Leo turned around. He stood in the middle of the blood-soaked courtyard, surrounded by terrified cart drivers and groaning, dying men.
Standing a few yards away was a woman. She wore an elegant, dark blue travel dress. Her face was entirely hidden behind a thick, dark veil. A simple canvas travel bag hung casually over her left shoulder, and a slender silver rapier rested at her hip.
She stood perfectly still, completely ignoring the puddles of blood and the severed body parts scattered across the cobblestones.
Leo looked her up and down. He flashed his signature, charismatic smirk.
"Well," Leo drawled casually, crossing his arms over his leather coat. "How can I help the beauty?"
The veiled woman didn't react to the flirtation.
"My name is Katherine," she said. Her voice was highly melodic, but it carried a cold, analytical tone. "I am a traveler. I am searching for my lost brother. He crossed the sea a few months ago, and my trail led me to this port."
