Linus and Eliza cautiously returned to the theater, navigating the narrow alleyways to avoid unwanted attention. Linus glanced over his shoulder, ensuring they weren’t being followed. The shadow tendril that he had attached suggested that attackers were not nearby. However, he was still cautious as he was not more than one attacker. Ahead, Eliza gripped her torn dress tightly, her breathing uneven but controlled. The familiar, lively atmosphere of the Drama Studio had been replaced by a heavy tension that filled the air.

The nearer they drew to the Drama Studio, the more the silence gave way to the sounds of commotion. Raised voices mixed with the clinking of armor and the heavy stomps of boots against stone. City guards were stationed at every corner of the theater, their eyes darting sharply over the scattering of onlookers who still lingered. Swords rested uneasily, ready to be drawn at a moment's notice.

Linus’s gaze narrowed as they saw the theater’s main entrance. At the center of the chaos stood the Mayor, his face etched with tension. His hands rested on his hips, his posture stiff as he spoke in clipped tones to the city guard captain at his side. The captain nodded solemnly, his eyes never leaving the crowd.

A guard spotted Linus and Eliza as they emerged from the alleyway. The man’s face lit with relief, but there was a tightness to his expression that betrayed his urgency. He strode toward them with quick, purposeful steps.

“Master Linus, Lady Eliza,” he called, his voice carrying over the crowd's noise. “We’ve been looking everywhere for you.” He came to a halt before them, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword as if the mere sight of them demanded vigilance. “Are you alright?”

Linus inclined his head, his demeanor calm and collected despite the chaos around him. “We’re fine,” he replied, his voice steady. His gaze flicked briefly to Eliza, ensuring her silence before continuing. “What’s the situation here? How is everyone?”

The guard hesitated, his eyes darting around as if assessing whether it was safe to speak openly. His hand tightened on his weapon’s hilt. “There was commotion earlier,” he began, lowering his voice. “Some people fled the area in panic, and one even tried to attack the guards. We subdued him, but…” He trailed off, glancing toward the Mayor’s tense figure. “Things are tense. We don’t know the full extent of what’s happening.”

Linus’s sharp mind seized on the guard’s uncertainty, his instincts flaring. His eyes shifted to the theater entrance, where more guards stood like statues, their gazes scanning every shadow. He noted their formations, their readiness to act, but also the unease that clung to them like a shroud. Something wasn’t right.

The guard leaned closer, lowering his voice further. “There’s talk of something bigger going on,” he murmured. “But no one knows for sure. The Mayor—he’s furious.”

Linus’s expression remained impassive, but his mind raced. He placed a steady hand on the guard’s shoulder, his touch firm. “Thank you,” he said, his tone even. “Stay vigilant. We’ll get to the bottom of this.”

As Linus and Eliza walked inside, Mayor saw them and broke through the crowd, his figure casting a commanding presence. His countenance was a blend of authority and concern as eyes flicked over Eliza’s disheveled appearance and her torn dress, lingering just long enough to draw a pang of discomfort from her. His gaze then settled on Linus, piercing and expectant.

“Linus, Eliza,” he began, his voice tight with urgency, a crack in the usual polished tone. “What happened? Where did you both go? We’ve been searching for you. Are you alright? And—” His eyes darted to Eliza’s torn garment again, his voice lowering, almost faltering. “Eliza, your dress?”

Linus met Eliza’s gaze for the briefest moment, a silent exchange passing between them before he turned to face the Mayor. His tone was composed and steady, yet carrying a weight that made the words land like a hammer. “We were ambushed by assassins.”

The Mayor’s eyes widened, the revelation hitting him like a blow. “Assassins?” he repeated, his voice sharp with disbelief and rising fury. “Who were they targeting, Master Linus? You?”

Before Linus could answer, Eliza’s voice broke through, trembling but resolute. “No.” She took a shaky step forward, her fingers clutching the folds of her damaged dress. “They came for me. But thanks to Linus—” her voice caught, her gratitude and lingering fear visible in her quivering lip, “he intervened just in time. If it weren’t for him...” Her words trailed off as her composure wavered, her eyes darting away.

The Mayor’s face tightened, his jaw clenching as he absorbed her words. His piercing gaze shifted back to Linus, searching his expression for any further explanation. “Where did the assassins come from?”

Linus, composed, offered a slight nod, already crafting his response. “When Eliza stepped out to stretch her legs, she was ambushed,” he said smoothly, his voice carrying a measured calm. “I had gone outside for the same reason and saw them sneaking in from the side of the building.” His hand made a vague gesture in the direction of their escape, his narrative clean and concise, deliberately omitting any details that might invite further scrutiny. “We barely managed to escape.”

The Mayor’s expression darkened further, the muscles in his neck tightening as the gravity of the situation set in. Without a word, he spun on his heel, his voice erupting with a ferocity that echoed through the street. “Captain! Get over here!”

City Guard Captain Alaric approached quickly, his face drawn and tight with concern, but before he could speak, the Mayor’s fury lashed out. “First Princess Mara was attacked, and now my wife!” His voice rose, carrying the weight of his authority and frustration. “What were the guards doing? How could this happen under your noses? There are guards scattered all over the area, Captain, yet my wife was nearly killed by assassins!”

Alaric opened his mouth to respond, his lips forming a hasty apology, but the Mayor cut him off, his voice like thunder. “What good are the guards if they cannot protect us during a public event? After a murder, no less? You were supposed to ensure our safety!” He jabbed a finger toward the captain, his fury almost palpable. “Instead, my wife’s life was nearly taken. Explain yourself!”

The captain stammered, his face pale under the weight of the Mayor’s wrath. “My Lord... I—”

Linus’s gaze hardened as he observed the scene, and his mind suddenly alighted with sharp clarity. Where had the guards been? The Mayor wasn’t wrong. After the murder, this event had been a clear target, and guards had been stationed throughout the area—at least, that was the impression. But when the ambush came, there had been no one. Not a single guard had been nearby.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

And where were the guards Eliza came with? The thought struck him with chilling precision. When she had arrived earlier, she had been flanked by a couple of guards, yet now there was no trace of them. Had they simply abandoned their posts? Or had they been… removed?

“Mayor!” a new voice broke through the turmoil, strained and urgent. A guard approached hurriedly, his face pale as he pushed through the crowd. “We’ve found something.”

“What is it?” the Mayor snapped, his fiery gaze turning on the man.

The guard hesitated, his eyes darting toward Eliza before finally speaking. “It’s... the bodies, my Lord. Lady Eliza’s guards. They’re all dead. Found in the alley behind the theater.”

Eliza let out a quick gasp, her hand flying to her mouth. Her wide eyes brimmed with shock and horror as she stumbled back, her composure finally cracking. The Mayor’s face turned ashen, his fury giving way to a heavier, graver silence. Around them, whispers spread like wildfire, the crowd’s unease growing.

Linus stood frozen momentarily, his mind spiraling with the implications. The guards hadn’t abandoned their posts. They had been taken out deliberately, methodically. This was planned. Whoever was behind this attack knew a lot of insider information. This was a calculated strike. But the question remained: Who was behind it? And why?

The Mayor finally moved, stepping toward Eliza with a softer expression, his voice trembling as he reached for her hands. “Eliza,” he said, his tone dropping to a near whisper. “Are you hurt? Are you sure you’re alright?”

Eliza managed a shaky nod, though her lips quivered as she forced a weak smile. “I’m fine,” she said, though the words rang hollow. Her eyes betrayed the storm of emotions roiling within her—fear, relief, and lingering, quiet guilt she couldn’t shake.

Linus kept his gaze forward, unreadable, even as his thoughts churned. He didn’t miss the way Eliza avoided her husband’s eyes or the slight tremble in her voice.

Captain Alaric looked grim as he spoke to the Mayor. His voice was steady but revealed a hint of strain. “We will increase the guard patrols immediately and initiate a full investigation,” he vowed, his words crisp yet determined. “Whoever is behind this won’t get away.”

Linus, standing nearby, watched Alaric closely, his sharp mind noting the stiffness in the captain’s posture and the slight edge in his tone. Whether it was guilt, fear, or anger at his own failure, Alaric carried the burden of a man who knew this disaster would tarnish his record. The faint glimmer of doubt in the captain’s eyes didn’t escape Linus’s notice.

Taking a step forward, Linus commanded attention. The intensity flickering in his eyes made both the Mayor and Alaric turn to face him, drawn in by his commanding presence. He spoke with a calm authority that allowed no room for argument, with each word measured and deliberate.

“Indeed, we need swift action. Whoever is behind these attacks is playing a dangerous game. The safety of Thornfield hangs in the balance,” Linus said, his tone sharp.

The Mayor, caught between the remnants of his earlier fury and the sobering reality Linus painted, straightened his posture.“You’re right, Master Linus,” he said, his voice steadier now. “This is bigger than just tonight’s events. Whatever resources you need, Captain, you’ll have them.”

Linus inclined his head slightly, acknowledging the Mayor’s resolve, but his focus didn’t waver. “I will update Princess Mara personally,” he added, his voice firm. “She’ll want answers—and she won’t tolerate delays. If there’s any sign of hesitation or mismanagement, the consequences will fall squarely on Thornfield’s leadership.”

Alaric’s jaw tightened at the subtle warning, but he gave a stiff nod, the resolve in his expression hardening. “Understood, my Lord. I’ll ensure this investigation takes precedence.”

Linus lingered for a moment, his gaze sweeping over the guards and the chaotic scene beyond them. He committed the tension, the whispers, and the wary glances of the crowd to memory. Details mattered. If someone within this gathering was part of the conspiracy, they would slip eventually.

Linus strode toward the heavy theater doors, his mind churning with the evening’s chaos. The entrance loomed ahead, its familiar, ornate carvings cast in eerie shadows by flickering torchlight. This was no longer the haven it had been earlier—tonight, the Drama Studio was drenched in unease.

As he pushed open the door, the faint creak of wood announced his arrival. The sound drew the eyes of those inside, their hushed whispers faltering. The murmur of voices was a low tide of tension, the kind that prickled at the back of the neck. Linus stepped into the once-vibrant space, now cloaked in an oppressive stillness. Clusters of actors and crew members huddled together, their faces pale and drawn. Nervous glances darted toward the entrance as if they feared another threat would materialize from the shadows.

Linus paused, his sharp eyes sweeping the room. The familiar grandeur of the theater and cheers felt like a distant memory. What lingered now was fear, tangible and suffocating.

“Lord Linus!” A voice broke through the tension, and he turned to see Aria weaving through the worried groups, her pace hurried, her face a mixture of relief and concern. Behind her trailed Amy, wide-eyed and clutching her shawl as though it were a shield.

Aria reached him first, her words spilling out, her tone revealing the calm she tried to maintain. “Lord, are you and Madam Eliza alright?” Her voice trembled slightly. “We heard about what happened.”

Linus gave her a reassuring nod, his voice steady and resolute. “I’m fine,” he said firmly. “But we need to focus on keeping everyone here safe.” He gestured toward the clusters of frightened faces. “I’ll speak to the captain about increasing security for your team. No one is allowed to leave this building until we can be certain that the area is secure.”

Aria exhaled, her shoulders easing just a fraction. “Thank you, my Lord. Everyone’s on edge... after what happened outside.” Her eyes darted briefly toward Amy, then back to Linus.

Amy stepped closer, her movements hesitant, her soft voice barely audible above the murmurs of the crowd. “Is it true?” she asked, her large, anxious eyes locking onto his. “Were you really attacked by assassins?”

Linus met her gaze, noting the way her innocence fought against the reality of the situation. He lowered his voice slightly, offering her a calm, steady response. “Yes, it’s true,” he said with a nod. “But we managed to escape. That’s what matters. The important thing now is that you stay vigilant. Stick together.”

Amy's lip quivered briefly, but she straightened her posture. "We will," she said, her voice now firmer.

Linus gave a faint smile, a brief flicker of warmth in an otherwise somber expression. He shifted his attention back to Aria and Amy, then to the room at large, his voice carrying with quiet authority. “The city guard will be on high alert. We’re doing everything we can to ensure your safety, but you must remain cautious.”

His eyes roamed over the nervous faces, his words now directed at everyone in the room. “If you see anything unusual—anything at all—or hear something out of place, report it immediately. No detail is too small, especially tonight.”

The room remained quiet, but the actors and crew exchanged glances, their collective unease slowly giving way to a shared resolve. Aria nodded firmly, stepping forward. “We’ll keep our eyes and ears open, Lord Linus. Thank you.”

Linus gave them a final nod, his eyes lingering on the group as a whole. He could feel the tension in the air ease. Still, he couldn’t ignore the sense of danger that clung to the atmosphere like a persistent shadow.

As he turned his focus inward, his sharp mind worked through the threads of the evening’s events. The night wasn’t over—not by a long shot.