Page 4 of Of Shadow and Moon

I was supposed to eliminate my target tonight; instead, I was eliminated. The thought of facing Alexander with nothing but excuses makes my stomach tighten with fear. His wrath is something I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.

He has eyes everywhere. I have to go back and face my failure. The one time I tried to escape, he locked me in a box beneath his floor for a week with no food or water. I know better now.

I duck into an alleyway as a patrol of guards walk down the street. Their armor clinks softly in the night, their faces stern and full of hatred for those beneath them. I hold my breath and press myself against the cool, rough wall, and wait for them to pass. The guards of Tepetl are not known for their kindness nor mercy.

As they disappear around a corner, I let out a slow breath and continue on my way. The streets are somewhat quieter now, but that doesn’t mean I’m safe. I pass by a market square, now deserted. Stalls that were alive with activity during the day, now stand empty and covered with tarps. The scent of spices still hangs in the air, a reminder of the chaos that fills this place in the daylight hours.

I take a deep breath and scan every corner for threats. The sound of a dog barking in the distance makes me pause, but it’s too far away for me to worry about.

The buildings grow taller and more imposing as I approach the heart of Tepetl. The noble district looms ahead, its grand mansions and opulent gardens a stark contrast to the gritty streets I’ve been navigating. I stay well clear of this area, knowing that the guards here are even more alert and well-trained.

I slip into another alleyway, and it’s narrower and more cluttered. Crates and barrels are stacked with no order, creating a rugged path that I navigate with ease. Every kingdom is the same in this aspect. As much as I need order, I thrive in chaos.

As I approach The Citadel, my nerves intensify. But there’s no turning back now.

The building looms ahead, nondescript and unassuming to anyone who doesn’t know its true purpose. I take a deep breath and slip inside. The familiar scent of old stone and burning torches welcomes me. The hallways are quiet because most of the other assassins are out on their own missions or resting.

I make my way through the hallways as my mind races with thoughts of how to explain what happened. I should be dead. I felt the life leaving my body. I felt the darknessclosing in. And yet here I am, walking through the halls of The Citadel, as if nothing happened.

By the time I reach Alexander’s office, I’ve convinced myself that the coroner is simply an idiot who thought I was dead. There’s no other explanation that makes sense. I’m human. Humans don’t just come back to life.

I knock once, then push the door open. Alexander looks up from his desk. His cold eyes narrow as he sees me.

“Selestina,” he says, his voice a dangerous rumble. “¿Explicame, que pasó?”

“I know,” I reply, stepping into the room. “The target wasn’t there. Someone attacked me. I…” I falter, not sure how to explain what happened. It shouldn’t have happened. I’ve never let someone get the drop on me. Not once in the eighteen years I’ve trained here.

Alexander’s expression doesn’t change, but I can see the anger simmering beneath the surface. “And you think that is an excuse?” he roars.

“No,” I say quickly. “I’ll make it right. I just need more time.”

He rises, moving around the desk to stand in front of me. He’s taller than me, his presence imposing. “You will make it right,” he says softly, menace dripping from every word. “And you will pay for your failure. You are a fucking disgrace to me.” He spits at my shoe.

Fucker. But I don’t let my mask slip. I am the obedient assassin. I do as I’m told.

I keep my chin high. I know what’s about to happen. I’ve had it happen so many times there’s no way I could keep count. I don’t make mistakes, usually, but he has always found something to hold over me. To make me plead for forgiveness.

He shoves everything off his desk. His cheeks areinstantly red. His breaths are fast and his eyes are crazed. “You are the most notorious assassin in all five kingdoms,” he roars, “and you failed a simple mission? How is that possible, Selestina?!”

Whelp. I fucked up big time.

His chest rises and falls with a brutal force before he abruptly stops and smooths his shirt down.

Immediately, his mask is back on.

He smooths his hair back into place and gives me a blank stare that turns into a wicked smile. I seem to be the only person he ever loses his temper around. I like it better when he yells. Because as soon as he calms, I know I’m about to experience unfathomable pain.

Before I can react, I feel the pain of the fire engulfing me.

Chapter 2

Selestina

Iwake up to the first light of dawn filtering through the broken shutters in my room. Every muscle in my body protests as I try to sit up. The aftermath of last night’s beating reminds me of each blow. Diego’s fists were relentless and Alexander’s fire had been agony. I groan and run a hand through my tangled hair, swinging my legs over the edge of the bed.

While we are all loyal to Alexander, mainly because our lives depend on it, Diego is completely and utterly loyal to Alexander because he believes what Alexander does is just. Almost like heenjoysdoling out punishments.

Gritting my teeth, I push myself to my feet and slowly make my way to the sink. The water stings as I splash it on my face, but it helps clear the haziness clogging my brain. I catch a glimpse of my reflection in the cracked mirror. Dark circles are under my eyes, a split lip, and bruises mar my skin. The marks on my neck blend in with the other bruises and cuts that have made my skin their home. Just an ordinary day here in Tonalli.

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