The airship's subtle vibrations shifted as we began our descent, the qi-powered engines humming with a different frequency that made the walls pulse with contained energy.
I dismissed the pleasure palace back to its bracelet form, the opulent chamber folding into dimensional space as reality reasserted itself—cramped utility closet, stale air, and all.
Mei Ling straightened her clothes, her cheeks still flushed but her posture more confident now. Lin Yue adjusted her torn top with practiced efficiency, green eyes sharp and alert. Whatever doubts had plagued them seemed settled, at least for now.
A sharp knock echoed against the metal door. "Passengers, prepare for docking," came Jian Wei's voice, dripping with barely concealed disdain. "Elder Feng commands your presence on deck."
