The gates of the Capital City of Baiguang opened with the groan of frost-stiffened iron.
Snow had not yet fallen, but the northern winds were merciless, scraping across the stones like a blade too dull to slice but sharp enough to flay. The guards who saw the approaching figure said nothing at first, stunned into silence.
The Crown Princess of Baiguang, Bai Yuyan, didn't walk.
She staggared forward, barely catching herself before falling at the guard's feet.
Her once-silken robes were in tatters, hanging off her bones like the remnants of a dream long soured. Her feet were bare, bloodied. One side of her face was swollen, her left eye a crusted, ruined mess of color. But the other eye—the one that still opened—was bright with purpose.
The Baiguang soldiers rushed forward.
"Your Highness—!"
She collapsed just inside the gate, snow-dusted hair trailing behind her like a shroud. Her lips moved before her body hit the stone.
