Pointed Discussion

Three is a fair cost. Instant speed would have been ideal, but I think it fits the flavor of the card. I use it for the art alone, though.

I prefer Death Stroke.
Just sayin'.

@Test-Subject Death Stroke may only be 2 CMC, but it's {B}{B} makes it harder to splash for than Assassinate's {B}.

Considering Royal Assassin, I think this could have been an instant, though it'd have to be heavier in the colored cost in that case, like {1}{B}{B}.

Each Time Spiral card was an homage to at least one previously printed card.

This card is referencing Royal Assassin in ability, flavor text, and art (Royal Assassin has aways been depicted with paint over one eye, the assassin's 'calling-card.')