The rest of the day passed in a blur of satisfying, calculated consequences.
Marcus hadn't just been disqualified; he had been formally taken into custody by the Guards.
And according to the brief, highly enthusiastic update Mira had transmitted through the communication crystal just an hour ago, capital enforcers had officially arrived at the Valen estate bearing royal warrants.
The family's assets were frozen, their trade routes were dead, and their reputation was entirely in ashes.
My part of the job was officially done. The threat was eliminated at its root.
Now, I just had to put the pieces of my actual life back together.
I was leaning against the cool stone wall of the first-year girls' dormitory archway, watching the festival crowds pass by in the distance, when I heard the quiet click of the heavy oak doors opening.
"Sorry I kept you waiting."
The voice was soft, barely rising above the ambient noise of the courtyard. I turned my head.
