As Xander stepped outside the safehouse, he was immediately met with a heavy downpour, raindrops pelting against the ground, creating a rhythmic symphony of nature. The streets of the nearby city were quickly deserted, the inhabitants seeking shelter from the rain, leaving the area desolate and eerily quiet.In the midst of the rain, Xander's keen senses detected movement – figures darting with unnatural speed, shadows blending with the storm. He snickered to himself, a cold amusement in his voice. "Lambs coming for the slaughter," he muttered under his breath.His vision shifted, the world turning to a stark contrast of black and white. To his eyes, now enhanced by his blood mage abilities, the heartbeats of the assassins appeared as pulsating red dots, betraying their positions in the gloom. It was a predator's sight, seeing the life force of his prey.The assassins, skilled and silent, took positions around the safehouse, scattering to attack from all directions. They moved with co

Lyra, her face a mask of controlled fury, looked down at Liam, the traitor who had jeopardized their entire operation. "Why did you choose to betray us?" she demanded, her voice steady but edged with anger.Liam, his eyes gleaming with defiance, spat in Lyra's face. "I told you already. I was with the Hidden Hands from the start. I didn't betray you; you were just too foolish to see it," he sneered, his words laced with contempt.Lyra clenched her jaw and calmly wiped the spit from her face. She refused to let Liam's provocation rattle her, though her hands itched to draw blood.Xander, standing a few steps away, watched the exchange silently, his arms folded. His gaze was fixed on Liam, assessing and cold, but he made no move to intervene. This was Lyra's interrogation, and he respected her need to handle it her way.With a swift motion, Lyra slapped Liam across the face, the sound echoing in the clearing. "Who do you answer to?" she pressed on, refusing to be derailed by his taunts.

Xander strode back into the camp with a determined look on his face, his steps purposeful. He moved towards his gear, preparing for a journey. His actions caught the attention of the rebels, a silent question in their eyes about his next move.Lyra approached him, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity. "Where are you going?" she asked, noting the resolve in his demeanor."I'm going to kill Celina Krovian," Xander stated bluntly, his voice carrying a tone of finality.Lyra's eyes widened at his declaration. "You can't just rush into this. We need to plan this out, think it through," she urged, trying to infuse some caution into his plan.Xander, however, seemed undeterred. "I have thought about it, and this is the only way," he replied firmly. "She's a member of the Hidden Hands and Marvin's daughter. Killing her will hurt Marvin more than burning any ale factory or mine."Lyra understood the strategic importance of his target but still felt the need for caution. "I won't stop

The tension in the dark alleyway snapped as the thugs, initially bolstered by their numbers, charged at Xander with a mix of bravado and bravura. "Get him, boys!" the leader shouted, swinging a crude iron club.Xander moved with a grace that belied his lethal intent, his blood mage abilities enhancing his reflexes. The first thug lunged at him with a knife, but Xander sidestepped smoothly, grabbing the man's wrist and twisting it sharply. The knife clattered to the ground as the thug howled in pain."Take him down!" another thug yelled, swinging a chain.Xander, using his enhanced speed, caught the chain mid-air and yanked it, pulling the thug off balance. With a swift, brutal motion, he elbowed the thug in the face, sending him sprawling to the ground.The thugs, seeing their companions taken down so effortlessly, began to falter, their initial courage waning. "What is he?" one of them whispered in fear.Xander's eyes glowed with a predatory light as he advanced. Another thug charg

Keeran and Brie made their way to Duchess Celina's palace, a grand structure that stood as a testament to the power and prestige of the Duchy of Krovian. The palace, with its high walls and ornate architecture, exuded an air of elegance and authority.As they entered the throne hall, they were immediately struck by its splendor. The hall was vast and opulently decorated, with high vaulted ceilings and grand chandeliers casting a soft glow over the room. Tapestries adorned the walls, depicting the history and achievements of the Duchy. At the far end of the hall, on an elevated dais, sat Duchess Celina on her throne, a figure of grace and power.Celina was a woman of striking beauty, with flowing blonde hair and piercing blue eyes that seemed to command attention. She exuded a regal presence, her posture and demeanor reflecting her status as the ruler of the Duchy.At that moment, Celina was engaged in a discussion with a female minister, her voice calm and assertive. "We must ensure