I had only stepped one foot across the threshold when I heard the low, honey-dipped laughter of a courtesan echo through the painted halls.
The Purple Lotus hadn't changed since the last time I had been there. Not that I had thought it would. The air still smelled of jasmine oil and secrets so strong that I had to wrinkle my nose. Music floated faintly in the background—delicate guqin notes wrapped around the sound of laughter and whispered deals. A place where pleasure and power met behind paper walls. But beneath the silk and incense, I could still feel it: the weight of something dangerous. Something feral, leashed only by gold chains and Yan Luo's hand.
Or at least I assumed that he was holding the leash.
A girl in lavender silk approached me with a bow so deep it nearly touched the floor. Her smile was forced. Too bright. "Honored guest. This one is to escort you to the upper chambers."
