Breaching The Barrier

XueYa had planned to depart from the island of lust at sunset. But to his surprise, the first line of trouble that hindered their departure didn't come from the sorcerers nor the fog - it was from madam Mu.

"Must you all leave?" Madam Mu had clung to Tao's robes, startling the young pirate. And no matter how gently or not so gently he tried to shake her off, her hold persisted.

Zhou eyed her with suspicion but held himself down from interfering upon seeing XueYa's warning glare.

The wind whipped in from the open sea. The lanterns hung along the dock swayed miserably, their warm light dancing wildly against the white wood of the pier, sparing light over the awkward scene.

"Whoever wants to stay have the free will to do so," XueYa said lightly, offering madam Mu a smile. "I force no one to follow me."

"Then, stay," madam Mu said her words to Tao, her hold tightening around his sleeve.