—
The night was torn apart by thunder.
Dark clouds swallowed the moon whole, and the forest groaned beneath the weight of the storm.
Rain crashed down like shards of glass, soaking the earth until it bled with mud.
Every flash of lightning painted a fleeting, ghastly scene — a man in a black cloak, soaked and heavy from the rain, dashed through the forest clutching his life's treasures: a little girl in his arms and a wounded woman barely breathing against his chest.
His long black hair clung to his face, streaked with rain and blood.
His boots were caked with blood and earth.
Beneath his torn cloak, he wore light silver armor engraved with guardian runes, though most were cracked and dim.
A long sword, once radiant with spiritual light, now hung useless at his waist — its blade chipped, its glow fading with his strength.
His breathing came in ragged gasps.
Each step sent a stabbing pain through his ribs.
His legs trembled, but he didn't stop.
He couldn't.
—
Behind him, the shouts grew closer.
"Don't let them escape!"
"Kill the Guardian! Kill them all!"
Jiāngyuè's heart clenched.
The dragon… that's what they wanted all along.
The divine creature he had sworn to protect — the ancient last dragon of the Imperial Lake, the spirit of their realm.
—
Behind him, torches flickered like a swarm of angry stars, chasing, closing in — the army of betrayal thundering through the rain-soaked forest.
And then — a whistle.
He turned his head just in time to see the arrow flying through the downpour.
It sliced the air like death itself.
He twisted, throwing his shoulder forward, shielding the woman and child.
Thwack!!
The arrow struck his back with a sickening thud.
He fell to his knees with a strangled cry, blood blooming like ink through his cloak.
But his arms never loosened.
He clutched them closer — his world, his reason.
—
The woman in his arms trembled, her once-rosy lips pale and stained with blood.
Her silver long hair, soaked and clinging to her face, glowed faintly under the lightning — the remnants of her spirit light.
She tried to lift her head.
"Jiāngyuè…" Ning Xuě'er's weak voice trembled as her bloodstained hand reached up, brushing his cheek.
Her eyes — once the color of spring's calm — were now dim, clouded with pain and fear. "You're hurt…"
"It's nothing," he lied, forcing a smile that was more agony than comfort. "We're almost safe, my love."
But deep down, he knew the truth.
It's was almost...
Impossible.
Then his gaze fell on the small face nestled against her chest — his daughter, Mù Xuán.
She looked barely seven, her large eyes wide with fear, glistening with tears.
Her tiny hands clutched at his armor. "Daddy…" she whimpered.
His heart shattered.
—
This was supposed to be a peaceful day.
A simple outing beyond the Imperial Lake — their first in years.
Mu Xuán'er had begged to see the outside world, and he had finally relented, promising her flowers, sunshine, laughter.
Not this nightmare.
This night was supposed to be her first adventure beyond the Imperial Lake… not her first glimpse of death.
—
He kissed their foreheads quickly, tasting the rain and blood.
"Don't cry, little one," he murmured. "Daddy's here…"
More arrows cut through the air.
He turned again, shielding them.
Two struck — one deep into his shoulder, another grazing his neck.
His body trembled violently, blood spilling freely now.
He clenched his jaw as he staggered forward but somehow still stood, forcing his trembling legs to move again.
The pain in his back was unbearable, but his heart was heavier.
—
Mu Xuán'er was crying softly now, whispering, "Daddy… I'm scared…"
He turned his head just enough to meet her teary gaze.
"It's okay, my little princess," he said, his voice breaking. "Daddy's here. Daddy will protect you."
She nodded, but tears kept falling.
Her tiny shoulders shook with every sob.
He held them tighter — tighter, as if the force of his embrace could shield them from the world.
He had to get them away.
He had to—
—