The dagger came for her throat just as she reached for her hairpin.
If she hadn't dropped the brooch on purpose — a decoy for the assassin's nerves — Seraphina would've died a second time.
> [System Alert: Assassination Attempt Detected]
[Quick-Time Reaction Event: Survive or Die (Again)]
[Timer: 0.5 seconds]
Her body moved before she could think.
The blade met the iron core of her corset. She twisted, slammed her elbow into the attacker's ribs, then drove the sharp heel of her shoe into his instep.
He hissed. Masked. Fast. Trained.
But not faster than a woman who had once died kneeling in the rain.
---
They grappled in the darkened dressing chamber. Silk ripped. Glass shattered. He struck—hard—but Seraphina rolled with it, grabbing a shard from the floor.
> [Emergency Skill Activation: Improvised Weapon – Glass Dagger Lv.0]
[Chance to Inflict Bleed: 17%]
She slashed across his shoulder. Blood. He stumbled back.
Guards pounded on the door, but they were too late. The assassin dove through the window, vanishing into the night.
> [Quest Complete: Survive First Kill Attempt]
[New Trait Unlocked: Battle Calm – Adrenaline boosts logic instead of fear]
[System Comment: You terrifying, bloodstained goddess. 10/10.]
Seraphina stood in torn silk and blood, breathing hard. Not from fear — but fury.
"Someone paid for that attempt," she said aloud.
And she had a list of suspects long enough to wrap around the palace twice.
---
The next morning, a note arrived at her breakfast table. Sealed with black wax. No signature.
> "Clever girl. Still alive. I approve. Let's raise the stakes. —L
Seraphina smirked. Lucien. Of course.
---
Later, she summoned a mirror mage. She wanted information. Discreetly.
"Three assassination contracts were placed this week," the mage reported. "One had your name. The buyer was veiled. Paid in untraceable obsidian tokens."
"Only nobles use obsidian," Seraphina said. "And only fools try to silence me now."
> [Side Quest Unlocked: Trace the Contract]
[Reward: Secret Name Reveal, Intimidation Boost, Bonus Reputation: 'Unkillable Witch']
---
That night, she burned her bloodied gown.
Then she stood on her balcony, watching the city lights flicker like embers waiting to become wildfire.
Lucien stepped from the shadows again, as if summoned by danger.
"You're quiet," he said.
"I'm planning," she replied.
"I liked the blood on you."
She looked over her shoulder. "Is that your idea of flirting?"
"No. That's my idea of recognition."
> [Lucien Affection +4: Respect Upgraded to Fascination]
[System Note: Your love interest is one bad day away from burning a kingdom for you. Proceed responsibly.]
Seraphina turned to face him fully.
"I'm going to destroy everyone who thinks I'm still weak."
Lucien's smile was slow. Sinister. "Then let me be your blade."