I Will Find You

"You hesitated," he said softly, almost kindly. "And that hesitation tells me one thing." He reached out, taking her chin between his fingers, tilting her head up just enough that she was forced to meet his gaze.

"You are not the spy."

Her relief was visible, crashing into her like a wave. Her entire body sagged, her lungs struggling to exhale the breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding.

Then his grip tightened.

"But you let them win."

The pressure increased, just slightly, his fingers pressing into her skin with a force that promised consequence.

"That," he whispered, his voice chilling, "is just as damning."

Her eyes widened.

The blade flashed once.

A clean, precise cut.

Her body slumped forward, blood blooming beneath her throat in a crimson ribbon. Her head lolled to the side, the breath leaving her lungs in a final, trembling sigh.

No one spoke.

No one moved.

Veylan let her fall.