The next morning, three riders left the gates of Jing.
Zhen Yu rode in front, his silver sword at his side.
Liang Hu followed close, silent and watchful.
Mei Lian rode between them, hood pulled low, black robes hiding her face.
They traveled northwest for days. Snow thinned. Roads grew rough. At last, smoke rose ahead — a small, busy city.
"Baiyun," Liang Hu said. "We can rest and resupply here."
Zhen Yu nodded. They passed under the city gates. Hooves clattered on stone.
Mei Lian walked with her head lowered. Even so, her silence and robes drew whispers.
"Find us a place to stay," Zhen Yu told Liang Hu. The general left.
Zhen Yu turned to Mei Lian. "Come. You should eat."
He led her into a warm restaurant. Steam filled the air, thick with the smell of pork buns. He guided her to a quiet table in the corner.
"Sit. I'll bring something."
He set a plate of fresh bao before her. "Eat. I'll get supplies while you finish."
She lowered her hood just enough to take a bite. For a moment, she looked like nothing more than a quiet traveler.
Then a voice broke the peace.
"Well, what's this? A pretty shadow hiding under rags?"
A drunk man staggered toward her. He reached for her chin. She pulled back, but his hand caught her hood. The cloth slipped away.
Crimson eyes. Veins glowing faint beneath pale skin.
The man froze, then screamed.
"Monster! Monster!"
The restaurant erupted. Chairs scraped. People fled, but others grabbed knives and clubs.
"Kill her before she curses us!"
"Don't let her escape!"
Hands seized Mei Lian. A blade lifted, aimed at her stomach.
Steel flashed.
Zhen Yu cut through the man's weapon and slashed his arm. The goon screamed, dropping to the floor.
Two more rushed him. He struck fast, pommel to the jaw, edge to the shoulder. Both went down, bleeding but alive.
He turned his blade on the rest, eyes sharp, voice cold.
"Anyone else?"
The mob hesitated. The air filled with fear.
Zhen Yu stood between Mei Lian and them, his sword steady.
"She is under my protection," he said. "From this day, I swear it — no mob, no blade, no king will touch her while I still draw breath."
Behind him, Mei Lian watched in silence. Her hands trembled. Then, slowly, her lips curved into the faintest smile.
The oath had been spoken.