The night passed in complete silence.
Moonlight filtered through the enchanted crystal ceiling, casting pale silver patterns across the vast chamber like a fractured cage.
Outside, the twelve Shadow Guards remained as motionless as statues, their sharp eyes scanning every shadow in the corridor leading toward the king's private residence.
Not even a mouse could have slipped past them.
Inside, Cassian had not left, He sat beside the bed in a carved chair of black jade, one elbow resting against the armrest, his golden eyes unblinking, never straying far from the sleeping Female, several times during the long hours, she stirred restlessly.
A soft, pained frown would crease her brows.
Her breathing would grow ragged and uneven.
Tiny beads of cold sweat gathered along her forehead despite the cool air of the room.
"...No..."
Her voice was barely a breath.
"...Wei Xiang..."
Cassian's gaze darkened, his posture freezing.
"...Don't...Run..."
