The morning sun climbed slowly over the spires of Red Silk City, casting golden rays over the ancient Lan family estate. Inside a secluded mansion surrounded by high courtyard walls and guarded gates, Manuka Lan stood before the heavy bronze doors of her locked chamber, her palms pressed against the cold surface.
She hadn't asked for anything in years.
Not freedom.
Not rest.
Not love.
But today was different.
"Father," she said softly, though she knew her voice would reach the ears beyond the door, "please open it. Just for today."
The guards outside hesitated. Her tone wasn't commanding or angry — it was calm, almost tender. That frightened them more than fury ever could.
From the central mansion, an elder rushed to the inner residence, where the Lan family head, Patriarch Lan Tian, was meditating.
"Young Miss is requesting release… she says she wants to spend the day with the family."
