Chapter 1

At dawn, the Petrel slips into ruined Adlaga with lax port security. Rin, trembling from opium withdrawal, joins the Cike on deck as they await Unegen’s signal. A raven confirms the target: Magistrate Yang Yuanfu at city hall by noon. They don scavenged Militia uniforms, leaving seasick Ramsa aboard under Aratsha’s watch, and arm themselves for a precise hit that avoids civilians.

Chaghan stresses a surgical assassination with no collateral damage, pointedly warning Rin. The team’s broader motive is restated: Moag promised resources for assassinating Su Daji if the Cike deliver thirty heads; they have twenty-nine. Adlaga’s vigilant magistrate is the thirtieth. Given Yuanfu’s seasoned guards and past attempts, overkill is required.

In a warehouse near the square, the Cike wait. Rin’s withdrawal intensifies, pulling her into Phoenix-fueled visions of Speer’s slaughter and igniting rage she struggles to suppress. When Unegen spots an unexpected parade and swelling crowds, Chaghan still opts to exploit the cover and orders a close, targeted strike with Qara’s opening shot and a clean escape.

Rin’s condition worsens; she vomits and nearly loses control. Chaghan demotes her to last-resort reinforcement under Unegen’s watch, forbidding civilian harm. Blending into the parade, Rin reels at Adlaga’s abundance and joy, which stokes her fury and the Phoenix’s demand to burn everything. Heat gathers in her hands until Unegen drags her into shadow.

As the ceremony nears, the crowd parts—and the Empress Su Daji appears on a red palanquin. Her sudden presence threatens to expose the Cike, jeopardizes the mission against Yuanfu, and collides directly with Rin’s ultimate target while her control hangs by a thread.