The Imperial Capital slept beneath a veil of moonlight, but danger moved freely in the dark.
Mei Lin stood in the inner courtyard of the Lin residence, Luna close by her side. The Moonshadow Wolf's fur bristled, a low growl rumbling from her throat.
Someone was watching.
Before Mei Lin could react, the air twisted.
Three black-clad figures dropped silently from the rooftops, their killing intent sharp and focused.
Assassins.
"So young," one whispered mockingly. "What a shame."
---
The Ambush
A blade flashed.
Mei Lin raised her hand instinctively, wind spiraling around her arm to deflect the strike. Sparks flew as Luna lunged, biting into an assassin's leg and dragging him back.
But they were prepared.
A magic seal flared beneath Mei Lin's feet.
Her movements slowed.
Pain exploded across her shoulder as a poisoned needle pierced her skin.
"Tch," one assassin muttered. "Finish her."
Mei Lin clenched her teeth, forcing herself upright.
I can't fall here…
---
A Sudden Intervention
Then—
BOOM!
A violent gust of wind tore through the courtyard, throwing two assassins into the wall with bone-crushing force.
The third barely had time to turn—
Before a sharp stone, compressed by wind magic, struck his temple.
He collapsed instantly.
Silence fell.
Footsteps echoed softly.
From the shadows emerged a boy, no older than Mei Lin herself. He wore noble clothing beneath a traveling cloak, his silver-gray eyes calm yet alert.
Behind him stood Chaos Family knights, frozen in shock.
"You moved without orders, Young Master!" one whispered urgently.
The boy ignored them, his gaze fixed on Mei Lin.
---
Eyes That Recognize the Soul
Mei Lin stared at him.
Her heart skipped.
Why… do I feel like I know him?
The boy frowned slightly, pressing a hand to his chest.
"…That's strange," he said quietly. "My heart feels heavy."
Luna padded forward.
The knights tensed.
But instead of attacking, Luna sniffed the boy—then sat beside him.
Accepted him.
The boy blinked. "She doesn't see me as an enemy…"
Mei Lin swallowed. "Luna doesn't trust strangers."
"Then maybe," the boy replied softly, "I'm not one."
---
Names Without Memories
"I'm Luo Chaos," he said after a moment. "Heir of the Chaos Family."
"…Mei Lin," she replied.
The moment he heard her name, something deep inside him stirred—warm, aching, familiar.
"Mei… Lin," Luo repeated.
It felt important.
But he didn't know why.
---
Unspoken Connection
"You're hurt," Luo said, noticing the blood on her shoulder.
He reached into his pouch and pulled out a small vial. "Drink this. It's a basic healing potion—safe."
Mei Lin hesitated only a second before drinking it. Warmth spread through her body as the pain faded.
"Thank you," she said sincerely.
Luo nodded, then hesitated. "I don't remember ever meeting you… but when I sensed danger here, my body moved on its own."
Mei Lin's chest tightened.
She understood that feeling far too well.
---
Too Late, As Always
Chaos Family guards rushed in, alarmed by the fallen assassins.
"Young Master! Are you injured?"
"I'm fine," Luo replied calmly. "Escort her family's guards here."
He turned back to Mei Lin. "It's not safe for me to stay. This will attract attention."
"…Will I see you again?" she asked quietly.
Luo didn't answer immediately.
But his eyes were certain.
"Yes," he said. "I think… I will."
He took a step back, then paused.
"Have we met before?" he asked.
Mei Lin's lips parted.
Images flickered in her soul—classroom desks, a sketchbook, a warm voice.
"…I don't know," she said softly. "But it feels like we have."
Luo smiled faintly.
"Then I hope we meet again soon."
---
As he was led away by his knights, Mei Lin watched his retreating figure.
Her hand pressed against her chest.
Phillip… Luo…
Names change.
Worlds change.
But some bonds—
> Refuse to break.