Prologue
Despite the bleeding, Baron Vail’kez helplessly teeters from the pursuing Rafe, stubbornly refusing his time is near. His manor echoes back his screams of horror, for none are there to save him. His strength fails him as he tumbles to the ground, unable to back up. Crawling away won’t get him far either.
The dagger Rafe bears gleams crimson, trembling the baron’s already weakening heart. Its Freudan insignia further sinks his heart, but the fierce one-eyed bear etching presents a chance for the poor little baron. “Please, please, I-I-I’ll pay you…! Double what they give! It’s what you Freudanians care, isn’t it?!”
Rafe turns away, resting her jade eyes from the stereotype. All of her empathy disappeared thanks to a single line. No wonder Cain targeted him. Without imparting another word, she sinks her dagger deep into the baron’s chest as swift as pricking needle. In the baron’s last moment, he wanted to say his regrets to the assassin in black cloak. However, not a word was given.
Before disappearing into the night, Rafe pockets a proof of act from baron’s body to collect her reward for later. A pocket watch with Elgar insignia etched on it. It could fetch a high price in the black market and she sure needs the money, but Cain collects them like rabbit feet. “Sometimes I wonder if he truly believes in Freudan’s Liberty or just a sick bastard…” Rafe airs her thoughts. “At least, he doesn’t mind parting with his coins.”
