The Broken Blades Trilogy, #3
Three Shattered Souls
by Mai Corland
Contents
Chapter Twenty
Overview
In the attack’s aftermath, Royo, Aeri, Mikail, and Sora debate who sent the assassins and whether Rune’s alliance is a trap. Mikail identifies the killers and counsels silence while they wait for the instigator to reveal themselves. Growing distrust focuses on Sora’s odd behavior. Royo resolves to protect Aeri and moves her to safety.
Summary
Royo reels from the attempt on Aeri’s life and vows retaliation, suspecting Rune, Gambria, Fallador, or greedy servants. Mikail warns alliances shift and implies Aeri marrying Rune could secure protection, which sickens Royo but clarifies his feelings for Aeri.
Sora questions whether the assassins targeted her or Aeri, raising the possibility both were marks. Mikail identifies the intruders as Rose and Avalon, high-level assassins, and notes they cannot confirm motives. Royo relives panic over Aeri’s dissociation, recognizing how close they came to losing her.
Royo softens toward Aeri, bringing her water and comfort, then withdraws to think. When Sora asks whether to confront Gambria or Rune, Mikail urges silence, room changes, and rest to see how the plotter reacts in the morning. Aeri raises the issue of the bodies, forcing practical decisions.
They throw the assassins out the window; Sora insists she locked it, and Mikail explains assassins can bypass simple locks. Mikail watches Sora with suspicion as she behaves oddly, intensifying the group’s unease.
Finally, Mikail suggests separating for protection. Royo agrees to guard Aeri, physically carrying her to another room with his dagger, intent on her safety even as distrust and unanswered questions mount.
Who Appears
- RoyoPOV; suspects betrayal, rejects Aeri marrying Rune, disposes bodies, and personally escorts Aeri to safety.
- AeriRecovering from dissociation; golden-eyed; raises disposal concerns; becomes Royo’s protection priority.
- MikailIdentifies assassins as Rose and Avalon; advises silence and room changes; watches Sora suspiciously.
- SoraActs oddly; questions target of attack; assists with window; draws Mikail’s concern.
- RuneAbsent; suspected of staging attack; potential suitor whose protection hinges on Aeri’s marriage.
- RoseDead assassin with a golden heart; body thrown out the window.
- AvalonDead upper-level assassin; heavier due to golden heart; body discarded.