The day had ended,
But in the Palace of Eternal Flames, night never brings true rest.
Suwei was secretly summoned.
A message sealed with the throne's emblem:
"Present yourself at the Hall of Silent Jade at nightfall. Without escort."
No reasons were announced.
No explanation was offered.
Only silence... and the fire that surrounds it.
—
The Hall of Silent Jade was one of the oldest in the Palace.
No windows, no excessive ornaments.
Just a sleeping dragon statue in the center, and walls carved with scenes of forgotten emperors.
Suwei entered silently.
And there he was.
Jin Long.
Standing, with his back to the door.
His dark scale cloak hanging like a living shadow.
He didn't turn when he heard him.
—So you're the one who made the lineage flower bloom —he finally said, with no apparent emotion.
Suwei bowed.
—I did nothing, Majesty. I was merely... present.
Silence.
Jin Long turned slowly.
His black eyes met Suwei's for the first time without witnesses.
