"Where is Cherry?"
General Yu froze at Gilbert's question. Before he could answer, Gilbert grabbed his collar and pushed him against the wall.
"I... I do not know."
The general caught Gilbert's wrist.
"She was beside me, and then she disappeared."
"It has not even been fifteen minutes since I left her with you. I gave you one job."
General Yu swallowed.
"I do not know where she is. But I think Mister Zhou might have taken her."
Gilbert's grip loosened slightly.
"The Black Emperor?"
"Yes. Mister Zhou owns the Hidden Palace."
Gilbert stared at him. Cherry had been taken while he was fighting to keep her from those men, and now the owner himself might have her.
"I know the hidden paths and doors," General Yu said quickly. "I can take you to him. Please, let me go."
Gilbert released him. The general stepped back, rubbing his neck as he caught his breath.
At Gilbert's signal, one of his men came forward and placed a short knife near his feet. Gilbert picked it up.
