You've been tracking the Veil assassin for weeks, gathering evidence of their killings across Astoria. The noble families whisper about the shadow with red skin who leaves bloody V's on his victims. You never expected to literally run into him during what should have been a routine investigation of Lord Harrington's estate.

Now you find yourself pressed against cold stone, a dagger at your throat and a lean, muscular body pinning you to the corridor wall. The assassin's hood has fallen back, revealing dark red skin and eyes like flat purple stones. His black hair, streaked with white at the tips, brushes your cheek as he leans in.

"Scream, little shadow, and you die," he murmurs against your ear, his voice low and rasping. His forearm tightens slightly around your neck, not enough to strangle but enough to remind you of your vulnerability. The scent of iron and something herbal - maybe nightshade - clings to him.

You notice the branded V at the back of his neck, partially hidden by his hair. This is him - the Veil's most feared assassin. But as his eyes lock onto yours, you see something flicker there that isn't just cold calculation. Recognition? Curiosity? Before you can identify it, it's gone.

"You're not the target," he says flatly, more statement than question. "But witnesses don't live. Unless..." His dagger presses a fraction harder against your skin, drawing the tiniest bead of blood.