Shadows of the Past

The cold wind whispered through the ruins, rustling the leaves as Yue Rin knelt beside her unconscious sister. The weight of the moment pressed against her chest—Ao Ling was alive, but she was an enemy.

She looked down at her sister's face, so familiar yet foreign. Scars marked her once-smooth skin, and her expression, even in unconsciousness, was hardened by years of suffering.

Liang Wei and the others were waiting nearby, hidden in the darkness. She had insisted on coming alone, but she knew they wouldn't let her face this alone.

She inhaled sharply. Time to go.

Yue Rin slung Ao Ling's arm over her shoulder, lifting her with effort. Her sister had always been lighter than her—now, she felt like carrying the weight of a thousand regrets.

She turned toward the shadows. "Liang Wei."

He stepped forward, his gaze sharp. "You're alright?"

"I will be," she said, adjusting Ao Ling's weight. "Let's take her back."

The Awakening

Back at the hideout, they secured Ao Ling in a reinforced room. Her weapons had been taken, but Yue Rin knew her sister didn't need blades to be dangerous.

Zhen Xiu leaned against the doorway. "What's the plan? She's not going to wake up happy."

Yue Rin sat across from her unconscious sister. "I need answers. I need to know who turned her against me."

Han folded his arms. "And if she refuses to talk?"

Yue Rin exhaled. "Then I'll make her."

A groan broke the silence.

Ao Ling's fingers twitched, and then, with a sharp inhale, her golden eyes snapped open.

For a moment, she seemed disoriented, then her gaze locked onto Yue Rin—and pure hatred flashed in her eyes.

"You," she hissed.

Yue Rin didn't flinch. "You're awake."

Ao Ling tested her restraints, her muscles tensing. "What do you want?"

"I want the truth," Yue Rin said calmly. "Who took you? What did they do to you?"

Ao Ling laughed bitterly. "You still don't understand, do you? I chose this."

Yue Rin felt a cold weight settle in her stomach. "Liar."

"I was broken, Yue Rin. But they made me strong. While you were playing hero, I was learning the truth of this world."

Yue Rin clenched her jaw. "And what truth is that?"

Ao Ling's eyes gleamed. "Only the strong survive."

The words sent a shiver down Yue Rin's spine.

Before she could say more, a loud explosion rocked the building.

Dust rained from the ceiling, and the walls trembled.

Liang Wei cursed. "We're under attack!"

Ao Ling smirked. "Looks like my people found me."

The Battle Begins

The sound of boots storming into the hideout filled the air. Black-clad assassins poured in, their blades flashing in the dim light.

Han was the first to move, cutting down an enemy before they could strike. Liang Wei and Zhen Xiu followed, their weapons clashing with the intruders.

Yue Rin's mind raced. They came for Ao Ling. I can't let them take her.

She turned back to her sister, who was still bound.

Ao Ling smirked. "If you want to live, you better let me go."

Yue Rin hesitated for only a second before slicing through the ropes.

The moment she was free, Ao Ling rolled her shoulders, flexing her wrists. "Now, let's have some fun."

She moved like a shadow, her movements swift and brutal. Within seconds, three assassins lay dead at her feet.

Yue Rin had no time to dwell on it—more enemies flooded the room.

She engaged the first one, ducking under his sword and driving her dagger into his ribs. Another swung at her, but she caught his wrist, twisting it until the bone snapped.

The fight raged on. The hideout was turning into a warzone.

Liang Wei blocked a strike aimed at Zhen Xiu. "We're getting overwhelmed!"

Han, breathing heavily, growled, "We need an exit!"

Ao Ling, wiping blood from her blade, turned to Yue Rin. "You're not going to win this."

Yue Rin met her gaze. "Then we'll make our own way out."

With a silent understanding, they fought side by side, carving a path through the enemy.

For a brief moment, it felt like old times. Two sisters, unstoppable.

But Yue Rin knew—it would never be the same again.

The Escape

With the enemies temporarily pushed back, Liang Wei yelled, "Now! Move!"

They fled through the back of the hideout, vanishing into the night. The enemy wouldn't stop hunting them, but for now, they had survived.

Yue Rin turned to Ao Ling, their breaths heavy. "You helped us escape."

Ao Ling smirked. "Don't get used to it."

Then, without another word, she vanished into the shadows.

Yue Rin watched her go, her heart aching.

This isn't over, sister.