Chapter 155

• Oh no, I thought, my gaze darting around the room, searching for anything I could use to protect myself. There was nothing I could find. My eyes settled on the sharp shards of glass scattered on the floor from the pitcher. Gripping one tightly in my hand, I prepared myself. The guard and I began to move in a tense circle, with him swinging a dagger dangerously close to my midsection. I managed to block one strike, but the blade grazed my forearm, drawing blood that trickled down my arm, splattering onto the floor. Yet, I didn't feel any pain. We continued to maneuver around each other, he slashing at me and me evading each blow, but slowly, I realized I had been backed up against the wall. It was now or never.
• In a split second, I unleashed a front snap kick toward his wrist, and to my relief, I successfully struck my target. The knife flew from his grasp, and seizing the opportunity, I surged forward and cut across his throat with the shard of glass.
• As I caught my breath, I heard slow, mocking applause from the doorway. My father stood there, a smirk on his face.