Chapter 5

After exchanging their clothes underground, Gua helps Ray unfold his hair, which was packed into a bun, and braids it, causing his hair to drop to waist level, while she unbraids her hair and packs it into a bun.

"You know is a good thing you never wear that powder common among women, am so proud you have made this easier '' Ray says in a sarcastic tone

"Shh"

Gua responds with her index finger on her lips

"Be silent; this place could be the hideout of Rougarous; I am going to explore this place. Who knows, I might just subdue a bunch of Rougarous and get compensation from the Alpha King", she whispers.

"I can't allow that it's too dangerous " he retorts

"Come on, don't be such a big baby, you know I have always wanted to become a bodyguard in this palace, I have to strike now, and show my competence, breaking secret hideouts only happens once in eighteen years"

Ray lifts Gua and throws her on his shoulder swiftly and silently as climbs out of the secret chamber, while Gua's legs dangle in the air

Ray hits the mental wall, causing the chamber entrance to slowly close up with a grass-like vine wrapped around all traces of the mind, sealing it shut.

Gua walks down the courtyard heading to the grand hall, while Ray turns towards the opposite direction,

He walks for a while, turns his back and tiptoes forward

"I just knew it, I knew you would come back," he says on sighting Gua

"Fine " she replies lifting both hands in defeat "I'll go" she adds

They both turn the opposite direction again, Ray returns when the coast is clear, and reopens the barrier.

Young Master Yu is sitting on the bed, lost in thought. He hears footsteps approaching

" you are neither a servant nor my father. I can tell from your footsteps " the young master reveals

Just then, Ray burst into the room, breaking through the magical barrier. The young master's eyes widen in shock.

"Who are you?!" the young master demanded, his voice shaking slightly. "How did you get in here?"

Ray, still disoriented from breaking the barrier, stumbled forward. "Uh, sorry about that. I didn't mean to... uh... intrude." He says

The young master's eyes narrowed. "You're not a servant. Who are you, and what do you want?"

Ray, still trying to compose himself, took a deep breath. "I'm Ray. And I... uh... I think I just stumbled into the wrong place."

The young master's gaze turns sceptical.

"The wrong place? This is a sealed room, protected by powerful magic. You didn't 'stumble' here by accident."

"You call that a barrier, was that supposed to lock you in here, it's funny that you can't break such an easy spell"

He says, in a sarcastic tone

"I don't like mixing with people, I would like you to leave the same way you came " he says in a rather serious tone

Young Yu says as sits on the chair, grabs his book from the bed, and flips through the pages, finds a folded page and unfolds it.

" You know… you should be thanking me for freeing you " Ray says

"The cage that binds us is the one we forge ourselves" Yu says with his eyes still buried on the book.

"You sound like an old man " Ray says.

"Well little Miss I'd like you to take your leave now" Yu requests with his eyes still buried on the book .

"Do you know where the palace kitchen is?" Ray asks.

Yu finally lifts up his head.

"And what has that got to do with any of this Yu retorts

"Well..if you'd be kind enough to show me the kitchen I'll leave your glorious chamber " Ray say

"And why would I ?" Yu asks with his eyes widely open

Ray shrugs .

"Well.. because I set you free "

"And did I ask you to set me free ?" Yu asks

"What a grumpy old man "

Yu's eyes narrow as he studies Ray's mannerism , this little Miss acts and poses like a man

Ray notices Yu's roaming eyes, and tries to remain as calm as possible l, while Yu's gaze lingers, his eyes scrutinizing her every move. He notices the way she stands, her feet shoulder-width apart, and the way she gestures, her movements fluid and confident. His eyes also catch the way her hand folds backwards, a subtle detail that sends a spark of suspicion through his mind.

Ray notices all this and tries to act as lady-like, releasing his hands from his back, and closing the wide space between his legs .

A hint of suspicion creeps into Yu's voice. "Tell me, 'little miss'...what's your l name?

Ray's smile falters for a moment, and Yu's eyes lock onto her.

Yu's eyes narrow as he studies Ray's demeanor. "You're...different," he says, his voice laced with curiosity. "Most women wouldn't dare speak to me with such informality."

Ray's expression remains neutral, but Yu's gaze lingers on her, his eyes scrutinizing her every move. He notices the way she stands, her feet shoulder-width apart, and the way she gestures, her movements fluid and confident. His eyes also catch the way her hand folds backwards, a subtle detail that sends a spark of suspicion through his mind.

A hint of suspicion creeps into Yu's voice. "Tell me, 'little miss'...what's your real name?"

Ray's smile falters for a moment, and Yu's eyes lock onto hers, searching for any sign of deception

. "I am Gua " Ray replies, faking a feminine voice

Yu's gaze lingers on Ray's face, his expression unreadable.

"I see,"

The air is thick with tension as Yu turns

"I'll take you to the palace kitchen follow me "

his eyes never leaving Ray's face. Ray watches him go, a sense of unease settling in the pit of his stomach. he can't shake the feeling that Yu has seen right through his disguise...

"You know is a good thing you never wear that powder common among women, am so proud you have made this easier '' Ray says in a sarcastic tone

"Shh"

Gua responds with her index finger on her lips

"I can't allow that it's too dangerous " he retorts

Ray lifts Gua up and throws her on his shoulder swiftly and silently as climbs out of the secret chamber, while Gua's her legs dangle in the air

Ray hits the mental wall causing the chamber entrance to slowly close up with grass-like vine wrapped around all traces of mental, sealing it shut.