The Assassin | KITTYZ

Chapter 1: Shadows in the Academy

Haerin's POV
The moon hung low in the night sky, casting a pale light over the stone walls of The Red Sea Academy. Shadows clung to the corners of the courtyard, where the sound of clashing steel and labored breaths echoed. Within these walls, only the strongest survived, and not to brag, but I was the strongest of them all.

I just completed my training routine, my movements precise and lethal. Sweat glistened on my skin as I sheathed my dagger and took a moment to catch my breath. My eyes gazed around the courtyard. This place had been my home and prison for as long as I could remember. It was traumatising, to say the least. I was the academy's top assassin, molded and perfected to fulfil the mafia's darkest needs.

"Nice work, Haerin," a familiar voice called out. Danielle, my cousin and partner in crime, approached with a sly grin. Her eyes sparkled with mischief, a stark contrast to the deadly seriousness that I always carried. I never let my guard down. Even when my most trusted friend was around. "Another flawless session, as expected by the Kang Haerin herself,"

I chuckled lightly, not long before my face goes back to being serious again, as always. "Thanks Dani," I replied, my voice calm and steady. "But you know as well as I do, there's no room for mistakes here."

Danielle nodded, her grin fading. "Right. And speaking of which, the Headmaster wants to see you. He's got another mission for you."

My expression hardened. Missions from the Headmaster were never simple, and they were never easy. I followed Danielle through the darkened corridors of the academy, our footsteps echoing off the stone walls. We arrived at the Headmaster's office, a cold, sparsely furnished room that radiated authority. The Headmaster, a tall, imposing figure with a face etched in the shadows, stood behind his desk. His presence commanded fear and respect.

"Haerin'" he greeted, his voice a cold whisper. "I have a mission for you. One that, if successful, will grant you the freedom you've long sought."

He handed me a sealed envelope. I took it, my long and slim fingers brushing against the wax seal that bore the academy's insignia. Breaking the seal, I pulled out a single piece of parchment. My cat eyes scanned the mission details, and my heart skipped a beat.

My target was Princess Hanni of Seoul.

My mind raced. This was no ordinary target. Killing a princess was a task fraught with danger and political implications. I felt a familiar rush of adrenaline mixed with a hint of something she couldn't quite place—dread, perhaps, or anticipation.

"I won't fail," I said, my voice firm.

"See that you don't," the Headmaster replied. "Danielle, you will assist Haerin in this mission. Use all the resources at your disposal."

Danielle nodded, her face serious. "Understood."

As we left the office, Danielle and I exchanged a glance. There was no room for doubt or hesitation.

As we turned a corner and waited patiently for the elevator to arrive, we exchanged small talk like we normally do. The elevator doors opened and there stood a tall, frankly 5,8 woman. She held the door for us and let go of the button once we got in.

"Ahh, you must be Haerin," the woman observed, looking at me with a professional smile.

"I am," I nodded. "And you are?" Danielle continued.

"I'm Hyein. I was assigned to help you with you newly reported mission." Hyein said.

"I see, this is my friend, Danielle, she's also going to be assisting me with this mission." I said, holding the small of Danielle's back as I introduced her.

"Nice to meet you, Danielle and Haerin. Well, we've already introduced ourselves, lets get down to business with this mission. I heard that the Kang Haerin never fails her missions. Am I correct?" Hyein asked.

"Never." I stated confidently.

"Then we'll do exactly so with this mission." Hyein said. "I'm pretty sure you know as well as I do. Failure isn't an option."

"So, are you ready for this?" Hyein finished.

Danielle and I shared a glance before nodding, ready to carry on with the mission.

"I was born ready." I declared.

We knew we had to take this seriously.

This wasn't just any mission.

My freedom was at stake of this mission.

If I fail, who knows how much longer they're going to keep me there until my next opportunity comes.

I had to succeed.

Succeed.

---

The following days were a blur of preparation. Danielle and I spent hours in the Academy's extensive library, poring over maps of Seoul and the palace. Hyein, our newly made friend or so they say 'colleague', provided valuable insights, pointing out potential entry points and guard shifts.

"We'll enter through the servant's quarters," Hyein suggested one evening, tracing a route on the palace map. "Less security there, and we can blend in if we have the right disguises."

Danielle nodded, adding notes to her own plans. "I'll handle the disguises and secure a safe house nearby. We'll need a quick escape route if things go south."

I've always appreciated Danielle's efficiency. We had worked together on countless missions, and our synergy was unmatched. But this mission felt different. More dangerous. More personal. This wasn't just any mission, this was our only chance of escaping this shit hole.

Between planning sessions, as hard is it was to admit, I found myself haunted by thoughts of Princess Hanni. I wondered what kind of person the princess was, whether she deserved the fate that had been decreed for her. But I quickly pushed those thoughts aside. I couldn't afford to hesitate.

One afternoon, as we reviewed their plans, I received a message from the Headmaster. It was a reminder of the stakes: "Failure is not an option. Freedom awaits if you succeed."

The weight of the mission bore down on me, but I tried to remained resolute. My desire for freedom, for a life beyond the shadows of the Academy, fueled my determination. I knew the risks, but I was willing to take them.

Hyein, ever observant, noticed my moments of introspection. "You're thinking about her, aren't you?" she asked quietly one night as they worked late.

Was it that obvious? I didn't bother denying it. "It's hard not to. She's just a person, like anyone else. But I have a job to do."

Hyein nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Just remember, we're all playing a role in this. And sometimes, the roles we play can change."

As the day of the mission approached, we finalized their preparations. We acquired the disguises, arranged for transportation to Seoul, and secured a safe house near the palace. Every detail was meticulously planned, every contingency considered.

On the eve of their departure, I stood alone in the training courtyard, the moonlight casting long shadows. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what lay ahead. This mission would be my final test, the one that determined my future.

Danielle found her there, a knowing look in her eyes. "Ready?"

I nodded with determination, though there was a slight hesitation in my tone. "Ready."

As we left the Academy and made our way to Seoul, My thoughts were a whirlwind of anticipation and uncertainty. The mission was clear, but the outcome was anything but certain. I knew one thing for sure: my life, and the lives of those around me, would never be the same.

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