BaiShe remained silent for a moment, letting the tension rise in the room. "Because my heart is in conflict with reason, Ling'er. Our feelings are mutual... I feel it in every fluctuation of your Qi. But this cannot be possible. Fate has decided that we were born under the same roof, sharing the same name. Continuing down this path would only lead us to a tribulation from which we would not emerge unscathed."
Ling'er's eyes widened in the shadows. She straightened up abruptly, her hands still gripping the lapels of her brother's robe. A gleam of wild determination suddenly replaced her sadness.
'So he thought we were really blood brother and sister... That's why...'
"Fate? Blood?" she repeated with a bitter laugh.
"You are wrong, BaiShe. You are wrong on all counts."
"What do you mean, Ling'er?"
She brought her face close to his, her golden pupils shining.
"I am not your sister, BaiShe," she declared.
