The next days flowed like calm water.
Mei Lian, Zhen Yu, and Lin'er became an unspoken trio — walking together, eating together, lingering by the river each sunset.
Mei Lian had never lived like this before.
Quiet.
Safe.
Human.
She found herself watching Zhen Yu more than she meant to — the way he helped a farmer fix a fence, how gently he braided Lin'er's hair when the wind tangled it.
And Zhen Yu… he watched her, too. Not with fear, but with something soft and warm.
Their connection grew — not through words, but through small, shared moments. Even the villagers began to smile at Mei Lian when she passed.
Far to the South…
The king received the spy's report.
"The witch — the Black Lotus — is traveling with him. They have slowed down."
"She is not absorbing monsters. Instead, she heals villagers."
"They seem to be growing close."
The king's fingers tightened around the scroll.
"So," he murmured, "my dear brother has found someone to lean on."
His smile twisted.
"She was supposed to absorb every monster and return to me. Instead, she plays house in a northern village?"
He summoned a servant and handed him a small vial of colorless toxin.
"Slip it into the prince's meals. Quietly. Slowly."
A poison meant to kill without suspicion.
A poison meant for Zhen Yu.
Back in the Village
That evening, the villagers prepared a feast for their honored guests.
Warm broth.
Fried river fish.
Steamed buns.
The innkeeper — either bribed or threatened — carried out the king's order.
A single bowl… was poisoned.
Zhen Yu lifted his chopsticks.
But before he could take a bite—"Big Brother Yu! I want that one!" Lin'er giggled and snatched the bowl from his hands.
She took three bites of the soup dumplings. Then the chopsticks slipped from her fingers.
Her little body trembled — and she collapsed.
Her father screamed.
Villagers rushed forward.
Zhen Yu caught Lin'er in his arms, horror flooding his face. "Lin'er! Lin'er, look at me—!"
Mei Lian's eyes flashed crimson-gold. "Poison". She signed.
But the villagers saw something else: The girl who adored the witch now dying.
"She cursed the child!"
"It's her!"
"The witch did something — look at her eyes!"
"Monster!"
Fear twisted into rage.
Mei Lian ignored their accusations.
She knelt beside Lin'er, hands trembling as she checked the girl's fading pulse.
Weak.
Very weak.
Zhen Yu tried to shield her. "Enough!" he roared. "She didn't—"
But Mei Lian shook her head. Her hands signed. I'll save her. No matter what.