Every assassin has a code. For Emamori Matsukara, it's to kill only when necessary: swiftly and without error. Eliminating a corrupt lordling was supposed to be easy. But when her mission takes an unexpected turn, innocent lives are jeopardized. Amidst shattered truths and compromised principles, Ema faces a single choice—and the ultimate price of her loyalty. TEMPER THE SOUL is an 8k-word short story and an introduction to the epic romantic fantasy reverse harem series Shadowed World Saga.