"Phantom Rebirth: The Last White Raven’s Path to the Ultimate Assassin"

A New Assignment

The heavy scent of burning wax and parchment filled the Guild Master’s office. Shadows danced along the stone walls as the dim light from an old oil lamp flickered. Seraphis stood in front of the desk, the weight of another successful kill lingering in the air between them.

The severed emblem of Captain Darius Flint still sat on the desk, a reminder of her efficiency.

The Guild Master exhaled slowly, his gaze assessing her with an almost amused glint.

"I have another mission for you." He slid a sealed document across the desk.

Seraphis picked it up, breaking the wax seal with a flick of her thumb. Her silver eyes scanned the parchment.

Target: Lady Evanna Lyswind (Alias: Mara Wynmere)

• Age: 26

• Race: Human (Possible Elven Ancestry)

• Occupation: Disguised Merchant, Black Market Leader

• Crimes: Armed Rebellion, Embezzlement, Treason, Murder

Seraphis arched a brow.

"A noble turned black-market queen?" she mused.

The Guild Master nodded.

"She was supposed to have died years ago. A fire wiped out her entire family—or so everyone thought. Instead, she faked her death and built herself an empire in the underworld."

Seraphis tapped a finger against her arm.

"And now she’s trying to reclaim her lost throne?"

"Exactly. If she succeeds, the kingdom could be thrown into civil war. She's amassed wealth, power, and dangerous allies. Your job is to cut this problem at the root—permanently."

Seraphis smirked.

"Where is she?"

"She operates out of The Gilded Serpent, an exclusive merchant house that serves as a front for her empire. Gaining access won’t be easy—she surrounds herself with mercenaries and spies."

Seraphis tucked the parchment into her coat.

"When do you need it done?"

The Guild Master leaned forward, voice low.

"Immediately."

The Hunt Begins

The Gilded Serpent was nestled in the heart of the city’s wealthiest district. From the outside, it appeared to be a lavish merchant house, its walls adorned with golden serpents woven into elegant banners.

But Seraphis knew the truth—this was a den of criminals.

She perched on a nearby rooftop, hidden in the shadows, watching as carriages rolled in and out, carrying nobles, merchants, and other influential figures.

Guards stood at every entrance—trained killers, not simple hired thugs. Their armor was finely crafted, their movements sharp and disciplined.

"This won’t be easy," she muttered.

But easy was never interesting.

Infiltration

Seraphis descended from the rooftop, slipping through the back alleys. A lone guard stood near the side entrance, his stance relaxed.

Too relaxed.

In a blur, she moved behind him, her blade slicing clean through his throat. Blood sprayed onto the stone wall as he crumpled silently.

She dragged his body into the shadows before taking his uniform, disguising herself.

With her face obscured by the guard’s helmet, she walked through the entrance without a second glance.

Inside, the air was thick with incense and wealth. Merchants, nobles, and mercenaries lounged in gilded halls, discussing deals in hushed voices. Gold coins changed hands, contracts were signed, and alliances were forged in the flickering candlelight.

But Seraphis wasn’t here for wealth.

She was here for blood.

The Meeting with Mara Wynmere

Seraphis moved through the corridors, memorizing the layout. Guards patrolled in pairs, their hands resting on their weapons.

She approached the grand staircase leading to the upper levels. At the top, a lavishly dressed woman stood, speaking to two lieutenants.

Lady Evanna Lyswind.

Even in disguise, Seraphis could see the nobility in her features—high cheekbones, piercing emerald eyes, and an air of commanding authority.

But there was also something else.

Cold calculation.

This was not some lost noble girl. This was a predator.

Striking from the Shadows

Seraphis waited until Evanna dismissed her guards and entered her private chambers.

Silent as death, she followed.

The room was lavish—gold-trimmed furniture, silk curtains, and a grand desk covered in documents.

Evanna stood near a bookshelf, pouring herself a glass of wine.

"I was wondering when they'd send someone after me."

Seraphis didn’t react.

Evanna turned, calm and unafraid.

"Did the Guild send you? Or one of my dear rivals?" she asked, swirling the wine in her glass.

Seraphis stepped forward, hand resting on her dagger.

"Neither," she said coolly. "I’m here for myself."

Evanna smirked.

"Ah, an ambitious one. Tell me, assassin—do you know why I survived the fire that took my family?"

Seraphis remained silent.

Evanna set down her glass, reaching for a hidden blade under the table.

"Because I don’t die easily."

The Battle

Evanna moved like lightning, slashing toward Seraphis’s throat.

Seraphis dodged, her blade clashing against Evanna’s in a shower of sparks.

Evanna was fast, trained, her strikes carrying the precision of a noble warrior. She wasn’t just some scheming merchant—she was a fighter.

Seraphis ducked low, aiming for Evanna’s legs. The noblewoman leapt back, kicking over a chair to create distance.

Then she threw a hidden dagger.

Seraphis barely twisted in time, the blade slicing her shoulder.

Blood dripped down her arm, but she didn’t falter.

Instead, she grinned.

"You’re not bad."

Evanna’s emerald eyes burned with fury.

"And you’re too slow."

She lunged again, their blades clashing in a deadly dance.

Seraphis feinted left, then twisted mid-motion, plunging her dagger into Evanna’s side.

The noblewoman gasped, staggering back.

"Damn you," she hissed.

Seraphis stepped forward, grabbing Evanna’s hair and forcing her to her knees.

"Any last words?" she asked.

Evanna spat blood, eyes defiant.

"I was meant for greater things."

Seraphis smirked.

"Not anymore."

With one swift motion, she decapitated her.

The Return to the Guild

The severed head of Lady Evanna Lyswind rested in a bloodstained cloth as Seraphis walked through the Assassin’s Guild doors.

The Guild Master looked up from his desk.

Seraphis tossed the head onto the table.

"Job’s done."

The Guild Master smiled.

"Excellent work."

He slid a heavy pouch of platinum toward her.

"And now?" Seraphis asked.

The Guild Master chuckled.

"Now? Now we wait for the kingdom to react."

Seraphis smirked.

Let them.