Black Crest assassins were not supposed to exist.
That was the official position.
Valeria explained this over four unconscious bodies, one pinned ash-token, two broken blades, and a western stair that looked as if the academy had choked on a carriage.
"House Valdrake does not employ assassins," she said.
Liora snorted.
Valeria lifted one finger. "Officially."
"Ah. Very different species."
"Entirely. Officially, House Valdrake maintains household security executors, retrieval specialists, inheritance custodians, and border response riders."
Niko, crouched beside the cracked wheel mark, looked up. "Those are assassins with department names."
"Yes," Valeria said. "Nobility is mostly murder with stationery."
Ren sat on the upper step while Seraphina wrapped his ankle. He made a strangled sound that might have been laughter trying to survive pain.
Good.
Pain became easier when laughter betrayed it.
