Chapter Ten: Connections to the Past
The sounds of running water, birds, and distant animals filled the air around me. A canopy of blue leaves swayed far above, sending rays of…
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…
Chapter One: Rude Awakening
“Xiuying, wake up!” A hand struck me across the face, accompanied by the shrill, grating yells of a woman. “I have been looking everywhere for…
