Chapter 41: Dagger Beneath the Pillow

Night returned to Arkveil like a lover with a knife in her hand.

After the oath, after the promises, after the silence — everyone slept a little too easily.

Except Kai.

Because he knew better.

He knew that love didn't cancel betrayal. It simply postponed it.

So, when he finally allowed himself to rest, he did it fully clothed, a warded dagger under his pillow, and a heartbeat trained to wake at the sound of intent.

He didn't sleep long.

He didn't need to.

Because just after midnight—

The dagger vanished.

[System Alert – Intrusion Detected]

Identity Mask: Active

Lethal Intent: 64%

Proximity: 1.2m

Status: Kai's Room Breached

Kai's eyes snapped open.

No breath. No movement. Just awareness.

He rolled sideways — fast.

A blade sliced through the space where his neck had been.

The attacker didn't scream.

Didn't curse.

Just vanished.