Chapter 20

Athasia let out a soft sigh, then loosened her grip on the sword. The weapon clattered to the ground, its sharp ring echoing through the silent hall. Without hesitation, she opened her arms.

Mira's eyes widened slightly before her expression softened.

Then, without warning, she rushed forward, slamming into Athasia with full force. The impact was strong, but Athasia held her ground, her arms wrapping around Mira's smaller frame.

The moment felt surreal—two assassins, two best friends, two people who had walked through blood and death together—now embracing in the middle of a banquet hall filled with strangers.

Mira buried her face into Athasia's shoulder, her fingers clenching onto the fabric of her casual clothes. "You injured me," she muttered, her voice muffled against Athasia's skin.

Athasia chuckled softly, a rare and fleeting sound. "This isn't the first time."

Mira pulled back just enough to glare at her, lips twitching. "You could've at least gone easy on me."

Athasia smirked, her eyes gleaming with a familiar sharpness. "And ruin the fun? Not a chance."

The hall remained deathly silent, hundreds of eyes watching the unexpected reunion unfold. No one understood what was happening. The only thing that was clear was that the two most dangerous people in the room had finally found each other.

Liam took a cautious step forward, his sharp eyes flickering between Mira and Athasia. "Mira, she—"

Before he could finish, Mira interrupted smoothly, her tone filled with a mix of certainty and urgency. "This is Athasia, the one who will help in our case… you know, regarding that night."

Liam's eyes darkened slightly, understanding the implication behind her words. His gaze slowly shifted to Athasia, taking in the young woman standing before him.

Athasia, in turn, tilted her head and observed him. She didn't speak, didn't move—just stared, her unreadable green eyes watching him like a predator analyzing prey. Then, without warning, she took a step closer and began circling him.

The air around them tensed. Liam could feel her sharp gaze sweeping over him, assessing every inch of his being—his stance, his posture, the way he breathed.

His muscles tensed instinctively. He was used to being scrutinized by powerful people, but there was something different about this woman. Something eerily calculated, as if she wasn't just looking at him but looking through him.

After completing her slow circle around him, Athasia stopped right next to Mira and leaned in close, her lips curling into a teasing smirk.

"Oh my… and here I was wondering whose bed you ended up in."

Mira's entire body stiffened. Her eyes widened slightly before her face flushed red. She turned sharply, her voice dropping to a hushed whisper.

"How'd you know?"

Athasia let out a soft, knowing chuckle, her emerald eyes gleaming mischievously.

"I've been keeping an eye on you," she whispered, tilting her head.

Mira swallowed hard. "That still doesn't explain—"

Athasia leaned even closer, her breath brushing against Mira's ear. "Who do you think got rid of the evidence of that night, hmm?"

Mira froze.

Her heart skipped a beat. She had suspected something, but hearing it confirmed made her entire body tense. Athasia had known. She had been watching. And most importantly, she had erased any trace of that night ever happening.

Before Mira could respond, a deep voice cut through the air.

"Got rid of the evidence?"

Mira's eyes widened in horror. She turned to find Liam staring at them.

His usual composed expression had darkened, his jaw clenched slightly. He had heard everything.

Mira quickly cleared her throat, trying to brush it off. "It's not what it sounds like—"

Athasia, however, simply smirked, completely unfazed.

"Oh? So you weren't sneaking around in his bed?" she teased.

Mira gasped, glaring at her. "Athasia!"

Liam, who had been silent for a moment, let out a small sigh and rubbed his temple, but there was a flicker of amusement in his eyes.

"So... you erased the evidence?" he repeated, his gaze landing on Athasia.

Athasia crossed her arms and smirked. "You're welcome."