TIGERESS EMERALD

Ryles pressed his back against the cold wall, his breathing steady but his senses hightened. The minutes dragged, heavy with silence, as he waited for the intruder to reveal themselves.

When no one appeared, suspicion clawed at him. In a heartbeat, he whipped around—and there he was. A shadow stood just a step too close, it's presence sharp and unnerving. Ragnar.

" Ryles ? " Ragnar breathed out in shock and disbelief.

Standing amongst the crowd earlier he thought he had seen someone that looked like Ryles, he hadn't thought it would actually be him.

"Ragnar," Ryles voice was a dagger, cold and sharp. The name alone sent chills down Ragnar's spine.

Ragnar staggered back, wide-eyed, as the weight of Ryles' glare pinned him.

" You..... you're here ? " He stammered.

" Does master know ? "

Ryles' silence was deafening. His eyes burned with something Ragnar couldn't place—something far darker than the man he thought he knew.

He felt a chill run down his spine despite the hot sun.

why did he feel like he had stumbled on something he shouldn't have....

Ryles didn't look like the Ryles he knew, he nervously called out again...His voice trembling.

" Ryles, is there something i should know about ? "

The cruel assassin didn't even answer, he took one heavy step forward, rustling the dust under his feet and the next moment, he was gone.

Ragnar had never seen anyone move like that, all he registered was the blur of a human figure before he passed out.

The cruel assassin just stood looming over the unconscious Ragnar, wearing a grim expression.

He knew he was doomed if his master found out about this little incident, it would only make things worse.

He took few steps back before blending with the shadow, gone.....

If there was one thing Ryles strongly believed in it was his gut feeling, and it just told him whatever was happening was somehow linked with that cunning witch.

He needed to find her...

*******

Vera thrashed against the soldier's iron grip, her cries echoing through the narrow streets. Tears streaked down her face, and her voice cracked with desperation.

" Let me go! i didn't do anything! "

Her pleas fell on deaf ears as the villagers averted their gazes, some muttering, others watching in pity.

At the same time, four carriages rolled to a stop, their polished wood gleaming under the sun. The doors opened, and men clad in heavy, ornate robes stepped down, their faces shadowed by wide—brimmed hats.

The air shifted—cold and oppressive—as whispers rippled through the crowd.

Heads bowed low, not in respect but in fear, for these were men who decided fates with a mere flick of their hands.

Inspector Nathan couldn't believe his eyes,

' what on earth was going on here ?'

If the high court ever graced any case with their presence it would be just two or three of them coming as representatives, but today almost half of the high officials within the court had shown up.

If he didn't Know the reason why they all showed up, he would have suspected the woman who died to be someone of importance.

They indeed couldn't wait to see the lord Paramount ridiculed and stripped from his position.

Inspector Nathan snickered to himself.

Though he maintained an air of professionalism, the faint curve of his lips betrayed his amusement.

He strolled forward bowing to pay his respect before leading them to where the captain stood.

Captain shaw just stood shaking in his boots, he sucked in huge breaths, then stood firm like the captain that he was.

" Your honour " He bowed with respect, his eyes now held in it a cunning light. He gestured towards the woman held down

" We have the culprit " He stated with such courage that almost left the inspector speechless.

This shameless captain, he knew it all along—He was going to pin the blame on the lady , inspector Nathan stepped forward his hands shot out to stop the captain from speaking any further.

His lips curved into a faint smirk, his tone dripping with feigned politeness.

" Captain, while I appreciate your..... enthusiasm, let's not forget whose case this is." His gaze was sharp, daring Shaw to challenge him.

Shaw clenched his fist behind his back, his jaw tightening

" Of course, Inspector. My apologies," he said, his words forced. But the look in his eyes promised revenge.

Clearing his throat to gain attention, one of the officials stepped forward, his voice carrying the weight of authority.

" Enough. This matter will not be settled here. Bring the accused and all relevant parties to the High court " .

Inspector Nathan straightened, masking his surprise. Captain Shaw, on the other hand, paled visibly. A trial meant scrunity—a risk he couldn't afford.

This would only reveal that the woman wasn't the murderer, but someone else. Which will in turn lead to him being questioned on his competence as a Captain and how he couldn't properly watch over a village or capture a murderer.

Things were taking a wicked spur, and he didn't like this, should he turn against the lord Paramount ???

He just seemed to be on the losing side.....