Eloise executed a graceful bow and turned to depart when a sudden upheaval disrupted the calm.

A resounding crash echoed through the hall as the ceiling gave way, and a shadowy figure dressed in black descended dramatically. The assassin was wielding a sharp sword.

"Your Highness, look out!" Quick on her feet, she immediately raised her voice to warn Rufus of the imminent danger.

"Rufus! Your time has come! Die!" The assassin's cry reverberated as he thrust the sword.

The motion was so swift, leaving only a momentary glint of light. As the radiance faded, the assassin's sword had already punctured Rufus's chest.

Rufus stood frozen, staring at the sword that had impaled him, seemingly unable to grasp the reality of the situation.

Eloise, positioned by the doorway, watched in disbelief, questioning how an assassin had managed to breach the heavily fortified castle.

The assault was meticulously timed, occurring during Albert and Jaxon's absence, as if the assassin had orchestrat