SHADOWS IN THE COURT YARD

Sure! Here's the next part of Asha's story, continuing her journey as a young assassin seeking

Asha crouched on the rooftop, her fingers gripping the weathered tiles as she peered down into the courtyard below. The estate belonged to Lord Damar, a minor noble who had sworn allegiance to the same warlord responsible for her family's slaughter. He was a stepping stone on her path to vengeance, a test of her growing skills.

Moonlight bathed the courtyard in silver, revealing the guards posted at each entrance. Two patrolled the walkway near the central fountain, their armor glinting faintly. A third leaned against a wooden post, half-dozing. Sloppy. Asha's lips curled into a smirk.

She exhaled, steadying her nerves. Assassinations were not battles. They were about precision, patience. She had learned that from Master Elaric. She had spent months in the assassin's enclave deep in the mountains, training in silence, learning how to kill without hesitation. Now, it was time to put that training to use.

Asha pulled a small vial from her belt and uncorked it. A thin thread of mist curled into the air—sleeping toxin. She soaked a dart in the liquid, then fitted it into the tiny crossbow strapped to her wrist. Taking careful aim, she fired at the first patrolling guard. The dart struck his neck, and within seconds, he staggered, gripping his throat before collapsing into the bushes.

His partner turned, confusion flashing across his face, but Asha was already moving. She vaulted over the edge of the rooftop, landing soundlessly behind him. Before he could shout, her dagger sliced across his throat. He fell, blood pooling at his feet.

The dozing guard stirred, but Asha was upon him in an instant. One swift strike to the temple, and he crumpled without a sound.

The courtyard was hers.

She wiped her blade clean and pressed herself against the stone wall of the estate. The real challenge lay ahead—Lord Damar was not a fool. His chambers would be guarded, his doors locked. But Asha had done her research. There was a servant's passage, hidden behind a tapestry on the east side. She had bribed a frightened kitchen boy to tell her its location.

Slipping inside, she found herself in a dimly lit corridor. The scent of burning tallow and aged wood filled the air. Footsteps echoed from the main hall—a pair of guards patrolling. Asha waited, listening. Timing their movements. When the sound faded, she darted forward, gliding like a shadow.

She reached the tapestry and slipped behind it, finding a narrow staircase spiraling upward. Perfect. She ascended swiftly, pressing herself against the wall to avoid creaking boards. At the top, a heavy wooden door blocked her way.

Asha drew a thin wire from her belt and slid it into the lock. Her fingers moved with practiced ease, each movement precise. Within seconds, the lock clicked open. She pushed the door ajar, slipping inside.

The chamber was lavish—velvet drapes, golden candelabras, and a massive four-poster bed where Lord Damar lay sprawled in drunken slumber. A half-empty goblet sat on his nightstand, the rich scent of wine hanging in the air. Asha moved closer, her dagger gleaming in the moonlight.

She could kill him now—quick, clean. But that was not enough. She needed him to know. To fear.

She pressed the tip of her blade to his throat and whispered, "Wake up."

Damar stirred, his brow furrowing. Then his eyes snapped open, confusion turning to terror as he felt the cold steel against his skin. He tried to move, but Asha pressed harder.

"If you scream, you die." Her voice was steady, emotionless.

His breath hitched. "W-who are you?"

She leaned closer, her lips near his ear. "The daughter of the man you betrayed."

Recognition flashed in his eyes. Then guilt. Then fear.

"Please," he rasped. "I— I had no choice. It was—"

Asha didn't let him finish. She drove the dagger deep into his chest, twisting it to ensure there was no chance of survival. Blood bubbled from his lips as he gasped, his body convulsing. Then, he was still.

She wiped her blade on the silk sheets and turned away. Another name crossed off her list. Another step closer to vengeance. But there were still more. Many more.

Asha slipped back into the shadows, leaving the corpse of Lord Damar behind.

Tonight was only the beginning.