Chapter Thirteen: Clouded Perception
Blue energy rippled through the dark clouds hanging above me, accompanied by an unending stream of rumbling thunder. At first, I thought the dragons might…
Chapter Twelve: The Pearl’s Mandate
Something that sounded like an explosion rocked the carriage, sending my slumbering self out of the seat and onto the floor. Or at least, it…
Chapter Nine: The Pearl Hanging in the Darkness
I laid on my back, staring up at the canopy of trees above me. Soft breathing and a few snores filled the air, but that…
Chapter Eight: Circling Beasts
“Everyone, the patriarch is here!” A young male voice called from high in the trees above us. I glanced upward and narrowed my eyes, finding…
Chapter Seven: Misdirection
I plopped down in the grass with a small sigh and glanced toward where Yahui was tending his qilin. After several hours on the qilin…
Chapter Six: Provenance
Shui placed a steaming cup of tea in front of me while I stared blankly at the table. It felt too early to be awake,…
Chapter Five: Life and Death
I snuck through the palace grounds, a hood over my bright hair, and a mask over the bottom half of my face. The palace was…
Chapter Four: Rats Within the Dragon’s Lair
How foolish I was. I sighed, staring at the ceiling of my rooms. Whatever that lock was, clearly I couldn’t destroy it yet. Whether it…
Chapter Three: The Dance of Light and Shadow
I inhaled the cool night air deeply, listening to the sounds of birds, insects, and water all around me. The scent of fresh, damp soil…
Chapter Two: Adaptation
Mingzhu. I twirled a lock of hair around my fingers, letting the name sink in. An elegant name to be sure, though perhaps a simple…
