Rumors of betrayal were circulating around the palace halls that morning, and the place was alive with them. Jin-Ho sensed the change in the atmosphere as courtiers muttered behind lifted fans and guards turned away. Seo Kyung had set a trap, and it was starting to close.
Jin-Ho watched the storm clouds darken the horizon as she waited at the palace gates. Though not this quickly, he had anticipated this attack.
He was greeted by a royal messenger who bowed low. "The prince wants you here, Captain Jin-Ho."
Jin-Ho gave a nod. It was time to take action. His adversaries believed they were ahead, but they were unaware of his level of readiness.
Kaida tightened her gloves in the dimly lit assassin guild hallways, moving slowly and methodically. A squad of professional killers stood by her side, waiting for her orders.
"We complete what Zhen was unable to do tonight," Kaida muttered. "Jin-Ho falls along with the Crown Prince when he dies."
With their black masks covering their faces, the assassins nodded in silence. It was the ideal plan. The guards would be duped, Jin-Ho would be held directly responsible, and mayhem would break out.
Kaida grinned. "It will be too late by the time they realize what has happened."
Mei Lin walked through the royal hallways gasping for air, her heart racing. She knew that an assassination was imminent because she had partially intercepted Kaida's message. Jin-Ho would be held accountable for the Crown Prince's death if he didn't take quick action.
In the barracks, she discovered him honing his sword. She muttered frantically, "Jin-Ho, it's happening tonight." You will bear the consequences as they pursue the prince.
There was no alarm, but Jin-Ho's face clouded. With his hand gripping his sword's hilt more tightly, he said, "Let them come." "We're going to stop this time."
As Jin-Ho placed his men strategically throughout the palace, the night was tense. He was planning to trap the assassins themselves rather than waiting to be ambushed.
He had figured out the likely route Kaida's killers would follow with Mei Lin's assistance. Patrolling the hallways in plain clothing, guards stood by, ready to act. Jin-Ho himself would be used as bait, and the Crown Prince was kept in hiding.
Beside him, Mei Lin said, "It's a gamble."
Jin-Ho smiled grimly. "Remaining alive here is also important."
Just after midnight, the first assassin crept through the palace window, followed by a number of others who were armed to the teeth and as silent as shadows. However, when they arrived at the prince's chamber, all they saw was darkness and Jin-Ho, who was standing there with his sword out.
In a flash, the battle broke out, with blades slamming and cries resonating through the cramped corridors. With every strike being accurate and every dodge being automatic, Jin-Ho moved like a man possessed. The assassins were overpowered by his men when they emerged from their hiding spots.
Kaida showed up just as her scheme was falling apart. She snarled in rage, pulled out her knife, and threw herself at Jin-Ho. This was her last move.
Their blades locked as Jin-Ho deflected her initial blow. He clinched his teeth and muttered, "This is where it ends."
Kaida grinned, a twisted, vicious smile. "Not for me."
She was about to lunge again when Mei Lin, a shadow behind her, entered the fray. Kaida made a late turn. Mei Lin's blade made contact.
Kaida stumbled, gripping her side, anger and then incredulity in her gaze. She let out one last gasping breath and fell into the shadows.