Losing Control

The hum of the hovercar vibrated through Han Xin, a physical manifestation of the tremor in his chest. His fingers were locked around the hilt of Bloodreaver, the sword Xiang Yu had gifted him. 

It was more than just a sword. It was a relic, a tangible link to his past, to his father and the others before him. In his past life, he had found it in the imperial vault under tight security. He knew it wasn't an easy task for Xiang Yu to get this sword.

He had to have risked everything to retrieve it, a fact that now felt like a lead weight in Han Xin's gut. He clutched it tighter, the cold sheath a small comfort against the burning turmoil in his heart. He hadn't relinquished his hold on the weapon since they began the journey back. At night, he had even slept with it clutched to his chest, the weight of it a constant reminder of the man who had given it to him.