Ji En drifted in a nightmare of fire and ice. Pain wracked every breath, every beat of his heart. His chest felt shattered; each inhale dragged broken bones against each other.
Sometimes, faint touches pulled him back: water against his lips, bitter medicine poured down his throat, a cool cloth on his burning brow.
At last, the torment dulled. He forced his eyes open.
He was lying in a refined chamber, the scent of sandalwood in the air.
A kind-faced middle-aged woman smiled in relief. "Ah, you've woken!"
"…Water," Ji En rasped.
She carefully lifted him, helping him drink. Coolness slid down his scorched throat, granting fragile life.
"Don't worry, child. You're in the Soul-Suppressing Alliance now. You're safe."
Ji En exhaled. "Thank you… may I ask your name?"
"I serve the young lady, tending to her daily needs. She calls me Aunt San—you may do the same."
"The young lady?"
"Ling Yue, of course. She is our Alliance Leader's daughter."
Ji En froze. So that was it. He had suspected her noble birth, but never imagined—she was the daughter of Ji Lianyu himself, leader of the Soul-Suppressing Alliance.
Shock mingled with confusion, and something else he dared not name. He closed his eyes, exhaustion dragging him under again. Aunt San tucked him in and quietly withdrew.