Night settled over the Imperial Palace like a heavy veil.
The moon hid behind drifting clouds, leaving only scattered lanterns to push back the darkness.
Unlike the lively palace where laughter still echoed through every corridor, the palace had become eerily silent.
Only the cold wind wandered through the stone pathways.
High above the tiled roofs, three translucent figures floated quietly.
Fen Yu stretched her arms.
"I miss the Duke residence already."
General Wei Rong folded his arms.
"You miss the food."
"I also miss the food," Li Shen admitted with unusual honesty.
Fen Yu looked at him in surprise.
"You?"
Li Shen coughed lightly.
"Even ghosts appreciate good cooking."
The three laughed softly before their smiles slowly faded.
Tonight, they had left the Duke residence for only one reason.
To investigate.
Ever since the Empress had nearly died, they had all sensed the same thing.
Something dark...
Was hiding inside the palace.
Fen Yu lowered her voice.
