Chapter 17: Cracks in the Flame
The sky was still dark, but the horizon glowed — not from sunrise, but from the fires outside the Murong estate.
Mei Xiao paced near the window of the study, watching the distant flames lick the trees. Her hands were clenched, though she didn't realize it until her knuckles went white.
Behind her, Murong Jing He stood silent. He hadn't spoken since the cloaked man vanished. That alone unsettled her more than the black sigil had.
"You know who he was," she finally said.
He didn't deny it.
"Then tell me."
"He's from the Obsidian Sect," Jing He said flatly. "They worship destruction, believe power should not be sealed… only wielded. And they've been hunting the Phoenix bloodline for centuries."
Mei Xiao frowned. "Then why now? Why me?"
"You woke up." He turned to her. "Or rather… she did."
Mei Xiao crossed her arms. "You keep acting like I'm two people. But I'm just—"
"—someone caught between what you were and what you are," he interrupted.
That stung.
He took a slow step forward, voice low. "You're not fully her. But you're not fully you anymore, either."
Mei Xiao looked away, suddenly unsure of her own reflection in the glass. She wanted to deny it. Wanted to say she was still the same sarcastic, coffee-addicted girl who hated early mornings and martial training.
But the fire under her skin said otherwise.
"I don't remember being her," she whispered.
Jing He's eyes softened — just for a breath. "Maybe that's why I can still talk to you."
Silence stretched.
Then — the door slid open. A guard bowed quickly.
"Master, Young Madam… the elders demand to speak with you. They've heard whispers that the Phoenix has returned."
Jing He's jaw tightened. "Of course they have."
"And…" The guard hesitated. "One of them claims she saw a flame rise from Madam Mei's room… last night."
Mei Xiao blinked. "I… I didn't—" But the moment the scroll opened came rushing back. That heat. That flash. That surge of something not hers.
She looked at Jing He. He didn't flinch.
"They'll want proof," the guard added. "Or… punishment."
Mei Xiao scoffed. "Wow. From bride to burning at the stake. That was fast."
Jing He turned to her. "If you don't want to face them, I'll lie."
That surprised her.
"I thought you were sent to watch me."
"I was." He met her gaze. "But now… I'm not sure which side I'm on."