(Y/n)

"Sharrkan, Hinahoho, and Spartos are being attacked by an army of people that can reassemble themselves even after being sliced to pieces," Masrur translates Pisti's message to me.

The news worries me, though I'm not surprised that Al Thamen had such a plan, in fact I'm pretty sure they have a few more tricks up their sleeves. But for now, I must stand guard here with Masrur. We are the very last line of defense for the king.

Suddenly, I hear something crash outside. I motion for Masrur to stay while I go check. He's stronger than me. If anything happens, he's more capable of protecting the king.

I slink out of the door like a shadow, a habit I picked up from both my training and having to move around the Kou palace without disturbing the royal family. Staying hidden behind a corner, I listen for any sounds. I'm not jumping out immediately to confront whoever it is out there. It might be a trap, I'll be careful about checking this.

And that is when someone pulls me out of my corner and twists my arm behind my back. Ignoring the pain, I break out of their grip and sweep my leg out, knocking them to the ground. Immediately, I pull out a knife and hold it to their throat. "Don't mo-" I gasp as the light glinting off my blade shines dimly on the face of my attacker.

No, it can't be. But as my attacker takes advantage of my hesitation and aims his own blade at my side, I know.

It's my teacher.