Shen Ningning heard the sound of the lock being pried open.
Then, the main door of the Sunlight Tower was pulled open from the outside.
A sliver of somber snow-light shone in, mixed with the cold north wind.
Shen Ningning shielded her eyes with her small hand. Peeking through the gaps between her fingers, she saw the newcomer had a slender build, with a treasure sword worn horizontally at the small of his back.
Ye Shangyi rubbed her eyes, a hint of joy in her voice. "It's Captain Pei!"
"Did Her Highness send you to let us out?"
Pei Yin's expression was calm. He glanced around the inside of the Sunlight Tower, confirming that only Shen Ningning and Ye Shangyi were present.
He held up a letter. "No. My hawk delivered a letter from the Commandery Princess asking for help."
As he spoke, he held out his arm, and a sharp cry echoed from the sky.
The same hawk flapped its wings and landed on his arm, as docile as a pet sparrow.
