AT THE SAME TIME
EMPEROR LIANWEI POINT OF VIEW:
The morning sunlight spilled unevenly through the palace windows, catching motes of dust that seemed to float in slow, deliberate patterns. I hadn't left Mei Shen's side since the poisoning, hours turned into days, and every tick of the clock gnawed at my patience.
A hush fell over the courtyard. Even the servants seemed to sense it: the kind of silence that stretches just beyond comfort. Then a courier appeared, sweating, hands trembling as he bowed.
"A letter… for the master Lianwei." He stammered, thrusting a folded parchment into my hands.
No seal I recognized. No emblem. Just… darkness pressed into the paper, as if it had absorbed intent. I ripped it open, eyes scanning the inked words that seemed to hiss at me.
"Do not let your vigilance weaken. She is precious… but not invincible. Your next move will cost more than you are willing to pay. Be careful, or all you hold dear will burn."
