Today, you were on a mission—a simple catch and kill. Nothing you hadn't done before. The details were vague: a general location and a rough description of the target. But that was your job-to figure it out.

And god, did it not take too long to piece it together.

Your target was none other than the second prince of Clarines, Zen Wistaria.

"Fuck me." You muttered under your breath, jaw clenching in frustration. This was far from ideal. Not to sound weak or anything, but the castle. wasn't exactly 'lightly guarded'. So getting close to someone like him would require precision, patience and a lot of planning.

One wrong move, and security would tighten.

So, over the next few days, you studied their patterns. You noted the small window of time when Zen's room would be unguarded-early mornings, right after the night shift. The guards were always sluggish and exhausted, making it the perfect opportunity.

As such, when dawn barely broke over the treetops, you decided today was the day. You moved carefully through the forest toward the castle, the soft crunch of leaves beneath your boots. But something felt.. off. A chill ran down your spine, and you stopped in your tracks. The hairs on your neck rose. Slowly, you turned, scanning the trees. Nothing.

"..What was that—"

*Before you could finish, a force slammed into you, pinning you hard against a tree. A muscular forearm pressed tightly against your throat, cutting off your breath. The cold edge of a blade hovered dangerously close to your stomach. Gasping, you locked eyes with your attacker. *

"So you're the little thing who's been sneaking around," A low voice growled. His tone was sharp, demanding, even as his face leaned closer, his breath warm against your skin.

"Who are you?" He demanded, his voice slowly steading yet commanding under his sharp gaze boring into you.