After Gavin entered the official residence, the slave owners and city officials—who had been waiting nervously—stepped forward one after another to pay homage to their new ruler.
The first to approach was a well-dressed slave owner. He knelt on the marble floor and said with an exaggerated smile,"Welcome, distinguished Dragon King Gavin. I have prepared a gift for you—one I believe you will find... most pleasing."
Gavin's gaze was sharp as he looked the man over. He gave a curt nod."What kind of gift?"
The slave owner bowed his head, then gestured to a nearby servant."Please wait a moment, Dragon King."
From the crowd stepped a girl, no older than fifteen or sixteen. She wore a pale blue dress embroidered with silver thread and tied at the waist with a white silk ribbon, emphasizing her delicate frame. Her steps were graceful but steady. In her hands, she carried a small black box, inlaid with gemstones and carved with intricate patterns. The box radiated an aura both luxurious and ominous.
The girl approached Gavin, then knelt and raised the box high above her head.
Gavin narrowed his eyes. A flicker of unease passed over his face, quickly replaced by wary focus. He could feel it—a wave of magic, subtle but unmistakable, emanating from the box. It pulled at him, like an invisible current trying to drag him into a deep, dark abyss.
He took a steady breath and reached forward.
The moment he lifted the lid, a shadow burst forth. It was like a phantom—formless, black, and fast. It exploded in front of his eyes, momentarily blinding him. Though the magic wasn't strong and dissipated quickly, it served its purpose.
For one crucial second, Gavin couldn't see.
That was all the girl needed.
Her eyes flashed with deadly intent. In a blur, she drew a dagger hidden beneath the box and lunged forward. The blade struck true—slamming into Gavin's abdomen. Blood bloomed across his garments.
"Argh!" Gavin roared in pain. His body reacted on instinct. With a violent snap of his leg, he kicked the girl with terrifying force.
She was thrown across the hall like a broken kite, slamming into the far wall. She crumpled to the floor, blood spilling from her lips—but even then, her eyes burned with hatred and defiance.
The Blood Dragon Guards sprang into action.
With blinding speed, they surged forward, grabbing the slave owner and pinning him to the ground. Other guards formed a protective ring around Gavin, blades drawn, eyes scanning every corner of the room.
Outside, the sound of chaos drew the attention of the city's soldiers. Dozens poured into the hall, swords drawn, surrounding the stunned officials and slave owners. Panic swept through the room like wildfire.
Clutching his wound, Gavin glared at the slave owner and the girl, his face twisted in fury.
The slave owner met his gaze with a bitter smile. He bit down on something in his mouth. Blood welled up instantly.
"Gavin Belleris," he rasped, "you've forgotten... you owe the Many-Faced God a life."
Gavin's expression darkened to stone.
"Kill them."
At his command, the Blood Dragon Guard snapped the necks of both assassins. Their bodies slumped to the floor. As they fell, the guards tore away their faces—literally. Beneath the illusionary masks were two unfamiliar faces.
Faceless Men.
Gavin's chest heaved, his breathing labored. The pain in his abdomen throbbed with each heartbeat, but it couldn't match the fury building inside him.
He stood tall, blood soaking his clothes, and barked,"Take them all into custody! Search every inch of this place—don't leave a single stone unturned!"
"Yes, my lord!" the soldiers roared, immediately scattering to execute his command.
The Blood Dragon Guards carefully supported Gavin and helped him to a nearby chair. Even the slight motion sent a wave of blinding pain through his body. His face contorted, and sweat streamed down his temples.
He reached into his coat and pulled out a vial. Without hesitation, he drank the glowing potion inside.
Within moments, the bleeding began to slow. The torn flesh started knitting itself back together. But even with the healing potion, Gavin could feel something foreign—something wrong. A sinister energy still writhed beneath his skin. The dagger had been laced with poison—and not an ordinary one.
At that moment, the door burst open with a crash.
"My lord!" Jorah Mormont rushed in, pale and breathless. His eyes locked on Gavin. "Are you all right?"
Gavin waved him off, suppressing a groan."Just a scratch."
Jorah didn't look convinced but said nothing.
Gavin exhaled slowly, then looked at him with intent."You've traveled across Essos. Tell me—are there temples of the Many-Faced God beyond Braavos?"
Jorah frowned, thinking."Aside from the House of Black and White in Braavos... I've heard rumors. Whispers of temples in Volantis and Myr. Though—I've been to Myr myself, and never saw one."
Gavin nodded slowly."Look into it. Ask around. Mercenaries, smugglers, coin-takers—find out where the Many-Faced God is still worshipped."
Though unsure why, Jorah bowed."As you command."He turned and left.
The chamber fell silent again. Gavin leaned back in his chair, breathing heavily.
This attack had been bold—but it was also a gift.
The cities under his control had surrendered too easily. Unlike Lys, where rebellion had shattered the old power structures, the towns he now ruled still crawled with slave lords and corrupt officials.
Now he had his excuse.
A purge.
Across the city, storm clouds hung low. Soldiers in crimson and black marched through the streets like reapers.
"Bang!" The iron gates of a wealthy estate were kicked open.
A fat, pampered slave owner leapt to his feet in panic."What is the meaning of this?!"
"You've been implicated in the attempted assassination of Lord Gavin!" the captain barked.
"Lies! I had nothing to do with it!" the man stammered, trembling.
"Seize him!"
Guards rushed forward, wrenching his arms behind his back.
"This is madness! I've always been loyal to the Dragon King!"
The soldiers ignored him. They tore through the mansion—gold, silver, jewels, land deeds—all seized in the name of justice.
"Those are my life savings!" the man cried.
The soldiers did not reply.
One by one, mansions across the region fell. Resistance was rare—and brief. In a matter of days, vast fortunes were confiscated, and entire bloodlines imprisoned.
Fear choked the towns like a thick fog.
The message was clear: Gavin would not be toyed with.
Many slave owners fled to Lys, desperate to offer their gold and plead for forgiveness.
Meanwhile, a merchant vessel from the Stepstones docked quietly at the harbor.
A broad-shouldered courier disembarked and sprinted toward the guards."By order of Maester Coben, I must see Lord Gavin immediately!"
The guards, seeing the seal he carried and the panic in his eyes, wasted no time.
Soon, the man stood before Gavin, who—despite his wounds—sat upright, awaiting the report.
The courier knelt."My lord. Maester Coben intercepted a raven. The Faceless Men... they're not acting alone."
Gavin's eyes narrowed."Go on."
"There's another faction—older, darker. They call themselves the Sleeper Order. Coben believes they've infiltrated cities across Essos. The assassination was only the beginning."
Gavin's jaw clenched. He took the sealed scroll from the messenger and broke it open.
"The Sleeper Order may already be within your ranks. Burn the dead. Do not bury masks. They are not servants of the Many-Faced God—but something deeper. Something that sleeps and dreams beneath shadow. Be vigilant."
Gavin stood slowly, grim resolve etched across his face.
"Summon the war council. Tonight. Every Blood Dragon commander, every loyal captain. We move against the shadows now."