Damien eliminated the eighth target two nights after his dinner with Queen Lyristae – a Church administrator who'd been blocking divine investigations into demonic activity. Made it look like he'd fallen down the cathedral stairs after evening services, tragic accident, very unfortunate.
The kills were becoming routine. Mechanical. Just another task to complete before returning to his anchors and pretending he was still the person they thought he was.
He was walking through the palace district afterward, shadows wrapped around him for concealment, when he sensed another presence moving through the darkness.
Not demonic or hostile. Just... familiar.
Queen Lyristae materialized from the shadows ahead of him, dressed in dark traveling clothes similar to his own, her face partially concealed by a hood.
"Lord Valcrest," she greeted, her voice carrying amusement. "Out for a late-night walk?"
"Your Majesty. I could ask you the same question."
