A few minutes after Nyx vanished into the shadows , the scene of the attack began to stabilize . Additional patrol units arrived , establishing a protective perimeter , evacuating the wounded guards , and sweeping every corner of the alley with weapons raised . But there were no traces . No footprints . No blood . No heat signatures . Like a shadow , Ny came and went at will . Andrian sat inside the car , his clothes soaked with blood that had started to dry . In his hand , a sterile bandage given by one of the paramedics . But his gaze was empty , staring into the darkness of the night . " I want all movement data from tonight , Andrian said to Viktor without turning his head . " Public CCTV , phone signal logs in this sector , even thermal scans . Everything " Viktor nodded immediately . " Already ordered , sir , Aerial surveillance units have also been deployed " Andrian nodded , pressing on the wound on his shoulder. But for Andrian , the physical injury weighed less than the psychological shock he couldn't ignore . His long - held suspicion was shattered tonight . Aliana was not Ny But that didn't solve anything . Because now , two questions emerged : If Nyx wasn't Aliana … then who was she rea really ? And what had Aliana been hiding all this time ? Lost in thought , Andrian was interrupted when Viktor handed him a phone . The screen was lit , displaying an active call . " I've connected you with Elric , sir , " Viktor said succinctly . Andrian accepted the phone without looking away by from the window . One hand pressed against the bandage on his shoulder , the other gripping the phone I received the report about the attack . Are you alright ? Is the injury serious ? " Elric's voice sounded worried . Andrian didn't respond . His face was stern , but his eyes held inner turmoil . " Elric , I want a direct report . Andrian asked , ignoring Elric's concern . " What were your findings on Aliana ? " For a moment , silence fell . On the other end , Elric hesitated . It took several seconds before he finally responded , carefully . " I didn't find any wounds aside from a minor cut on her arm , sir . It appears to be nearly healed . No signs of other injuries … or a struggle ." Andrian closed his eyes briefly . His breath caught , then slowly exhaled . I see , " he murmured . His voice was nearly drowned out by the soft hum of the engine . " So they really are two different people . " Andrian's hand clenched lightly on his thigh . The wound on his shoulder still throbbed , but it wasn't what troubled him . What disturbed him was the feeling he couldn't quite name : a mix of relief … and disappointment . " Return to Zenith , " Andrian ordered flatly as he opened his eyes . " Assign Aliana's guard to a replacement unit . I want you handling the situation here , 1/6 Chapter 44 Understood ," Elric replied . " Way other instructions , sir ? " " No. For now , rest . Prepare to return tomorrow . I'll need yo you soon . " Andrian pressed the button to end the call . The phone rested on his lap , while his gaze remained fixed on the darkness outside . In Ravenska , Elric still held the phone even though the call had ended . He lowered his head , silent , his expression tense Andrian's order was clear . He was to leave Ravenska and hand over the task of watching Aliana to someone else . But that wasn't what troubled Eric - it was the lie he had just told Elric took a slow breath . He knew full well , when Andrian asked about Aliana's condition , what he truly wanted was certainty . But Elric couldn't provide it . Because he hadn't examined the woman's body thoroughly . He had only checked the wound on her arm , unwilling to go further . He knew if he pushed , he would cross a line he couldn't accept as a man and as a subordinate Linc couldn't compromise his own integrity - or Aliana's dignity - even under orders . And now , after hearing the report that Nyx had appeared in Zenith , Elric felt reassured in his decision . Aliana had been with him in Ravenska during the incident , which meant she couldn't be Nyi . He had suspected it from the start . It never made sense that someone as fragile looking as Aliana could be the legendary assassin feared by the underworld . Elric looked at the door of the room where Aliana was staying , then pocketed his phone and turned away . He didn't feel proud for lying , but he knew : that lie was more honorable than a truth that would wound someone's dignity . Inside the room , Aliana sat near the window , gazing at the fog covered night sky . The wound on her shoulder had just been re - bandaged - nearly dry and closed . But that wasn't what kept her restless and sleepless . Andrian had asked Elric to examine her injuries . Even though the man himself had already checked them before . That worried Allana - clearly , Andrian wasn't easily deceived . He wouldn't be satisfied until he had solid proof that she wasn't Nyx . While Aliana was still lost in thought , the door suddenly opened . Elena entered in a rush , carrying a cup of hot tea " Miss , there's bad news , " Elena said urgently . " Master Andnan was attacked tonight " Aliana was startled , immediately rising from her chair . " Who attacked him ? " Elena stared at Aliana , surprised . She hadn't expected such a quick reaction . She thought Aliana was starting to care for her husband . " I don't know exactly , because I accidentally overheard Mr. Elric talking to one of the guards . But … I think they mentioned the name - Nys " Aliana was stunned . Shocked by Elena's answer , she froze , confused . How could Nyx attack Andrian , when she herself was right here ? " Are you sure you heard that name ? " Aliana asked , making sure she hadn't misheard . Elena nodded firmly . " Yes , Miss . Even Master Elrichas been ordered to return to Zenith tomorrow morning " Aliana fell silent , her mind flooded with unanswered questions . Who was the Nyx that appeared in Zenith tonight ? What was her purpose in attacking Andrian ? And most troubling of all would Andrian be able to tell that the person wasn't her ? " What is going on Alana muttered . " Why would Nyx show up there After serving the tea , Aliana dismissed Elena gently . 2/6 19:48 Wed , 27 Aug M Chapter 441 " You need rest too , Elena . Go get some sleep ," Aliana said calmly . Elena nodded and exited through the adjoining door that connected directly to Aliana's bedroom As soon as the door closed , Alians grabbed her phone and dialed Rale's number . " Miss ? " Rafe's volce sounded from the other end , a little surprised to be receiving a call from her at midnight , " Andrian was just attacked in Zenith , " Aliana said without preamble . The assailant impersonated Nyx " " What ? " Rafe was startled " Nyx ? But you're in Ravenska . " That's why I'm calling you . I need you to investigate who had the audacity to use my identity , " Aliana said firmly . Rafe fell silent for a moment , then asked hesitantly , " Is it possible the real Nyx made a move ? " 681 Aliana instantly knew who he was referring to . She sighed deeply and replied calmly , " Impossible . just saw my mother tonight . There's no way she could've reached Zenith just one or two hours after meeting me They both foll silent . They shared a common understanding : the original identity of Nyx belonged to Marisse . That identity had been passed down to Aliana after Mansse suffered a severe injury that left her unable to fight ke she ance could . " I'll look into who impersonated you , " Rafe said quietly . " This might not be a random threat . Someone is deliberately stirring conflict . " Aliana murmured softly , " Yes . And we need to find that person before Andrian does . " Aliana sat quietly for a while after ending the call with Rafe . Her mind was in turmoil , dozens of scenarios flashing through her head . She couldn't understand who would dare to use the identity of Nyx and attack Andrian in Zenith . But the biggest question in her mind was who stood to gain from the appearance of this fake Nyx ? Velor Family Mansion Morning came quickly in Zenith for Andrian Velor . He sat upright behind his desk in his private study , still half - dark , aluminated only by the glow of the monitor displaying last night's CCTV footage . Andrian's eyes were fixed on the figure in black who had attacked him - Nyx . He pressed the replay button again and again , studying every the short but intense fight from the night before . movement in The more Andrian watched the footage , the more certain he became the person who attacked him last night was Ny Not an imitator . Not an amateur trying to provoke a response . Every move , every strike , was too precise - too distinct to be faked . Especially the eyes . That sharp , cold , calculating gare belonged only to someone intimately familiar with danger and death . Those eyes had seen the depths of darkness boo often to be hidden , even behind a mask Andrian took a slow breath . He touched the wound on his shoulder - it still throbbed - but the physical pain was far less than the frustration he felt Last night , Andrian had come so close to capturing Nyx - only to fail . And the incident had reshaped his entire understanding of Aliana , Now he was fully convinced Nyx was her own person , not someone who had been b his side all this time . Nyx was not Allana . 376 19:48 Wed , 27 Aug M Chapter 44 That certainty brought both relief and a new wave of confusion . Because Andrian still sensed a special connection between them - especially after seeing how Nyx had not responded at all when he mentioned Aliana , Andrian realized he still needed to keep a close eye on Aliana - the woman fils wife still harbored too many secrets . " Viktor , " Andrian called softly . His assistant , who had been standing near the door , stepped forward immediately " res , sir , " Viktor responded carefully . " What about Elric ? Has he left Ravenska yet ? " Andrian asked . " Elric is already on his way , sit Andrian we as a small nod , then fell silent for a moment .. " Oh … Tighten Aliana's security in Ravenska , but do it discreetly , I don't want to risk anyone trying to harm her . " Viktor paused for a moment , then nodded respectfully . He understood completely - though Aliana had been proven not to be Nyx , she remained an important figure to Andrian . Aliana was his lawful wife and needed to be protected accordingly . Meanwhile , in Ravenska , in a hidden underground chamber behind Gabriel Corvo's butcher shop , Gabriel and Marisse were digging through old archives stored in a metal box . Gabriel sat in an old swivel chair , a stack of files spread out before him . Beside him , Marisse scrolled through a tablet , searching for any additional information they might have missed . They had spent the whole night combing through every old record , trying to uncover any hidden connection between Kestrel and Sable - 13 . And they had found many disturbing similarities Marisse lowered her tablet for a moment and sighed in exhaustion . " It seems we've been too focused on Alexei all this time and failed to notice other traces that were left behind . " Gabriel nodded slowly , his eyes fixed on an old photo - a blurry silhouette of a mysterious figure taken at the scene of an incident years ago . " Yes , " Gabriel murmured . " We were so caught up dealing with Alexei the traitor that we forgot he was never the true mastermind . He was just a pawn- controlled by someone far more cunning . " " Sable - 13 , " Marisse said softly . " I never thought we'd have to face that name again after all these years ! Gabriel clenched his fist tightly , his gaze hardening . " We have to uncover their true identity before it's too late . Nyx was our legacy to Aliana . I won't let our daughter face this threat alone . " Marisse nodded firmly , her eyes glistening , filled with a worry she could no longer hide . " Do you think Kestrel and Sable 13 are really the same person ? " " Their methods are identical , Gabriel replied . " But we can't be certain until we catch them ourselves . " Gabriel slowly rose from his chair. His body felt weighed down by the burden of responsibility . He stared out the window , his eyes searching through the thick morning log . If Krestrel truly is Sable - 13 , then Allana is in serious danger . That woman would do anything to eliminate her . " You're right . Chapter 44 Marisse joined him , stepping closer and taking his hand tightly " We already lost Alexei I don't want to los o lose Aliana too . We must find a way to stop this person Gabriel said again . We've survived worse than this before . " " We will stop them , Gabriel . We'w Every member of the Corvo family was considered kin , which was why Gabriel mourned the loss of any of them as if they were his own . Gabriel looked into his wife's eyes , then nodded slowly " You're right . We need to move fast . Contact our old network Gather every piece of intel available on Kestrel and her past operations . I want to know who's worked with her - even if only indirectly " " Understood ." Marisse nodded with resolve reach out to them right away Gabriel turned back to the old photograph in his hand , eyes lingering on the blurry figure known only by a codename . His mind burned with determination - he would protect Aliana , no matter the cost Gabriel was about to reorganize the documents when his phone buzzed on the table . He immediately glanced at the caller ID , then picked it up quickly . " Aliana ? " " Father , there's something I need to tell you . Last night , Andrian was attacked in Zenith . The assailant used the identity of Nyx " Gabriel jolted in shock , Marisse , who had been standing not far from him , stepped closer with a startled expression . " Nyx ? How is that possible ? You're in Ravenska , Gabriel asked sharply . " That's what confuses me too , Aliana replied seriously . " But from Andrian's reaction aher the attack , it seems he believes the attacker was the real Nyx He even called his most trusted guard back to Zenith . " Gabriel exchanged glances with Marisse , their confusion growing more apparent " If that's the case , then this is very strange , " Marisse murmured . " No one should be able to mimic Nyx's movements perfectly - except you . " " That's what worries me , Mom , " Aliana replied . " Until now , I'm the only one who's ever used the Nyx identity . No one else . But suddenly someone's using it . And if Andrian is convinced it's Nyx , then this impersonator must be extremely convincing " " Day you suspect anyone ? " Gabriel asked . " No one . But Rafe has already begun investigating Silence fell for a moment . Gabriel and Marisse appeared even more troubled . " By the way , what about your investigation into Krestrel and Sable - 137 Have you found anything ? " Marisse took over the conversation , her voice weighted " From all the data we've gathered so far , it's highly likely that Krestrel is Sable 13. They share the same kill pattern clean murder scenes , Hawless lethal strikes , and the ability to disappear without a trace . The pattern is too distinct to ignore ." Aliana fell silent for a moment , then her voice grew firm . " In that case , I need to return to Zenith immediately . If Julian and Krestrel are still there , they'll surely target Andrian , I need to find them and confirm whether they have any connection to the lake'Nyx or not . " Gabriel let out a long breath , " Alright , sweetheart . We'll prepare whatever you need . Be careful out there . " 5/6 " I will , Dad . Thank you . After the call ended , Gabriel and Marisse looked at each other with contem . " This is more complicated than we thought ," Gabriel whispered . " Yes , " Marisse replied . " We need to dig deeper into Krestrel , Aliana can't face this alone ? " Hmm . " Gabriel looked down again , his eyes fixed on the photos showing traces of Krestrel Without him noticing . g . Marisse smiled faintly . So family that Gabriel , standing right beside her , failed to see it . 色