Anna's POV
The moment I stepped into the kingdom, I felt like I had walked into another world. The streets were lit by hundreds of lanterns, glowing soft golden light that made the cobblestones sparkle like a river of stars. Women in bright, flowing dresses walked in groups, their laughter floating through the air and mixing with the clinking of bracelets and the sound of children running around. Men stood in clusters, talking loudly, joking, gesturing with their hands as if the air itself was alive with their energy. The smell of fresh bread and spices from the market stalls wrapped around me, warm and heavy. I could barely breathe in the joy of it all, and for a second, I felt dizzy.
wandered slowly through the market, trying to take it all in. There were silk banners hanging from balconies, swaying gently in the breeze. Musicians were playing, drums and flutes that made the air feel alive, and everywhere I looked, people smiled. Children ran past me, chasing one another, their laughter high and clear. Everything was so different from the war-torn villages I had come from, so bright and loud, it almost hurt to watch.
I stopped near a fountain to catch my breath when I overheard two women talking.
"Yes," one said, her voice shaky with excitement. "I can't believe our brave prince brought our nightmare to an end."
The other nodded quickly, eyes wide. "First… I couldn't even breathe when he was here. I was so scared to go anywhere. But now… now it feels free… but I still can't say his name."
The first woman gasped, pressing a finger to her lips. "Shhh! Don't say his name! He's only captured, not dead yet. Our prince Shang has captured him".
"Captured." The word hit me like a hammer. Of course. They were talking about Shou Feng. My heart thudded in my chest, and I froze for a moment, unable to move, unable to process it all.
Before I could think more about that, the crowd started shifting. People parted like waves, making way for a royal cart. It was beautiful—gilded, shining in the lantern light, and carried elegantly by the attendants. Women leaned from balconies, throwing petals that floated down like soft rain. The sound of cheering grew, and I realized everyone was watching someone.
And then I saw him.
Through the glass of the cart, Shang appeared. My chest went tight. He was… breathtaking. Not just handsome in the usual way, but commanding, calm, almost unreal. His eyes softened when he smiled at the children, and he returned every wave with patience. His soldiers flanked him, proud and alert, but there were no chains, no prisoners, no sign of the horrors I expected. People were happy, genuinely happy, and he… he made It.
The cart moved slowly past me, and I noticed the castle looming ahead. It was enormous, taller than I could even imagine, spires reaching toward the sky, glowing in the lantern light. I stepped carefully toward it, keeping to the shadows, my feet barely making a sound. Soldiers passed by, some tending to small wounds, some talking quietly with one another. An old woman tried to approach the guards, pleading softly to see the prince, but she was shoved gently aside. Watching that, I knew this was my chance. I slipped in unnoticed, moving as quietly as a shadow.
Inside, the hall was incredible. Torches and braziers lined the walls, making the polished marble floors glimmer. The smell of incense mixed with the faint fresh scent of water from the canals running along the sides. I walked slowly, hugging the wall, trying to stay invisible.
slowly, hugging the wall, trying to stay invisible.
Water shimmered along the walkway, dotted with lotus flowers that glowed faintly in the torchlight. Each blossom was delicate, soft, petals curved perfectly, reflecting in the water like tiny stars. I couldn't help pausing to look—they seemed unreal, magical, like they belonged in a painting.
The prince walked ahead, moving with such grace I almost forgot I was here. People bowed as he passed, and he returned their respect with a calm smile. He looked… human. Kind. Not like the monster I had imagined.
He stopped in front of a middle-aged man who looked powerful but gentle at the same time. "Father, I have returned from the war," Shang said, bowing low.
"Rise, my son. Rise," the man replied, smiling. "You have accomplished a feat even the gods themselves would envy. Many warriors tried to defeat the nightmare that plagued our world… but you, my brave son… you did what no one else could."
Cheering erupted around them. Relief, joy, laughter—it all mixed together, spilling into the hall and touching every corner. My stomach twisted. This wasn't the monster I had imagined. This… man, this prince, was extraordinary.
Then, an old bald man came closer, clapping Shang on the back. "Yes, he has. We couldn't even breathe when that bastard was here. Ugh, I couldn't even say his name."
The older man laughed. "Don't worry, you can once we finish him."
"Yeah, yeah," said the bald man. "Don't you think the Feng Kingdom will attack?"
"Not right now. Not here, in front of women," said the prince's father.
They went in happily, leaving the hall filled with laughter and conversation. I stood there, utterly confused. Who was what? What was what? Everything was… too perfect. Too peaceful.
Suddenly, a voice cut through my confusion.
"Oi! Who are you?"
My eyes widened, my heart leapt. I spun to run, but it was too late. A guard was in front of me in a flash. My legs automatically stepped back as I swirled and ran attempting to run and escape but I tripped down and fell , before I knew anything guard grip my arm and pull me up from the ground .
I knew one thing for sure—I had stumbled into a world more complicated than I could ever imagine. And whatever was going to happen next, I wouldn't be able to look away.
End of the chapter