"This is only the first step..." Rivok was about to continue his grand speech, but the words suddenly died in his throat.
His eyes widened, freezing as he stared blankly at the horrified faces in front of him. Slowly, his hand reached down toward the shining steel blade protruding straight through his chest, right where his heart beat.
A second later, dark crimson blood welled up from his lips. The crowd watched him in stunned silence, eagerly awaiting the end of his sentence, but Rivok never spoke another word.
He let out a few wet, violent coughs before the gathered citizens caught sight of a silhouette looming directly behind him.
The sickening rasp of the metallic sword being pulled free from flesh echoed across the quiet yard. Stunned terror seized the courtyard as Rivok's body collapsed onto the stone floor without a sound or shred of resistance.
