Chapter 722: Monster Attack

A chilling scream pierced the night in Volantis, echoing far and wide. Asha was jolted awake from her dreams, her hand instinctively reaching for the dagger hidden beneath her pillow.

"What was that?"

The raven-haired woman, unsure of what had transpired, sat up in the darkness without lighting the candle by the window, gripping her dagger tightly.

Outside, chaos reigned. It seemed something unexpected had occurred, followed by the shouts of guards and the hurried footsteps of many.

"Halt!"

"Stop him!"

"Catch him!"

Asha's temporary residence in Volantis was the renowned Merchant's House, the largest and finest inn in the city.

Located east of the Long Bridge in the upper city, overlooking the Fishmonger's Square, it was a massive four-story structure. It towered over the surrounding warehouses, taverns, and brothels.

Its hall was grander than most in Westeros, with a courtyard paved with stone and adorned with grapevines. The surrounding pavilions and alcoves made it resemble a labyrinth.

But at that moment, a shadowy figure stained with blood suddenly appeared outside Asha Greyjoy's window. His eyes, red as fresh blood, were wide open, and he seemed to be searching for something inside the room.

Upon seeing the room's occupant, he let out a deafening scream, shattering the window and lunging inside.

"What is that?!"

Asha, startled awake, barely had time to react before calamity struck. She saw a silhouette clambering through the window. In the dim light, she caught a glimpse of its fish-scaled head, crimson eyes, blood-streaked mouth, and sharp teeth, as if it had just devoured someone.

"Damn it!"

As the creature lunged at her, Asha quickly rolled away, narrowly avoiding its attack.

This fish-scaled monster moved with incredible speed and strength. It effortlessly shattered the window and, upon entering, smashed a table to pieces.

But Asha Greyjoy was no ordinary woman. She was a seasoned pirate who had led the Ironborn in guerilla warfare against the Army of the Dead. After escaping to Westeros, she had established a stronghold in the Western Mountains, repeatedly repelling the noble houses' attempts to oust her.

"What kind of creature is this?"

Asha, both terrified and furious, had never seen such a creature. It was beyond human, a true monster.

She recalled the warning Benerro had given her earlier that day.

"You carry the scent of a malevolent god. Someone has set their sights on you."

"Is this the creature that's after me?"

Asha's heart raced as the creature lunged at her again. Without hesitation, she turned and fled, hoping the door would slow it down. But the monster easily broke through.

"Damn it!"

Gritting her teeth, Asha readied her dagger. The creature was faster, and if she tried to run, she'd surely be caught.

Why was this creature after her? What had she done to provoke it? Had she inadvertently killed one of its kind while fishing at sea?

"What's happening?"

"What's going on?"

The commotion had awakened the other guests of the Merchant's House. But the creature ignored them, its focus solely on Asha. It roared and charged at her again.

This time, Asha was cornered at the end of a corridor. She dodged its attack and tried to counter, but the creature's speed caught her off guard. It slammed into her, sending her crashing through a door into another room.

However, as she was thrown, Asha managed to stab the creature in the thigh with her dagger.

The creature roared in pain, its blood-red eyes filled with rage. It seemed to have lost all reason, reminding Asha of the Deep Ones she had once heard of—mindless, bloodthirsty monsters.

Unbeknownst to the creature, if the envoy of the Iron Throne were to die here, Viserys's attention would undoubtedly turn to this place, making Gillian's escape all the more difficult.

As Asha struggled to her feet, the creature lunged at her again. But this time, a massive axe swung down, blocking its path.

"Hold!"

Asha's uncle, Victarion, who had accompanied her to Volantis, stepped forward to confront the beast.

"What in the Seven Hells is this?"

Victarion's face was grave as he gripped his axe, eyeing the creature warily.

"Damn humans..."

The creature, Gillian, growled in a raspy voice.

He believed Asha was sent by Viserys to find him, so he wanted to kill her and escape. But every time he tried, someone interfered.

Hearing the creature speak, both Victarion and Asha, who was still on the floor, were taken aback. They had assumed it was some unknown monster that had somehow entered the city. But now, everything had changed.

Gillian lunged at Victarion, intending to tear him apart just as he had done with the slave soldiers earlier. Then he would kill the woman sent by Viserys.

But as he charged, Victarion's axe swung down once more, blocking his path.