She had always thought the stories were exaggerated. Legends passed down by cowards who wanted to make their enemies seem larger than life. But now…
Now, she could see the truth for herself.
And it was far worse than she had ever imagined.
She tore her gaze away from the bloodshed, trying to silence the panic creeping into her chest.
Think. There has to be a way out of this.
But then, another voice broke through the chaos.
The queen.
For the first time, Nnenna saw something she had never seen in her mother before.
Terror.
Queen Chioma's hands, usually adorned with elegance and grace, trembled as Abuchi supported her seeing her unsteadiness.
"If they're here…" she whispered, "if the Black Veil was sent…" Her breath hitched. "Then that means someone paid them to kill us all."
The realization sent a ripple through the room.
The Black Veil did not act on whims. They did not kill out of hatred, revenge, or personal grudges.
