Night had settled over the imperial palace.
The moon hung high above the tiled roofs, its pale light spilling across the silent courtyards.
Most of the palace had already gone to sleep.
But in one secluded courtyard, a single woman remained awake.
Mei Lan stood beneath the covered corridor, quietly waiting.
She had been waiting for a long time.
Tonight was supposed to be important.
Shin Gu had told her earlier that everything had to be prepared before midnight. The incense, the candles, the ritual objects, the special water, and the sealed talismans had all been arranged.
Mei Lan had followed every instruction.
Everything was ready.
Yet Shin Gu had not come out.
Mei Lan glanced toward the closed doors.
Why is Lady Shin Gu taking so long?
She had expected to see her mistress begin the ritual hours ago.
Instead, the courtyard had gradually become silent.
Mei Lan waited another quarter of an hour.
Nothing.
She finally approached the chamber.
She knocked softly.
