Melisandre turned around, her flame-steeped red eyes holding the calm of someone who saw through everything.
Stannis slumped on the floor, feeling as though his body had been drained dry.
Everything that had just happened was like the most grotesque nightmare!
His wife had "given birth" to a monster for him, right before his eyes.
A shadow monster with his face.
"What... what the hell was that thing?"
Stannis's voice was full of disgust and fear at what he had just done.
Melisandre looked down at him without sympathy, only the indifference of a divine emissary toward a mortal.
"That was your will."
"Your sharpest sword, the mightiest weapon the Lord of Light has bestowed upon you."
Stannis looked up at her, disbelief written all over his face.
"What can a shadow do?"
A mysterious smile appeared on Melisandre's face.
"You will know soon enough."
But seeing Stannis's confusion, Melisandre explained further to put him at ease.
"That shadow is a part of you, and a manifestation of divine power."
"It is no illusion. It can wield weapons and kill anyone you wish dead."
Melisandre's voice carried a beguiling power.
"It is you."
"It bears your face, and it will carry out your most secret executions."
"Ordinary blades cannot harm it, and sturdy walls cannot stop it."
"Like smoke, it can slip through any crack and appear before your enemies without a sound."
"No matter how far away they are!"
Stannis's heart gave a sudden thump.
Through walls?
Without a sound?
If she was telling the truth, then this was simply... the perfect assassin!
"Will it kill Renly?"
Stannis struggled to his feet.
"Yes."
Melisandre nodded.
"It will find Renly unerringly and pierce his heart with a dagger forged from darkness."
"Then, once its task is complete, it will immediately