life among the lowly

They're lowering the center noose. Ellis is only a few feet away from his death. Climbing the stairs. Somehow, his eyes find mine, and then glance down to the hand gripping the handle of my dagger. He casts his eyes sideways at the preoccupied king, mouthing just two words.

"Trust me."

Without a second thought, I throw the knife, watching it spin over and over itself. It finds its home just under Zao's ribcage.

One.

The King is screaming, writhing on the ground. He makes the mistake of yanking my knife from his side. A pool of blood forms under him. I silently pray he drowns in it.

Two.

Ellis jerks free of his guards, and though his hands are shackled he puts up a good enough fight. Masked rebels storm the platform, attacking the small group of guards and freeing Ellis of his restraints.

Three.