Not by an army.
Not by demons.
Not by the Emperor.
But by a six-year-old girl who liked strawberry tarts and plush animals.
Outside the carriage window, the Imperial Capital continued buzzing with rumors.
By sunset, the nobles would have a new scandal to discuss.
The Northern Reaper had been seen buying children's pastries and stuffed animals.
Nobody knew why.
Nobody dared ask.
And nobody would ever suspect the truth.
The most terrifying man in the Empire was simply going home to his daughter.
"The tactical acquisition is complete," Kaelus announced to the empty air, ignoring the swooning, terrified ladies on the street. "We return to the Sovereign."
***
The atmosphere inside the Nacht Capital Estate was tense.
