The first light of dawn broke over the Lan Family estate, painting soft golden hues across the tiled rooftops and bamboo groves. But within the Blue Lotus Pavilion, the air was thick with tension.
Manuka Lan stood barefoot at the window, her white robe hastily tied, her eyes locked on the horizon.
"You have to leave," she whispered.
Phillip, sitting on the edge of her bed, looked at her with calm, unwavering eyes. "I said I'll face whatever comes—"
"No!" she turned sharply, her voice trembling. "Don't make this about pride. If the elders find you here, they'll cripple your cultivation or worse. I can't let you pay that price… not after last night."
Her words were laced with urgency and fear.
"I'll meet you again," she said more softly, taking his hand and placing something inside it—a silver lotus hairpin. "Take this. Until I see you again, this will be your proof that I chose you."
Phillip gazed at her—so fierce, so tender. Then nodded.
