Night had fallen heavily over the palace.
The moon was hidden behind a thin veil of clouds, and the usually lively corridors had become almost completely silent.
Most of the palace had already fallen asleep.
But in one courtyard—
Mei Lan could not sleep.
She lay beneath her blanket, staring at the ceiling.
Something had been bothering her since evening.
She couldn't explain it.
The palace had felt different lately.
Ever since the Empress had survived what everyone believed would be her final breath, rumors had multiplied.
Some servants whispered that the Empress had been protected by the heavens.
Others whispered that something darker had happened.
And some—
Especially those who worked around Shin Gu—
Had begun speaking in hushed voices whenever the Empress's name was mentioned.
Mei Lan had tried not to listen.
Tonight, however—
She heard something else.
A voice.
Soft.
Almost like a whisper carried by the wind.
"Help me…"
Mei Lan's eyes opened wide.
