Chapter 26: Into the Shadows

The dense forest outside the Bai estate stretched endlessly in every direction, the towering trees casting dark silhouettes against the moonlit sky. Bai Yue struggled to keep her balance as she half-carried, half-dragged the weakened envoy deeper into the foliage. Each step felt heavier than the last, her heart pounding against her ribs.

"Weishan," she gasped, glancing at him as he moved effortlessly beside her, his expression tense but composed. "Where exactly are we going?"

"Somewhere they won't find us," he replied, his voice calm but laced with urgency. "Keep moving."

Bai Yue gritted her teeth and pressed on. The envoy's weight was dragging her down, and she could feel the cold sweat gathering on her brow. He was slipping in and out of consciousness, mumbling incoherent words under his breath.

"We need to stop soon," Bai Yue insisted, her tone sharper. "If he collapses, we won't get anywhere."

Weishan glanced at her, his eyes dark and calculating. After a moment, he nodded. "There's an old abandoned shrine not far from here. We can rest there."

Bai Yue didn't argue, too exhausted to question him.

The shrine, hidden deep within the forest, was little more than a crumbling structure overtaken by vines and moss. It stood in eerie silence, as if forgotten by time itself. Bai Yue helped the envoy down onto the cold stone floor, carefully lowering him against the wall before collapsing beside him, breathing heavily.

Weishan crouched beside them, scanning their surroundings with a critical eye. "It's not much, but it'll keep us hidden for now."

Bai Yue wiped the sweat from her forehead, looking at the envoy's pale face. "We don't have much time. If the poison spreads further, he won't survive the night."

Weishan watched her, his gaze unreadable. "Can you treat him?"

Bai Yue hesitated, then nodded. "I need a few herbs—ginger to warm his blood, licorice to cleanse his organs, and ginseng for his strength." She looked up at Weishan. "Can you find them?"

He gave a short nod and disappeared into the forest without a word.

Bai Yue exhaled, turning back to the envoy. His breathing was shallow, and beads of sweat clung to his forehead. She placed a hand on his wrist, feeling the faint, irregular pulse beneath her fingertips.

"You're going to be alright," she whispered, whether to him or to herself, she wasn't sure.

The envoy's eyes fluttered open for a brief moment. "You… why are you helping me?"

Bai Yue hesitated before answering, "Because you know something I need to know. And because I can't stand by and let someone die when I have the means to help."

A faint smile ghosted the envoy's lips before he drifted back into unconsciousness.

Time passed slowly, each second stretching into eternity. The sounds of the forest surrounded Bai Yue—rustling leaves, distant owl calls, the wind whispering through the trees.

Finally, Weishan returned, moving through the shadows like a phantom. He knelt beside Bai Yue, setting a small bundle of herbs on the ground. "Is this enough?"

Bai Yue quickly inspected the ingredients and nodded. "Yes. Help me start a fire."

Weishan moved efficiently, gathering dry twigs and striking flint until a small flame flickered to life. Bai Yue worked quickly, grinding the herbs into a fine paste and mixing them into a cup of heated water.

Kneeling beside the envoy, she gently lifted his head and brought the cup to his lips. "Drink," she murmured softly.

The envoy stirred, weakly sipping the concoction before falling back against the stone wall with a sigh.

Bai Yue sat back, watching him closely. "It'll take some time, but this should stabilize him."

Weishan leaned against the wall, his sharp eyes studying her. "You never cease to surprise me."

Bai Yue rolled her eyes. "I'll take that as a compliment."

A small smirk played on Weishan's lips. "You should."

She sighed, looking down at her hands. "This is only temporary. If he doesn't get proper treatment soon…"

Weishan nodded, his expression turning serious. "I'll make sure he does."

Bai Yue hesitated, then met his gaze. "Weishan… why are you really helping me? This isn't just about keeping me safe, is it?"

He was silent for a moment before replying, his voice lower than before. "You remind me of someone."

Bai Yue blinked. "Who?"

Weishan's gaze drifted to the fire, the flames reflecting in his dark eyes. "Someone I failed to protect."

Bai Yue's breath caught in her throat. She had expected a teasing remark, a deflection, but instead, there was something raw beneath his words—something that made her chest tighten.

Before she could respond, the envoy groaned, drawing their attention back to him. His eyes fluttered open, more alert than before. He coughed weakly and looked between them.

"I… I can't stay here," he rasped.

Bai Yue placed a calming hand on his shoulder. "You need to rest."

The envoy shook his head weakly. "You don't understand. The second mistress… she's planning something bigger. She's… she's working with someone from the Imperial Court. Something dangerous."

Bai Yue exchanged a glance with Weishan.

The envoy's breathing grew ragged, and his grip tightened on Bai Yue's sleeve. "You need to stop her… before it's too late."

Bai Yue swallowed hard. "What is she planning?"

The envoy's eyes fluttered shut, his strength fading again. "A weapon… hidden within the estate… something that could destroy everything…"

Bai Yue's heart pounded in her chest. A weapon?

Weishan's voice was calm but urgent. "Where?"

The envoy's lips parted, but no sound came. He slipped back into unconsciousness, leaving Bai Yue and Weishan in a heavy silence.

Bai Yue looked at Weishan, her voice barely above a whisper. "We need to go back."

Weishan's jaw clenched. "It's too risky."

Bai Yue shook her head. "If what he says is true, we can't ignore it. I have to stop her."

Weishan studied her for a long moment before sighing. "Then we do this my way. No unnecessary risks."

Bai Yue nodded, determination settling in her chest.

The game had changed. And now, it was no longer just about survival—it was about stopping something that could destroy them all.

Together, they disappeared into the night once more, their path uncertain, but their resolve unwavering.