The next morning, Lily woke to the sound of the birds singing outside her window. It was the sound of a new day, one that promised both danger and possibility. She glanced over at the small piece of parchment on her desk, where she had written down her promise to Ao Bing: I will find a way to set you free.
But that was easier said than done.
Her father's warning still echoed in her mind. Stay away from Ao Bing. The very thought of it twisted her stomach. How could she stay away from the only person who understood her, the only one who saw the truth behind the myths? She had to do something. She couldn't just stand by while Ao Bing remained trapped.
Lily quickly dressed and slipped out of her room. The halls of the palace were eerily quiet this morning, the shadows stretching long across the stone floors. As she made her way to the chamber where Ao Bing was being held, she passed by the royal guard stationed at various points. They gave her no more than a passing glance—too used to her wandering to question it. But today, she felt the weight of their watchful eyes more than ever.
When she reached the door to Ao Bing's room, she paused. The guards outside were not as lax as they had been the night before, likely under direct orders from her father. Her heart skipped a beat.
She couldn't risk getting caught. Not now.
Lily stood there for a moment, weighing her options. Then, without thinking, she reached into the folds of her gown and pulled out a small vial of golden light. She had learned how to harness the soft glow of her powers—gifts she didn't fully understand but had started to use when needed. It had been the same golden light that had healed Ao Bing's wound at the beach.
Taking a deep breath, she carefully placed the vial in front of the door, releasing just a trickle of light. The golden glow spread out, flickering like fireflies, forming a barrier. The guards were momentarily distracted, their gaze drawn to the soft illumination in the hallway.
As they looked away, Lily crept inside, her heart racing in her chest. The room was dim, the air thick with the smell of stone and damp wood. Ao Bing was sitting by the window, looking out at the distant mountains. He didn't hear her approach at first.
"Lily?" Ao Bing's voice was soft, surprised, yet warm as he turned around to face her.
Lily's heart fluttered at the sight of him. His horns, now fully visible beneath his messy hair, were a reminder of the world they both longed to escape. She stepped toward him, closing the distance between them.
"I couldn't stay away," she said softly. "Not when I know you're in danger."
Ao Bing's expression darkened. "Lily, you don't understand. You can't keep doing this. If your father finds out, he will—"
"I don't care," Lily interrupted, her voice steady with the conviction she hadn't known she possessed before. "I'm not going to let him keep you locked away. You don't deserve this, Ao Bing. You're not a monster."
Ao Bing looked at her, his eyes searching hers for any trace of doubt. "You don't know what the dragons are capable of. You don't know what I am."
Lily reached out and gently touched his hand, surprising both of them. "Then tell me," she said quietly. "Tell me the truth."
Ao Bing hesitated for a long moment, his gaze flickering toward the window. Finally, he took a deep breath. "I'm not just any dragon. I'm... the son of a dragon who was once powerful enough to challenge the gods themselves. My father's name was Ao Guang, and he tried to control the world, believing he could bend the heavens to his will. The gods didn't take kindly to that. They imprisoned the dragons, banished them to the deepest corners of the earth, their powers sealed away."
Lily's mind raced as she listened, trying to absorb the weight of his words. "But what does that have to do with you?"
Ao Bing's eyes darkened with a deep, painful memory. "I was born from that legacy, Lily. I have the power of water, but I'm not entirely like my father. I don't want to rule the world. I never did. But my bloodline is cursed. The gods will never let me go free."
Lily shook her head. "No. There has to be another way. You deserve to live without fear."
Ao Bing smiled faintly, though there was sadness in his eyes. "I wish it were that simple."
Suddenly, a loud knock on the door interrupted them, making both of their hearts jump.
"Princess Lily!" A guard's voice called from outside. "The Emperor requests your presence immediately."
Lily's stomach twisted. Her father had undoubtedly discovered she was missing. There was no time to waste. She quickly glanced at Ao Bing.
"Stay here," she whispered urgently. "I'll come back for you."
She hurried out of the room, heart pounding. Her mind was reeling from everything Ao Bing had just told her. Could it really be true? Was his power really tied to the gods? And if so, what could she do to help him? To free him?
The Emperor's anger was more than she feared. When she entered the throne room, she found him pacing, his brow furrowed in frustration.
"Lily," he said sharply, his voice cold. "Where have you been? You know I don't tolerate disobedience."
"I'm sorry, Father," Lily said, her voice faltering. "I just—"
"You will stay away from that dragon," the Emperor interrupted, his tone unforgiving. "If you disobey me again, there will be consequences. Do you understand?"
Lily's eyes flickered to the ground, her heart aching. She wanted to argue, to tell him that Ao Bing wasn't what he thought, but she couldn't bring herself to say the words. Not yet.
"I understand," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
But inside, she made a silent vow. She wouldn't give up on Ao Bing. No matter what it took, she would find a way to free him from the curse that bound him. She had to. For both their sakes.