In a leering voice, Lykom continued. "Hope my present this morning didn't startle you much."
The confirmation that indeed, Lykom was behind the incessant recent assassination attacks on Zina was still startling despite the fact she suspected that much. Recovering herself, Zina tilted her head upwards in a show of nonchalance. "Which of them do you mean? The first or the second?"
Lykom broke into a billowing laughter. "I didn't mean for you to stumble on the second present. It was more to sate my blood rage knowing fully well that by some twist of fate, you would avoid death this morning. Hope the blood didn't stain your shoes much?"
Zina merely fixed him with what she supposed was a freezing stare, hoping that Lykom would freeze and die under it.
The man took a step closer to her, in a leering albeit low voice he continued. "I know you met with the Matriarchy, incorruptible Theta."