When the clock struck eight, the assassins made their move.


    A row of figures dressed in ck silently descended upon Harmony Pce, swords at the ready. The priests were reciting their prayers in the main courtyard. By then, the noblewomen had finished burning their copies of the scriptures. Now, some were writing while others continued to chant prayers.


    Suddenly, a piercing scream shattered the stillness of the night. Thedies fell silent, their voices abruptly


    cut off.


    “Assassins!”


    The cry sliced through the air like a dagger, echoing heavily in Eleanor’s heart. She was right in the main courtyard, yet hadn’t seen any attackers.


    That meant the assassins must have infiltrated the inner and back courtyards of Harmony Pce.


    As she prepared to rush outside, Rosalind stood up and seized her arm. “There are assassins out there, Grand Princess Eleanor! It’s too dangerous!”


    “Let go of me!” Eleanor spun around with a look fierce enough to shock everyone present.


    Panic spread among the crowd, but the high priests and a few of the older noblewomen remained remarkably calm.


    “The guards will handle the assassins, Grand Princess Eleanor. Do not put yourself at risk. We should


    continue with our Zane said steadily.


    Eleanor turned to the Spirit Elder, who was seated on the tform. His head was lowered in a gesture ofpassion and devotion, yet his eyes flickered with intensity.


    Realization struck Eleanor as she heard guards rushing toward the back. Her heart lurched.


    Carissa’s n wasn’t on the fifteenth


    It was happening tonight!


    She had deceived Henry and tricked Janice.


    Carissa had sent those assassins. What was she nning? Was she going to storm the dungeons to rescue Carmen’s mother?


    The dungeons!


    A wave of dread washed over Eleanor. Ignoring <b>the </b>protests, she bolted toward the western courtyard.


    The assassins were already engaged in a fierce battle with the pce guards and soldiers. Kurt had dispatched some household soldiers to protect the high priests and the noblewomen, ensuring they wouldn’t be harmed in Harmony Pce.


    Molly trembled as she turned to Fiona for answers. “Why are there assassins here? I’m terrified! Should


    we run?<b>” </b>


    Fiona nced outside <b>at </b>the numerous soldiers guarding the perimeters outside and replied, “Running now would be even more dangerous. Who knows whom they’re targeting?”


    Many people had considered fleeing, but Fiona’s words caused them to hesitate. With so many pce soldiers around, they were safer here than on the streets. Besides, they hadn’t seen any assassins nearby. It was clear they weren’t the intended targets.


    Irene led the way to continue the prayers, and the other olderdies quickly followed suit. The autumn wind blew outside, which sounded eerily like walls.


    The sounds of the struggle gradually reached them, the sh of des apanied by shouts


    “Assassins! Assassins!”


    In the darkness, two figures burst through the main door and shouted, “Help! Assassins! There are assassins!”


    The noblewomen who hade as guests were rmed by themotion and thought the guards were losing the battle. In a panic, they attempted to flee. However, just as they stepped outside, an arrow whizzed through the air and struck the main door with a loud thud.


    The women who had just darted out were so frightened that they nearly lost their wits. They scrambled back inside, some even crawling on the ground.


    A few assassins had reached the front courtyard and were battling the household soldiers. But for the three assassins, fighting dozens of household soldiers was child’s y. The household soldiers‘ swords barely grazed the assassins‘ clothing. The only sounds were the asional shing of des. To anyone unaware, it would look like they were just fooling around.


    The assassins weren’t using lethal force. They mostly disarmed their opponents, then delivered swift kicks that sent the soldiers sprawling to the ground.


    The main door swung open just then, and Michael led the capital guards inside. Tonight, Barrett happened to be on duty and hade along to assist. As soon as they entered, they saw the sh between the assassins and the guards.


    Without hesitation, Michael drew his sword and charged in. The assassins were skilled, and the household soldiers struggled tond a blow even with the Capital Guard’s support. Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    Cries of pain echoed from the back courtyard, prompting Michael to shout, “To the back! There are more assassins in the rear courtyard! Leave a few men here to protect the high priests and the noblewomen!”


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