Lin Mei moved through the nighttime city like a ghost, her steps silent, her presence suppressed to nearly nothing. The dark clothing she'd chosen—practical black tunic and pants instead of her usual elegant dresses—allowed for easy movement without the rustle of fabric. Her hair was bound in a tight braid, and she'd forgone any jewellery that might catch light or make noise.
This wasn't her first time sneaking out of the compound. Over the years, she'd mastered the art of moving unseen through Scarlet Peak City, gathering information, observing potential threats, ensuring her family's enemies couldn't surprise her. The guards knew their patrol routes, the servants their schedules, and she knew all their blind spots.
But tonight felt different. More dangerous. Not because of external threats—she could handle those—but because she was walking deliberately toward something she didn't fully understand.
