Page 9 of In The Dark

“Mm, yes, you do. Go train like a good dog,” I mutter when he suddenly stops, slowly pivoting in my direction.

“What did you say?”

“I thought we were name calling,” I remark with a blank expression even though I fight the smile that’s begging to come out.

Before I can blink, he suddenly throws his right fist in my direction, and I dodge it with ease. Amusement glints in my eyes, and I smile.

“You missed, you slow bastard,” I say.

He throws another fist, leaving me to jolt to the right, kicking him hard in the hip. He stumbles back with a grunt. My punches may be hard, but my kicks are harder—he should know. He trained me.

Then Ezra steps in.

“She’s not worth the fight,” Ezra growls. “Let’s continue with training. We’ll be out of your way in a few min?—”

“Let him fight me.” I point my staff at Ren. “He thinks he can win? Let’s fight.”

“Isa,” Ezra warns with another low growl.

“He’s right. You’re not worth it,” Ren snarls, sharply turning on his heel without another word.

I snort, facing Ezra. “You just ruined my fun, you know that?”

“What do you mean? I just saved you from an unnecessary fight. No need to use all your energy when you have a mission later,” Ezra says, taking my staff from me.

I shake my head and chuckle, grabbing my flask. “I hate it when you use logic, but I’ll see you later. I need to get ready for tonight.”

“Bye!” Ezra calls out just as I reach the doors.

4

It didn’t take longfor the guard at the Silver Lily to show his true intentions. After leading me to a dark room filled with chairs, he lunged for my hair as soon as the door clicked shut.

I anticipated the move, sidestepped, and then slid the dagger into his throat, backing him into a chair.

Now, my dagger swipes clean across the slumped guard’s tunic, his eyes open. I’d feel sorry for having him believe I was a courtesan if he hadn’t been so aggressive. But I don’t.

King Elion doesn’t care how I complete a mission, just as long as it’s done, and I’ve never had any complaints about it. Unfortunately, this has allowed me to complete my missions at a much faster rate because males have no common sense.

As soon as a female bats an eyelash, all the blood drains from their face and into their member.

I hate doing it though, becoming this person, as it’s what I do when I want to finish a mission quickly. To be alluring and convincing enough to get these males to spill or allow me access into a private building. It’s what works—luring them to their death with a simple flirtatious grin.

Not always but sometimes.

If my life were different, I’d imagine a quiet one. One without killing and manipulation. One where I could live peacefully by myself.

It definitely wouldn’t bethis.

Luckily for me, this will be an easy mission if this is how the rest of the night is going to be.

Blowing the hair out of my face, I fix my dress and check for blood, turning to the vanity behind me.

All clean, not a single drop.

My hair is a mess, leaving me to ensure my auburn mark remains hidden as I stare at my reflection in this frilly olive-green dress. Although similar to what the innkeepers wear, this one hugs tight around my chest, accentuating my muscled figure.

I didn’t choose to be an assassin—a weapon. Smile and be grateful,I was told. But I scoff at the thought.