The night was dark, shrouded in a gloomy atmosphere.
A silver-haired girl lay sound asleep in her bed, her innocent face peaceful and unaware. She didn't realize that someone had broken into her room—an assassin, dressed in black and drenched in the blood of her guards.
With a bloodstained dagger in hand, the assassin crept slowly toward the girl.
"Who are you?!"
A panicked voice shouted from the doorway. An older man burst in, his eyes widening in horror at the sight before him.
"Alena! Watch out!"
"Father...? Hghhh..."
Alena barely opened her eyes when the assassin drove the poisoned blade into her chest, just inches from her heart.
Without a shred of mercy, the assassin widened the wound and shoved his left hand into her chest cavity.
"Hhh... ugh..."
Blood spilled from Alena's lips as she gasped in pain.
The assassin coldly removed her heart and tossed her body aside like it was nothing.
Alena's eyes faded into darkness—her life slipping away.
The assassin vanished into the shadows, leaving the room in silence. The old man staggered forward, kneeling beside his daughter, trembling as he embraced her lifeless body.
"A-Alena... wake up, sweetheart... no... NO!!!"
---
By morning, news of Princess Alena's death had spread like wildfire. Though the royal family was often guarded, her death shook the nation. Alena was known for her kindness, gentleness, and compassion. Her loss left a deep wound in the hearts of the people.
---
In a damp alleyway within the city, a woman clad in assassin gear leaned against a crumbling wall, arms folded across her chest. She appeared to be waiting for someone.
Moments later, another woman stepped into the alley from the glow of a lantern. She was smiling, clearly pleased, and carried two large suitcases filled with gold coins.
"You're late, client," the assassin said coolly.
"I didn't expect you to be this good."
"Never underestimate me."
"You're right. I misjudged you. So—where's the heart?"
The assassin didn't answer immediately. Instead, she held out her hand in a silent gesture—payment first.
"No money, no goods."
"And what if you're just trying to scam me? Take my money and run without giving me the heart?"
"That's a foolish theory. I don't need the heart. I only took it because of your offer."
"Hmm. Fair point."
The client tossed one suitcase toward the assassin.
"That's your down payment."
But the assassin didn't take any chances. She opened the case and checked its contents carefully. Real gold coins.
"One more case, then you give me the heart," the client said confidently.
The assassin raised an eyebrow, skeptical. The client sighed and opened the second suitcase, revealing more glittering coins.
"Well? Satisfied now?"
The assassin nodded, then reached under her cloak and pulled out a small glass jar. Inside it was Princess Alena's heart.
"Here."
The client eagerly snatched the jar and examined it with shining eyes. The assassin, in turn, grabbed the second suitcase.
"I can't believe I finally have it," the client whispered, admiring the heart through the glass.
"Our deal is done," the assassin said and turned to leave.
"Wait—what's your name? I might want to hire you again."
"Just call me... Nine."
"Alright, Nine. Thanks for your cooperation."
Nine gave a quick nod and disappeared into the shadows. But before she vanished completely, she glanced back and said,
"Likewise."
The client watched her disappear behind the alley wall.
"Incredible... I hired over twenty-four assassins to take out that princess. All of them failed."
She smirked.
"But she did it effortlessly."