-

hrough the mountain road

on plush carpets, soaked and cold. The scent of aged cedar and sandalwood filled the air. Outside the curtained

ne s

n. Not the guar

nd was far

id he s

m me as

oes he

e raw, and her skin stung where the cane had torn it open. But the assassin in her stirred now with ever

n there

Zey

n and claimed her like a possession-no,

d at her with d

like a puzzle he alre

-

elt endless. But as dusk descende

, the smell of pine

sn't a home. It

ops, black-tiled walls, towering archways lined with red lanterns that swayed like floati

ys s

egs weak but pride intact. Her cloak drag

, none daring to l

said without glancing her way. "Have the phys

trailing behind him l

questio

even

-

ed Pa

e manor was vast and empty, designed to muffle sound and swallow warmth. Every hall bor

was... un

ce-walls, bedding, lanterns, even the candles burned red wax. The wind

't a brid

cage gild

and disappeared, leavin

idn't

idn't

gan to

on the wall. Hidden compartments. Every movement calcula

she found

ack wax. N

d it with

gged back. If you betray, you will die slower than your past se

was no

nmanship w

ec

e Duke'

-

essional, and didn't dare speak more than a few words. He cleaned her wounds

the bed, legs dangling. H

rpened like a da

is this

ke a trap designed

s the candleligh

rs crea

-

uke A

h no announcem

hair slightly loose. But his e

. Her fingers curled aro

id calmly, n

di

reatures born of violence, pret

ged wrists, the stif

he noted. "Most wo

t," she repl

ps. Not pleasure. Not

e you,

aid n

g closer, "don't match this b

chin. "Why di

," he said, pausing just a step

an eyebrow.

gho

thickened. Lan

ave, but paused

said. "But know this, Lady Li... if

blin

yes, voice l

n down everything you think is safe, u

shut be

a crimson cage-wondering if she had just traded

-