Elara didn't reach for it. "What is it?"
"Antidote. Universal poison neutralizer. If anyone tries to poison you at the dinner tomorrow, this will counteract most common toxins." Fifth Princess set it on the desk. "I'm serious about working together, Fourth Sister. You've proven you can build power independently. That's more than most of us can say."
Elara looked at the vial. Small, clear glass, filled with pale blue liquid.
It could be exactly what Fifth Princess claimed—a genuine antidote offered in good faith.
Or it could be poison disguised as protection.
"Thank you," Elara said, not touching it. "I'll consider your offer."
"Fourth Sister, I'm serious. Tomorrow is dangerous. Eleana has—"
The window exploded inward.
Glass shattered across the room. The fox knight moved instantly, throwing himself between Elara and the window, sword already drawn.
A figure in black dropped through the broken window—masked, armed with twin daggers, moving with professional speed.
Assassin.
