The assassin tried to dodge — he was fast, trained, experienced. He twisted away, avoiding the killing blow.
But Kyle was faster.
He reversed his grip on Fear Blade, flipped the dagger in his palm, and drove it into the assassin's throat.
The blade sank deep.
Blood sprayed across Kyle's hood — black in the darkness. The assassin's eyes went wide. His mouth opened, but no sound came out. Only blood.
Kyle twisted the blade, then pulled it free. The assassin collapsed.
He didn't fall loudly. Kyle caught him, lowered him gently to the ground, and dragged him behind a bush.
Kyle's head snapped toward the elf on the branch.
She hadn't moved. Her eyes were still fixed in the opposite direction. She hadn't seen or heard anything.
Kyle exhaled silently. Then started moving, faster this time.
***
After a while, the forest began to thin.
