The cave was quiet. Only the sound of dripping water filled the dark.
Zhen Yu sat with his sword across his knees. The woman sat across from him, her black hair falling like a curtain, her crimson eyes glowing faintly in the shadows.
She had called him Fool. Her hands rested still now, but her silence said more than words.
At last, Zhen Yu spoke.
"You live here. Alone."
She did not nod. Did not shake her head. Her gaze drifted toward the icy walls, then back to him.
Her fingers moved.
Safer this way.
Zhen Yu frowned. "Safer for you? Or for others?"
Her hand paused, then continued.
Both.
Zhen Yu leaned forward.
"Master Shen asked me to accompany you. To protect you."
Her hands moved quickly this time, sharp.
You couldn't even protect yourself from the monster. How will you protect me?
His voice was steady.
"Not from monsters. From humans. Master told me everything. You cannot harm them — even if they harm you. Because you promised your mother."
For the first time, her lips curved. A smile — thin, bitter.
Funny. Even so, they are afraid of me.
The smile faded. Her fingers stilled, then rose again.
I will meet Master before the hunt. But I am not part of your palace. I won't meet your King. I don't trust anyone.
Her crimson eyes locked on his.
I will take only you. Because Master trusts you.
Zhen Yu's reply was calm.
"Then I will come. But I will bring General Liang Hu as well. To help with the road, nothing more."
She considered this, then nodded once.
And…
The deal was made.