Chapter 10: Whispers at Dawn
The morning sun slipped through the silk curtains, warm and golden. Shen Yifan stirred from sleep, her lashes fluttering as light touched her face. It had been a restless night — thoughts of the ambush still lingered in her mind, the clash of blades echoing faintly in memory.
She rose, dressed in a soft white robe, and stepped into the hallway. The familiar sound of voices drifted up from below — laughter, argument, the usual noise that filled the Shen residence.
Downstairs, the entire family was already gathered. The aroma of breakfast filled the air, but the mood was anything but peaceful.
> "Oh, look who finally decided to come down," Shen Ruo said with a mock smile.
"Still acting as if she's the center of attention," Shen Ya added, folding her arms.
Yifan paused at the foot of the stairs, her expression calm, unreadable.
> "You two always seem to forget who's older," she replied softly. "Should I remind you again?"
Their smiles faltered.
The grandmother tapped her cane once, firm but gentle.
> "Enough, the both of you. This house has enough noise without your petty quarrels."
The stepmother gave a faint laugh.
> "Mother, they're only teasing. Yifan's been so serious lately, we're only trying to lighten her mood."
The father, Shen Rong, sipped his tea in silence, eyes distant. The usual tension between them all hung thick in the air.
But before anyone could speak again, the doors opened suddenly. Two royal guards stepped in, armor glinting under the morning light.
> "Pardon our intrusion," one of them said, bowing deeply. "We bring an imperial summons for Lady Shen Yifan."
The entire room froze.
> "A… summons?" Shen Rong asked, his voice edged with surprise. "For what reason?"
The guard answered, "Lady Shen Yifan's name was mentioned in the recent ambush outside the city. The Emperor wishes to question her personally."
Gasps rippled through the table. Shen Ruo's chopsticks dropped. Shen Ya's eyes widened. The stepmother's hand went still.
Shen Rong blinked, his expression stiff.
> "An imperial summon…? This is serious."
He turned to his daughter, eyes narrowing slightly.
"Yifan, what exactly happened that night?"
Yifan rose slowly, straightening her robe.
> "I'll explain it to His Majesty myself."
She bowed politely to her grandmother, then to her father.
> "I'll return soon."
The sisters exchanged sharp glances, jealousy twisting in their eyes.
---
The palace gates towered before her, soldiers lined in rows, their spears gleaming. Yifan followed the guards through the courtyard and into the hall where the Emperor's ministers waited.
Questions came quickly.
> "Lady Shen, you were there during the ambush?"
"How did you manage to fend off trained killers?"
"Who taught you such skills?"
Yifan stood calmly, her voice steady.
> "I was fortunate. I've learned basic defense since childhood. I reacted before I could think."
It wasn't a lie. But it wasn't the whole truth either.
The ministers exchanged looks. Some seemed impressed, others skeptical. The Emperor gave a slow nod.
> "Very well. You may return. But be cautious. We cannot have another incident like this."
She bowed.
> "Yes, Your Majesty."
---
Outside, as she walked down the palace steps, the wind carried whispers from the nearby guards.
> "They say the attacks weren't by men at all…"
"Shadows… demons… some say they've been sighted beyond the city walls."
"Nonsense," one scoffed. "Demons? In this age?"
"Believe what you will. The Emperor's sending soldiers tonight."
Yifan's steps slowed. Her heart stirred uneasily.
Demons? Shadows? What were they talking about?
She reached her carriage, hand on the door — and then froze.
Across the courtyard, just beyond the sunlight, stood a familiar figure. A tall man, half his face hidden beneath a hood. His eyes — steady, deep, unforgettable.
Her breath caught.
> Tariq…?
But before she could move or speak, a soldier passed between them — and when she looked again, he was gone.
A faint shiver ran through her, though the day was warm.
> "Lady Shen," a familiar voice called softly.
She turned. The Crown Prince, Li Wei, approached with composed grace, his silver hair catching the light.
> "It seems fate doesn't let us part for long," he said lightly.
She dipped her head respectfully.
> "Your Highness."
> "Allow me to see you home. It's not safe for a lady to travel alone."
Yifan hesitated, then nodded. "Thank you, Your Highness."
They sat together in the carriage, the city rolling past.
The silence between them wasn't heavy — only thoughtful.
> "The Emperor seems concerned," Li Wei said quietly. "That ambush wasn't ordinary."
"Yes," Yifan replied softly. "I feel… something more is coming."
"Then be careful, Lady Shen," he said, eyes lingering briefly on her.
"You too, Your Highness."
A faint smile touched his lips. The rest of the ride passed in quiet peace — two minds heavy with questions neither could answer.
---
When they reached the Shen residence, Yifan stepped down, bowing politely.
> "Thank you for the escort."
"Rest well," Li Wei replied, eyes gentle.
She watched the carriage disappear before turning toward her room.
Inside, everything was still. She closed the door, leaning lightly against it, her eyes distant.
That face.
Those whispers.
The unease in her heart.
Something was stirring — something greater than herself.
But tonight, she chose silence. Tomorrow, she would seek answers.
For now, she sat beside the window, watching the sky fade — wondering if the shadows were watching too.