Chapter 166: A Trap Set in Motion

The weight of the advisor's murder pressed on Jay's shoulders as he paced the war room. The death of someone so close to the king sent ripples of fear through the palace. Isolde had made her move, and now the game was no longer just a battle for survival—it was a test of time. How many lives would be lost before they could stop her?

Mira stood near the window, her arms crossed, watching the streets below with a hardened expression. "It's only a matter of time before she strikes again," she said quietly. "We can't wait for her to come to us. We need to take the fight to her."

Jay stopped pacing and looked at her, nodding in agreement. "I know. But we're still in the dark. Without the traitor's information, we're guessing blind."

Just then, a sharp knock on the door interrupted their conversation. A guard entered, his armor clinking softly as he saluted. "My lord, the traitor and the woman have returned. They're waiting for you in the courtyard."

Jay felt a surge of relief mixed with tension. "Let's go," he said, striding towards the door with Mira close behind.

The courtyard was bathed in the soft light of early afternoon, but the air felt heavy with tension. The traitor and the woman stood together, their faces grim. The moment Jay and Mira approached, the traitor wasted no time.

"We have the information," the traitor said, their voice low but urgent. "Isolde has her sights set on the inner circle. She's targeting the king's closest allies—those who've supported him through every major decision. The next attack is happening tonight."

Jay's heart raced. "Who's the target?"

The woman stepped forward, her eyes sharp. "General Kasen. He's one of the king's most trusted commanders, the one responsible for securing the borders. If he falls, the kingdom's defenses will be weakened. Isolde knows this."

Mira swore under her breath. "Kasen's always been a loyalist. If she's taking him out, she's going for the heart of the kingdom's military."

Jay's mind worked quickly. "Where is he?"

The traitor pulled out a small map, unrolling it on a nearby stone bench. "He's staying in a secure villa on the outskirts of the city, far from the palace. It's isolated, heavily guarded, but that won't stop Isolde's assassins. They're planning to strike during the night, under cover of darkness."

Jay studied the map. "We'll need to get there before them. But we can't just defend—we need to use this as an opportunity to draw Isolde out."

Mira raised an eyebrow. "You're suggesting we set a trap?"

"Exactly," Jay replied, his eyes narrowing with determination. "We'll fortify the villa and make it seem like Kasen's vulnerable. When Isolde sends her assassins, we'll be ready. If we can capture one of them alive, we might be able to find out where Isolde is hiding."

The traitor hesitated. "It's a dangerous plan. Isolde's assassins are highly trained. They'll expect resistance."

Jay's expression hardened. "We don't have a choice. If we keep reacting to her attacks, we'll lose. We need to go on the offensive."

The woman nodded in agreement. "We'll help. I know how Isolde thinks. I can help set up the defenses in a way that will catch her off guard."

Jay glanced at Mira, who gave a slight nod of approval. "Alright. We move now. Gather the best fighters we have and head to Kasen's villa. We need to be ready before nightfall."

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows over the villa, Jay and Mira oversaw the final preparations. Guards were stationed at key points, hidden in the trees and shadows around the property. Traps were set—tripwires, hidden pits, and false trails to mislead the assassins.

The traitor and the woman had proven invaluable in setting the stage. They knew exactly where to place the traps, where the assassins would strike, and how to anticipate their movements. Still, there was an undeniable tension in the air. Everyone knew what was coming, but not when.

Kasen, the general, stood with Jay in the villa's central room, a broad-shouldered man with graying hair and a sword that had seen too many battles. He was calm, despite the situation, his years of experience evident in his steady demeanor.

"You've been briefed on the plan?" Jay asked.

Kasen nodded, his gaze unflinching. "I don't like the idea of using myself as bait, but I trust your judgment, Prince. If this is the best way to end Isolde's reign of terror, I'm with you."

Jay appreciated the general's loyalty. "We'll keep you safe. The moment the assassins strike, you'll be moved to a secure room. Your safety is our priority."

Kasen nodded but said nothing more. His eyes conveyed what words couldn't—he understood the risks, but he also knew the importance of the mission.

Night fell, and with it, a thick, ominous silence. The moon hung high in the sky, casting an eerie glow over the villa. Jay, Mira, the traitor, and the woman waited in the shadows, watching, listening for any sign of movement.

The first hint of danger came in the form of a faint rustling in the trees. Jay tensed, his hand instinctively resting on the hilt of his sword. Mira, crouched beside him, whispered, "They're here."

Suddenly, a soft whistle cut through the air—a signal. Shadows darted through the trees, moving with unnerving speed and precision. The assassins were highly trained, just as the traitor had warned. But this time, Jay was ready.

As the first assassin stepped into the villa grounds, they triggered a tripwire. A hidden blade shot out from the ground, catching the assassin by surprise. He let out a muffled grunt as he fell, but his comrades didn't hesitate. More shadows moved forward, spreading out in a coordinated attack.

Jay signaled to his men. "Now!"

The villa erupted into action. Guards hidden in the trees fired arrows, while others engaged the assassins in close combat. The traitor and the woman moved through the chaos like ghosts, taking out attackers with deadly efficiency. Mira, her twin blades flashing in the moonlight, fought with a ferocity that made her seem almost unstoppable.

Jay's heart pounded as he clashed with an assassin, their blades ringing in the night. The assassin was skilled, but Jay's experience gave him the edge. With a swift movement, he disarmed his opponent and struck him down.

But the battle was far from over. More assassins poured onto the villa grounds, determined to reach Kasen.

Inside, Kasen had been moved to a secure room, just as planned. But the assassins were relentless. One by one, they broke through the outer defenses, making their way toward the villa.

Jay knew they had to act quickly. "We need to capture one of them alive!" he shouted to Mira, who nodded in understanding.

Together, they fought their way through the chaos, searching for the right moment. Finally, Jay spotted an opportunity—a lone assassin, separated from the others, backing toward the villa's side entrance.

With a quick, decisive movement, Jay tackled the assassin to the ground, pinning them down. "Mira, help me!"

Mira rushed over, her blades at the assassin's throat. "Don't move," she hissed.

The assassin, a young man with cold, calculating eyes, glared up at them but said nothing. Jay tightened his grip. "Where is Isolde?"

The assassin remained silent, his expression unreadable.

Jay's patience wore thin. "If you don't answer, you'll regret it. Where is Isolde?"

For a moment, the assassin seemed like he might resist. But then, a slow, sinister smile spread across his face. "You're already too late."

Before Jay could react, the assassin moved, revealing a small vial hidden in his hand. He crushed it between his fingers, releasing a cloud of poison.

Mira yanked Jay back just in time, but the assassin had already sealed his fate. His body convulsed, and within moments, he was dead.

Jay cursed under his breath. They had been so close, yet Isolde's grip remained just out of reach.

Mira stood, wiping her blades clean. "It's not over," she said, her voice steady despite the frustration in her eyes. "We'll find her."

Jay nodded, his mind racing. "We have to. Before she strikes again."