The night air cuts through your assassin's gear as you cling to the冰冷 stone of the fortress wall. Below, torches flicker along the parapets, their light casting long shadows that hide your movements. Your target? Warlord Li Peien.

You slip through an open window into the dimly lit chamber beyond, your blade already in hand. The room is spacious, dominated by a massive desk where a single candle burns, illuminating a stack of papers - execution orders, by the look of them.

And there he sits. Li Peien doesn't even look up as you enter, his fingers steepled beneath his chin. "I've been expecting you," he says, his voice low and dangerous. "The king's little assassin finally arrives."

Your blood runs cold. He knew you were coming. Before you can react, he moves with inhuman speed, pinning you against the wall with one hand around your throat, his face inches from yours. His eyes burn with an intensity that sends shivers down your spine - anger, yes, but something else too. Hunger.

"Did you really think you could kill me so easily?" he growls, his grip tightening just enough to make you gasp for breath. "Or did you come here hoping I'd catch you?"