(Kyren's POV)
Blood still coated my gloves as I turned the small silver medallion over in my fingers. The serpent coiled around the sword gleamed under the moonlight—a symbol I never wanted to see again.
The Order of the Viper.
Vidalia stood next to me, arms crossed, waiting for an explanation. But I couldn't give her one. Not yet.
"Kyren," she pressed, voice sharper now. "Who exactly are they?"
I looked down at the assassin's lifeless body. His scarred face stirred old memories—ones I had buried long ago.
I had made sure the Order was eradicated. Had hunted them down one by one.
Yet here they were. Alive. Watching. Waiting.
I shoved the medallion into my pocket and stood. "It doesn't matter."
Vidalia's eyes narrowed. "I just risked my life fighting off trained assassins, and you're telling me it doesn't matter?"
Damn her stubbornness.
I exhaled. "It's complicated."
"Then simplify it."
I turned away. "Go back to the castle, Vidalia. This isn't your fight."
"Then why did they come after me too?" she shot back.
That stopped me.
She was right. This wasn't just about me anymore. They had targeted her too.
That meant she was now in real danger.
I cursed under my breath and ran a hand through my hair. "Fine. But if I tell you, you do notbspeak of this to anyone. Not even your father."
Vidalia hesitated, then nodded.
I sighed. "The Order of the Viper was a mercenary faction hired by nobles who wanted problems to 'disappear.' They didn't just kill; they infiltrated courts, framed enemies, and played both sides of a war.They were more than assassins—they were manipulators."
She was listening now, her usual fire replaced with quiet calculation.
"I was sent to wipe them out," I continued. "Years ago. We cornered their leader, burned their base, and killed every last one of them.Or so I thought."
Vidalia's brows furrowed. "But they're back."
"And they're not done," I muttered.
Because if they were back, it meant one thing—I hadn't killed the real leader.
And now, they wanted revenge.
The Investigation Begins
Back at the castle, Mark was waiting.
The moment we entered my chambers, my advisor stood from his seat by the fireplace, his usual easygoing smirk replaced by a grim expression.
"You look like hell," he greeted.
Vidalia scowled. "He fought assassins. I'd say he looks decent for a man who barely listens to warnings."
I ignored her. "We have a problem."
Mark's gaze sharpened."How bad?"
I tossed the medallion onto the table. "The Order of the Viper isn't dead."
Silence.
Then Mark swore under his breath. "You're sure?"
I gestured to Vidalia. "They came after both of us tonight. They don't just take contracts for money, Mark. This is personal."
Mark picked up the medallion, turning it over like it might bite him. "Someone brought them back. But why now? And why go after her?"
Vidalia crossed her arms. "I'd love to know that myself."
Mark gave me a pointed look. "Any enemies still breathing from that mission of yours?"
My jaw tightened. "None that should be."
Vidalia sighed. "So either someone powerful revived them, or you have unfinished business."
Neither answer was comforting.
I took a seat, rubbing my temple. "We need to find out who hired them. If they attacked us this boldly, they'll leave behind a trail."
Mark nodded. "I'll put some of our men on it. Quietly."
Vidalia, however, was still watching me.
I could see the gears turning in her head. And that worried me.
She wasn't going to let this go.
And I wasn't sure I could keep her out of it.