Erik’s POV

The assassin flew off me, an arrow sticking out of their chest. Shock welled inside of me, looking behind me to see Poppy, a look of utter rage coloring her face. Blood bubbled up out of the assassin’s mask, staining their all-black attire.

Poppy rose to her feet, blood on her hands and her knees. Part of me wanted to praise her for being such a good shot, but I couldn’t do that to her. It wasn’t the time to make light. It was her first ...