ignited something within him, and though his mind screamed to stop, the pull was undeniable.

Eliza’s body was pressed tightly against his, her curves aligning seamlessly with his frame. Linus could feel the rapid beat of her heart against his chest, and the faint tremor of fear lingered on her lips. A dark, possessive part of him relished the way she yielded to him, the way she fit perfectly in his arms. For a fleeting moment, the world around them faded, and all he could think about was claiming her—making her his, here and now.

But reality hit him like a cold slap. They were standing in the open, in the middle of a crowded market. Linus forced himself to remember why he had kissed her in the first place. He flicked his eyes to the side, his gaze darting toward the mercenaries. They were moving, their heads turning away, distracted by a group of arguing vendors. The ruse had worked.

With a subtle, barely perceptible motion, Linus activated a sliver of shadow magic from his fingertips. Focusing on the dark energy, a thin wisp of darkness slid from his hand and latched onto the heel of the nearest assassin who had just passed them. The tendril of shadow was almost invisible, blending seamlessly into the shadows of the alley. It moved like a serpent, unnoticed by the assassin, as it attached itself discreetly, a silent tool for Linus to track their movements.

Linus lingered for just a moment longer, then slowly pulled away, his lips leaving hers with a reluctant, lingering touch. He looked down at her, his breath heavy and uneven. Her eyes were wide, her face flushed with a mix of confusion and something deeper, more vulnerable. For a second, he felt like he was falling into the depths of her gaze, drowning in the unspoken emotion he saw there.

"Let's move," he whispered, his voice low and steady as he gently pulled her back into the throng of people.

They navigated the crowded market with precision, heads low and movements calculated. The sea of bodies provided the perfect cover, allowing them to slip through unnoticed by the mercenaries or anyone else who might be watching. As they made their way toward a quieter part of town, Linus's eyes remained sharp, scanning their surroundings with practiced vigilance. He listened for any sign of pursuit while the shadow magic quietly tracked their enemies from a distance, ensuring they remained a step ahead.