Soma tensed up the moment that stranger called her by a title she had never heard before—especially since she was sure he wasn’t one of the few she had spared in the past. Trying to play it off, she replied:

  > “Uhh... I think you’ve got the wrong person. I’m just Soma, an ordinary girl out shopping with her little brother. Nothing more.”

  But he shot back with a firm tone:

  > “Then why are you carrying two daggers?”

  > “Ah—well... You know how harsh this world is. A girl’s gotta protect herself—and her brother.”

  The stranger took a step closer, his voice sharpening:

  > “Cut the act. I saw you last night while gathering intel. I watched you head back home... covered in blood. Whose blood was that? And that wound on your side—isn’t it right here?”

  As he spoke, he pressed right where her injury was, making Soma flinch in pain. Still, she kept her composure. She figured playing along was the safest option—especially since she noticed the way he kept glancing at her brother. Something about his eyes sent a chill through her.

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  Fighting or running wasn't an option in her current state, so she forced a calm voice:

  > “Fine… How about we finish this conversation at home—somewhere quiet?”

  She led him to their small cottage, and as soon as they stepped inside, she pulled a dagger on him and said coldly:

  > “Alright, Mr. Info Dealer… what do you want from me?”

  The young man raised his hands peacefully:

  > “I promise I mean no harm. No need for weapons. You’re already in bad shape—don’t waste more strength.”

  Then he pulled down his mask, maybe as a gesture of trust. Soma sat down on the bed, heart racing, breath shaky from the pain and exhaustion. She glanced up at the young man—short black hair, piercing golden yellow eyes. Handsome, but she didn’t flinch. She looked him over and asked in a flat tone:

  > “If you’re not here to hurt me, then what do you want?”

  He smiled calmly and said:

  > “First off, name’s Assashin. Nice to meet you… Princess of Death. Actually, I came to—”

  But he stopped mid-sentence, noticing blood dripping from her side. His eyes widened in shock as he rushed toward her.

  > “I knew you were hurt, but I didn’t realize it was this bad! Let me help—I’m good with first aid.”

  > “No… it’s fine. I’m okay… It’s nothing.”

  Soma said