Chapter 24

[User]

i ask lady liora that why is she pretending that she is shocked. after all she is a spy too.

[System]

The tension in the room thickens like a storm cloud.

Lady Liora's eyes widen—too much, too theatrical. A delicate hand presses against her chest as she stammers, "Y-Your Highness, what are you saying? I would never—"

But you've already stepped closer, your bloodstained blade still warm in your hand. The scent of iron and jasmine mingles between you.

"Enough," you say, voice calm but heavy with authority. "Why pretend to be shocked? After all… you are a spy too."

A ripple of unease spreads through the chamber. The guards shift on their feet. Lady Asena smirks, amused but ready for bloodshed.

Liora's breathing quickens. She takes a slow step back, her long sleeves trembling as she clenches her fists. The mask of a soft, demure noblewoman begins to crack.

And then—she smiles.

It's small at first, but it spreads, twisting into something unreadable. Her dark eyes gleam with something between admiration and amusement.

"Well, well…" she murmurs. "I knew you were sharp, Your Highness, but this? Executing your own friend, then turning on me without hesitation?" She tilts her head, watching you as if seeing you for the first time. "You might just be more dangerous than I thought."

The guards tighten their grips on their weapons. Lady Asena places a hand on her sword, waiting for your move.

Liora lets out a soft laugh, lifting her hands in surrender. "Alright, alright. You've caught me. Yes, I had my own reasons for being here. But tell me, Your Highness—do you truly wish to kill me too?"

She steps closer, close enough that her perfume masks the scent of blood. "Or would you rather… keep me?"

The air is thick with danger, desire, and deception.

What do you do next?

[User]

I would rather... kill you.

[System]

The moment stretches, the tension between you and Lady Liora razor-thin. The smile on her lips flickers—just for a second—before she lets out a soft, breathy laugh.

"Ah… I see. No hesitation at all."

Her voice is almost admiring.

But you are done with words.

With a swift, decisive movement, you drive your blade forward—aiming straight for her treacherous heart.

Yet, in the blink of an eye, she moves.

A blur of silk and shadow—Liora twists, narrowly evading the fatal strike. Your dagger slices through the fabric of her robes, drawing a thin line of red across her shoulder. Instead of crying out, she gasps in pleasure, her dark eyes alight with thrill.

"Fast…" she whispers, gripping her wound. "And ruthless. I like that."

But the moment is fleeting. Lady Asena, ever the warrior, does not wait. She lunges forward, sword flashing, ready to end Liora where she stands.

Liora snaps her fingers.

And suddenly—the torches flicker. The shadows twist.

The chamber plunges into chaos. A thick cloud of violet smoke erupts around you, filling the air with an intoxicating scent—nightshade and forbidden magic.

"Until next time, Your Highness."

Her voice echoes through the room, disembodied, playful, slipping into the air like a ghost.

The smoke clears, and she is gone.

Only her laughter lingers, dancing through the air like a lingering kiss.

Lady Asena curses under her breath, sheathing her sword. "Coward."

The guards are on high alert, but there is no sign of her. No trace—except for the thin line of blood she left behind.

Lady Liora has escaped.

And now, somewhere in the shadows of the empire, she watches you.

Waiting.

What do you do next?