Lady Chen's courtyard was unusually bright that evening.
Lanterns glowed softly along the curved corridors, casting warm gold light across polished stone. A gentle breeze carried the faint scent of jasmine through the air.
From the outside, it looked peaceful.
Refined.
Serene.
Inside—
Something colder stirred.
Lady Chen sat elegantly at the stone table, dressed in pale blue silk. Her posture was perfect, her expression composed.
Across from her sat Shin Gu.
Calm.
Graceful.
Eyes unreadable.
Tea steamed between them.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then Lady Chen exhaled slowly.
"Five days," she murmured.
Shin Gu's lips curved slightly.
"Yes."
Lady Chen lowered her voice.
"She will not wake, will she?"
It was not asked with sorrow.
It was asked with calculation.
Shin Gu lifted her cup, blowing gently over the rim before answering.
"She has already crossed too far."
Her tone was soft.
Almost gentle.
