That evening, she dined with her family for the first time in months.
The elders were cautious, but respectful. She poured wine for her brother, shared a joke with her cousin, and even accepted a new hairpin from her youngest niece — a phoenix feather carved from white jade.
Everyone was surprised. Her laughter was music, her mood full of grace.
None could see the ghost in her smile. The time spent happily and she went back to her room with all smiles.
-
The moon floated high in the sky, casting a pale, silvery glow across the quiet halls of the Lan Manor. Outside Manuka's chamber, the wind rustled gently through the garden she had nurtured for years — now blooming in full, as if nature itself was bidding farewell.
Inside the room, scented candles flickered faintly. The faint aroma of moonlotus petals lingered in the air. Manuka Lan sat on the edge of her bed, her fingers trembling slightly as she touched the jade comb in her hair for the last time.
