Chapter 292
Kael watched from the estate’s open balcony as yet another group of broad-shouldered men marched past, roaring and arguing about battle stances and honor.
His eye twitched slightly.
"All I’ve seen are walking biceps since we arrived..." he muttered under his breath, eyes scanning the training grounds. "The condition’s deteriorating. They used to hold back their fervor. Now it feels like the God of War’s madness is seeping through the walls."
Inside the estate, Ariana finally found time to herself. She stripped off her heavy armor, her joints sighing with relief. Her fingers worked quickly,muscle memory guiding her as she folded the pieces neatly to the side. Then she reached under the frame of armour and pulled out a small chest.
Click.
Inside was a folded dark cloak and a pale, preserved mask,thin as skin, almost lifelike.
Holding up the mask to the light, she tilted her head slightly. "Should I use this... or the skin mask?"
She glanced toward the mirror, her brows furrowing. After a moment, she set the regular mask down.
"No... better to go with the skin one tonight."
She unfolded it carefully, aligning the edges before placing it across her face. The sensation was cold, clammy,like slipping into another identity. Her features blurred and shifted subtly. Her hair was quickly brushed, then tied beneath a tight band. The cloak followed, draped over her frame, the hood drawn low. She strapped two daggers to her thighs, checked the hidden blades at her sleeves, and took one last glance at the mirror.
"Now I’m ready."
She approached the window, fingers brushing the wooden latch open,but just as she began to push, a flicker of movement caught her eye.