The silence between them was taut, sharp — like a blade held at the ready. Lei Yǔlín's golden eyes never wavered from Su Shu. Blood dripped steadily from her arm, each drop darkening the gleaming floor. Still, she stood unyielding, the fire in her gaze undimmed by pain.
Yǔlín tilted his head slightly, the shadows of his mask obscuring his expression. A low, eerie chuckle escaped him.
"I like people like you," he said, his voice as smooth as silk but edged with menace. "Mad enough to chase the impossible. Killing my father? That's bold."
Su Shu's jaw tightened. She didn't respond.
He moved in, slow and deliberate, his presence swallowing the space between them. His shadow cloaked her like a stormcloud. "Tell me," he murmured, eyes gleaming behind the mask, "who sent you? Who was reckless enough to pit you against the Demon King?"
Su Shu's hands curled into fists, her thoughts racing. Speak and die. Stay silent and die.
"I work for no one," she snapped, her voice laced with resolve. "This was my choice."
Yǔlín's eyes narrowed. "A lone wolf then?"
He reached out and lifted her chin with icy fingers. Her breath hitched — his touch was colder than steel. "How did you breach the palace?"
She glared back at him, lips sealed. She would not give him the satisfaction.
Footsteps echoed just beyond the door. Guards. Yǔlín's eyes flicked toward the sound, then returned to her.
"Well?" he whispered, leaning in until his mask was a whisper away. "What should I do with you?"
The steps outside quickened, voices barking commands. The doorknob began to turn.
Yǔlín's gaze locked with hers again. And in that sliver of a moment, something passed between them — rage, fear... or maybe something else entirely. Something unspoken.